Election 2024: Lauren Trialonas For Mendham Borough School Board

MENDHAM, NJ — Election Day is almost here, 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 Lauren Trialonas.

Lauren Trialonas

• Age: 43
• Town of residence: Mendham Borough
• Education: Hofstra University, J.D., University of Massachusetts, B.A.
• Occupation: Public Finance Attorney

What drove you to seek public office?

My family and I moved to Mendham Borough for the excellent schools which I believe serve as the heart of our community. I have tremendous pride in our school district. I have two children who currently attend Hilltop Elementary School, a first grader and a third grader, so I have a vested interest in maintaining excellence in our schools. I was also drawn to a position on the school board because of my work as a public finance attorney. I have spent the past 17 years assisting school districts in financing capital projects both large and small and have loved having a role in helping to grow school communities.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I am a mom of two young students in the school district, so I bring a unique perspective into the needs of students and the challenges they face in today’s environment. I am well connected with the parent community through my children and having volunteered in the schools. Additionally, my education and work experience have provided me with the necessary skills to help grow and improve our school district. As a result of my work, I am aware of the challenges that school districts face when it comes to rising costs and the pressure to make necessary improvements to school facilities and equipment while still maintaining a balanced budget.

Schools need long term financial planning, and I have the expertise to assist the district in navigating these issues, including experience with funding structures, bond measures, managing capital improvement projects and accessing grant programs as well as ensuring funds are used legally and efficiently to maintain fiscal responsibility and transparency.

I believe I can add value to the board of education by ensuring the financial health and operational success of the district while focusing on my primary goal of providing a high quality education for every student in the district.

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

Teacher retention and recruitment in the face of budget constraints. Teacher salaries should remain a budget priority because retaining quality teachers and maintaining consistency goes directly to the classroom and has an impact on student learning and success. What we don’t want is high teacher turnover, but it is a challenge given rising costs.

The need to develop a strategic plan to attract and retain teachers by making our schools the best environment for teachers to teach, have the best opportunities for training and professional development, and feel supported by the administration and the board is crucial.

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

The pandemic has left some lasting effects on learning, but the district has done a wonderful job at navigating these changes by addressing student social and emotional needs, offering additional student support and improving parent outreach. Nevertheless, it will be important to stay focused on these areas to close any achievement gaps and ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full academic potential.

While certain changes brought on by the pandemic such as the integration of technology in the classroom and the focus on social-emotional learning have provided fresh opportunities for improving student outcomes, they also require continuous evaluation.

As far as school security, we are living in a time where safety in our schools is paramount. We are lucky to live in a safe community but there is still a need to be vigilant and ensure that our buildings are equipped with the highest level of safety protocols.

Safety and student achievement will be my priorities. While pandemic related learning loss and school security may require heightened attention, they won’t negatively impact my plans for success.

What is your favorite thing about the Boro schools?

Aside from our wonderful administration, teachers and staff, I really value the involvement of the parent community. Our HSA, parent councils and all our volunteers work hard to make the Mendham Borough schools the best environment for students and the entire school community. It is no surprise that our schools have won prestigious national blue ribbon awards and character awards. If elected, I plan to retain and improve upon the same level of excellence we all value as a community.