Sarah Schultz: 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.

Sarah Schultz is one of the candidates to put her hat in the ring.

The other candidates on the ballot include:

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

Of all of the candidates, Kalashian is the only incumbent among them.

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.

Here are Schultz's responses below:

Name: Sarah Schultz

Town of residence: Chester Township

Position sought: Board of Education, 3 year term

Family: Husband: Michael, Sons: Luke and Austin (Students within the Chester School District)

Education: Waterford Mott High School, graduating 1st in my class, Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Michigan State University

Occupation: After selling my business I became an active volunteer within our school district.

Previous or current elected appointed office: I am currently the VP of the Dickerson’s Parent Teacher Organization

Why are you seeking to run for school board:
I am a former business owner and entrepreneur. I built a company from the ground level and handled all aspects of operations. Negotiations, contracts and budgets were a part of my day to day operations. I have since sold my business and have become an active volunteer within our schools. Through this I have witnessed the positive outcomes that arise when we strengthen our parent-teacher bonds.

My volunteer efforts strengthened my decision to run for the Board of Education and I’ve done my due diligence. I’ve attended virtual and in-person board meetings and I have conducted meetings with our Superintendent. My greater mission on the Board is to be a collaborative voice of the parents within the district. This includes engaging the community and understanding the values within it. In the end we must work together: from our parents, administration, board members and our taxpayers. Together we can make this an exceptional district.

What is your stance on masks in schools:
Governor Murphy’s Executive Order (EO) 251 requires masks within all schools. Until this is repealed it is out of our hands. Once Governor Murphy lists the mandate we can assess the facts and move forward accordingly.

Should schools offer a virtual option:
In March of 2020 when the pandemic shut down school’s we had two non-readers, one of which has an IEP. Through this I witnessed the challenges first hand. I was holding one son’s hand teaching him how to hold a pencil while attempting to help my other son with spelling and reading assignments. I know many parents with young learners and children with IEP’s were in a similar situation. In-person learning is essential and necessary. Since returning in January 2021 there have been zero in school transmissions. For these reasons I support full time in-person learning.

What other issues do you feel must be tackled in the school district:
Prior to the pandemic American students have fallen behind in both math and reading comprehension. I would like to ensure we continue to strive for excellence in our core academics. We need to make sure we are providing essential leadership, resources and support strategies for our students.

I reviewed a study of high-achieving schools. Effective schools exhibited the following characteristics: a strong focus on ensuring academic success for each student; a refusal to accept excuses for poor performance; a willingness to experiment with a variety of strategies; intensive and sustained efforts to involve parents and the community; an environment of mutual respect and collaboration; and a passion for continuous improvement and professional growth. I value and agree with all of the following and support all efforts to achieve this within the Chester School District.

We are entering our third academic year within this COVID-19 pandemic. Our students are experiencing the effects of Covid stress. Whether it is the social component, the previous hybrid and remote learning, or the need for social distancing, they are feeling less connected with their friends and teachers. I believe our district does an excellent job on the elementary levels addressing mental health concerns through SEL and I want this to be a continued focus. Additionally, I would like us to explore outdoor learning options similar to districts who have worked within greenschoolyards.org. And lastly, our sex education curriculum should be age appropriate and should reflect the values of the Chester community.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates:
My campaign is dialogical. I believe in listening to others including those with differing viewpoints. I believe this is the most important part. During these divisive times we will have to sit at the same table to collaborate. I want to work together to create the absolute best environment for our children. I am hopeful we can achieve this. Having young students within the Chester School District all of my efforts are fully invested in the educational future of our youth. I have the passion to work for our children and am confident that I am the right candidate to take on this role.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign:
I welcome any positive discussions and can be reached either my Facebook campaign page: Sarah Schultz for Chester Board of Education 2021 or via email at Schultzforboardofeducation@gmail.com. With 7 candidates in the race please remember that every vote matters! Vote Ballot line #3 “Empowering Chester’s Children” I truly appreciate your support. Sarah Schultz

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