Get To Know Morris School Board Candidate Vivian Rodriguez

NEW JERSEY - In a few short weeks what is expected to be one of the most charged elections in modern history is set to take place and Patch has asked local candidates to share their thoughts before the Nov. 3 election.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the county 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) can contact Russ.Crespolini@patch.com. What you see below are their answers with mild style edits.

Name: Dr. Vivian Rodriguez

1. Why are you running for the Board of Education?

I am running for the Board of Education for the following reasons:

1. Choices have Power
2. We must Chase equity for Children
3. We must cultivate possibilities for all children

Since an early age , I have noticed that the choices that I make in life have the power to change many things. It was my choice to further my education that helped me contribute to the field. It was my choice to have a family that has blessed me with two wonderful daughters and grandchildren that fill my life today with joy and happiness. I believe that in education, the choices we make should all be driven towards chasing equity for children. It is our collective responsibility to cultivate possibilities for all children, regardless of disability, language, or background; so that they may have good choices to make in their educational futures.
After a 39-year career in education , I will be able to contribute, if elected to the Morris Board of Education, in cultivating possibilities and positive choices for our students.

2. What makes you qualified for this position?

I believe that I am qualified for the position of board member of the Morris School Board of Education for the following reasons:

1. 30 years of Administrative experience in NJ Public schools, including 19 years as Assistant Superintendent of Schools, 1 year as Acting Superintendent of School , 2 years as Acting Associate Dean of the College of Education at Kean University.
2. 17 years of teaching experience at the elementary and college level
3. Served as Board and Trustee member, including 9 years as a Trustee at Kean University.
In addition, I have worked closely with Board members for 19 years as Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Curriculum and Instruction, attending all board and committee meetings.
But most of all, I am trustworthy, hard working, and enjoy working with people to advocate for children.

3. What is the most pressing issue facing the school district and what would you do about it?

The most important challenge facing our district today is to be able to re-envision our school district and determine what education will look like in the presence of COVID-19. As a Board of Education member I would take the following steps:
1. Examine all policies to safeguard the health, safety, instructional standards, finances of our district.
2. Review 2020-2021 School budget
3. Review disaggregated district data for student achievement for all grades
4. To work with the superintendent, Board of Education, and community stakeholders to continue a real-time communication system.

4. What are some other issues you want to see addressed?

When the conversation allows, and at the proper time; I would like to speak to the superintendent and the Board about some successes I have had in the area of Biliteracy. I would like to speak to our community about Dual Language Programs and how it can benefit ALL children.

5. What do you hope to be your overall impact on the BOE if you are elected?

My overall impact if elected will be to be a Board member that understands the State Department of Education mandates, how a school system works, and the role of a Board of Education member.

Since the change to this year's election was announced by Murphy, there have been many questions about how the process will work. Below is some further reading on the Nov. 3 election process:

• Here's How NJ's Mail-In General Election Will Work: What To Know

A primarily vote-by-mail election means a lot of changes to election day. See what you can expect this November.

• What's A NJ Provisional Ballot? How Does It Work? Patch Found Out

Those not needing an ADA compliant booth will need a provisional ballot to vote in-person. Here is what that will look like.

• Do Mail-In Ballots Force NJ Voters To Lie? Here's The Answer

There was language on the primary ballots asked voters certify they requested the ballot, even if they didn't.

• How Are Election Signatures Verified In NJ? Patch Found Out

Voters wondering how their signatures are checked before the upcoming election can see the process for themselves.

• How To Register, Track Your General Election Vote Online In NJ

Need to register for the upcoming election? Want to track your vote once you do? Read on to learn how.

• Key 2020 Voting Deadlines In New Jersey

Here is a recap of important dates to remember with upcoming election, all in one place.

• NJ: Get A Wrong Or Duplicate Ballot? It Is Probably Your Fault

Confusion and concern has reigned as ballots arrive, here Patch got some answers from a county clerk.

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