Sara Kalashian: Chester School Board Candidate

CHESTER, NJ — The Chester Board of Education has a contested election on Nov. 2, with eight candidates who filed to run for three available, three-year seats.

Sara Kalashian is the only incumbent who has put her hat back into the ring.

The other candidates on the ballot include:

• Thomas G. Murphy
• Sarah Schultz
• John Barounis
• Simone Campbell
• Dana Levens
• Carolina Rodriguez
• Matthew R. Downs

Five of these candidates appeared in a virtual live-streamed forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Warren and West Morris. To watch the forum, click here.

Editor’s Note: Are you a candidate on the ballot? Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the office of the clerk. The responses received will be published between now and the General Election. Candidates who would like to participate but did not receive one (for whatever reason) may contact jennifer.miller@patch.com.

Sara Kalashian

Name: Sara Kalashian

Town of residence: Chester, NJ

Position sought: Chester School District School Board Member - 3-yr term

Family: Husband: Kraig, Daughter: Hannah, 12 and Son: Simon, 10

Education: Kinnelon High School, Kinnelon, NJ / Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI, Bachelor of Architecture 5-yr program, Minor: Historic Preservation

Occupation: Consultant in the Architecture and Interior Design Industry

Previous or current elected appointed office: Current Chester School District Board Member

Why are you seeking to run for school board? I have thoroughly enjoyed being an advocate for our Chester children and their families. I would like to continue to do so as there is more work to be done to maintain our excellent school academics and facilities.

What is your stance on masks in schools? Masks in schools are an excellent mitigation measure to keep our District safe and keep our kids in the school buildings as we continue to experience the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. As long as there is an executive order to have masks in our schools, the School District will follow the law.

Should schools offer a virtual option? Virtual schooling was required when school buildings couldn't open. In-person learning is still the desired way to educate our children.

What other issues do you feel must be tackled in the school district? Social and emotional wellness programs for both the children and the parents of the District should continue to be one of our top priorities as our children are dealing with unprecedented issues in these areas.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates? As a current Board Member, I am the only candidate who has done this job. I helped create the Road Back Plan, which got our children back into school January 4th of 2021. Only 13% of school districts in the State can say that! Additionally, the work I do in my professional life allows me to bring a unique perspective to many aspects of the role. Finally, I am the only candidate who is a LEED Accredited Professional, which is a professional certification that considers environmental impact of all building-related decisions. As our Nation looks to reduce our environmental footprint, this will become even more important in the coming years.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign? I am so proud to be a member of the Chester School Board! With my next three-year term, I will work to put together a social media task force to address the challenges social media put on our children. I will ensure continued focus on reading and writing so that our children have the necessary skills to achieve in both high school and beyond. Lastly, I will work with the administration to provide parents easier access to sharing opinions, concerns and/or questions so that they feel better heard on behalf of their children. I stand at the ready with energy, passion and humility to serve another three years. I am ballot position #5 and I ask for your vote on November 2nd.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.