Meet The Mendham Boro Board Of Education Candidates

MENDHAM BOROUGH, NJ — Four candidates are running for spots on the Mendham Borough local school board, and Patch caught up with them before the general election this November.

Susan "Beth" Cocuzza, Sean Havey and Anne Hornyak are running for the three open three-year terms, and Catalina Wiatroski is running for the 2-year unexpired term. We asked all candidates the same four questions:

• Why are you running for Board Of Education?
• What is the biggest challenge facing schools in your town, and how will you address it?
• What three words would you use to describe yourself to someone who has never met you?
• What experience in your background has prepared you to be an effective leader?

All candidates were sent the questions at the same time, and were given the same deadline to submit them. They were given no minimum or maximum word count, and encouraged to write as much as they needed, or to keep the answers brief if they wanted to. Answers were submitted by email and are presented here as submitted.

Susan Beth Cocuzza, 3 year term

Why are you running for BOE?

I have been a member of the Board of Education since 2013. It has been a positive experience for me to be able to contribute to the school community in this way. I'm proud of the work that we've done as a Board and am eager to continue serving in this capacity for another 3 years.

What is the biggest challenge facing schools in your town, and how will you address it?

As was recently reported in the local newspaper, many school districts in the area are facing the challenging issue of declining enrollment. This presents a challenge as the District strives to be fiscally responsible while still maintaining the high quality of programming that the community has come to expect. Finding ways to maintain and improve the quality of programming when there are fewer students in the schools requires creativity and long range vision.

What three words would you use to describe yourself to someone who has never met you?

Conscientious, collaborative, sincere

What experience in your background has prepared you to be an effective leader?

My career has focused on education for the last 23 years. I bring to the Board the perspective of a former teacher, as well as a deep knowledge of education policy, educational standards, and curriculum and assessment. I also have experience in leadership and management of a non-profit organization, and understand the importance of collaboration in decision-making and understanding varying perspectives. Finally, I have a clear understanding of the role the Board plays in running the district and am able to provide helpful perspective and guidance while allowing the district administration to to the work they've been hired to do.

Sean Havey

Why are you running for BOE?

I have a vested interest in the continued success of the Mendham Borough educational system and a desire to serve my community.

What is the biggest challenge facing schools in your town, and how will you address it?

I believe the biggest challenge is sustaining the quality of the educational experience in our schools in a difficult budget environment. The right solution can only be obtained by collaboration amongst all the stakeholders in the school district.

What three words would you use to describe yourself to someone who has never met you?

Astute, broad-minded and responsible

What experience in your background has prepared you to be an effective leader?

As an effective project executive, I have led many diverse teams to produce successful outcomes over the course of my 30 years of business experience.

Anne Hornyak, 3 year term

Why are you running for the Board Of Education?

I have served as an active member of the Mendham Borough Board of Education for the past nine years. I really enjoy working with the members of this diversified and dedicated Board and serving my community in this way. I bring to the Board a strong background in education at all levels and a desire to do what is best for all of the children in our community.

What is the biggest challenge facing schools in your town, and how will you address it?

One of our biggest challenges is to devise ways to maintain the excellent and diversified programs and staff in our schools despite declining enrollment and budget restrictions. I have been chairperson of the Curriculum Committee for several years. I help to closely review student achievement, curriculum, and standardized test results. I expect to continue to serve in this capacity. During the upcoming year, all interested parties within this educational community will develop a new strategic plan for our schools, and I plan to again be involved in this important process.

Another challenge facing our schools all over our nation is to keep all members of our school communities safe. Actions to secure a safety officer as well as to continue safety drills within the schools are happening. I will as a Board member continue to research and suggest ways in which to assure our schools are safe.

What three words would you use to describe yourself to someone who has never met you?

• Optimistic
• Conscientious
• Active listener and participant

What experience in your background has prepared you to be an effective leader?

• 40 year career as a teacher/leader - Mendham Township Elementary and Middle Schools
• 30+ years as an adjunct professor of mathematics and teacher education-College of St. Elizabeth

Volunteer Experiences

• Ralston Historical Association-president
• Church Choir-St. Joseph Church
• Bowling League-treasurer
• Class Agent --College of St. Elizabeth
• 9 years-Mendham Borough Board of Education

Catalina M. Wiatroski, 2 year unexpired term

Why are you running for Board Of Education?

I am running for BOE because I want to be more involved in my community and to feel more a part of the community. I am at a point in my life where I am able to volunteer and I can't think of a better place than where I can be a part of the future of Mendham Borough through the children.

What is the biggest challenge facing schools in your town, and how will you address it?

I believe the biggest challenge facing our school district is repairing the relationship between the Board, the teachers and the community in the aftermath of a prolonged contract dispute.

What three words would you use to describe yourself to someone who has never met you?

Outgoing, considerate, kind

What experience in your background has prepared you to be an effective leader?

I have been in management for 30 years and have learned to work with various personalities. I have never asked someone to do something that I wouldn't do myself but have learned that to be a leader, you must empower those that support you.

All candidate images submitted by the candidates and used with permission.