Election 2024: Deborah D’Urso For Mendham Borough School Board

MENDHAM, NJ — Election Day is nearing, and Mendham voters will soon head to the polls to cast their votes for open seats on the local school board.

Residents in the Mendhams will see choices for their K-8 school districts on the ballot, including current members running for re-election and any challengers.

There are no borough or township candidates for the West Morris Regional High School District, as those seats are not up for re-election this year.

Patch sent questionnaires to all candidates, seeking their responses. Here is the response from candidate Deborah D’Urso.

Deborah D’Urso

• Age: N/A
• Town of residence: Mendham Borough
• Education: BA, MEd, Post Graduate Administration Certification, Certified Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant and Speech Pathologist.
• Occupation: Retired Principal of high performing K-6 Elementary School (600 students)

What drove you to seek public office?

I was motivated to seek a second term because of my desire to continue working to provide the children of Mendham Borough with an excellent education. It’s a very gratifying experience to attend school activities/programs and see the results of actions taken by the Board come to life. What sets you apart from the other candidates?

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I think all the candidates are committed to assisting the School district, but my years as a principal and working in the area of special education give me a practical perspective on curriculum, standardized testing and school operations. And, of course, having my grandchildren in the District gives me extra incentive to want to maintain and elevate the educational quality.

What do you see as the biggest issue facing the school board in Mendham Boro?

Teacher retention and hiring highly qualified staff is a challenging issue. The need to be fiscally responsible in a time of ever-raising salaries, health benefits and operating expenses only adds to the challenge.

How much does COVID learning loss and school security impact your plans?

School security is paramount in the Board’s plans, a security vestibule was completed at one school and a second one is being planned. School safety procedures are constantly reviewed and amended as needed. The school staff continues to diligently analyze, discuss and share ideas to address the weakness in student learning.

What is your favorite thing about the Boro schools?

The pursuit of academic excellence and the importance placed on being schools of character, promoting standards of honesty, integrity and fairness. ; And of course, our school mascot the Lion!