FLBOE Candidate: Susan McGowan

Susan McGowan, a mom of two girls who attend High Mountain Road students, has lived near the Market Basket  for five and a half years. 

Experience:  I earned a degree in Economics from LaSalle University. As a Human Resource Analyst for KPMG my responsibilities included analyzing performance data in order to make critical organizational decisions and coordinating teams of employees to optimize efficiency and increase productivity. As an Accounting Manager for Simpson Thacher & Bartlett my responsibilities included meeting with senior partners to develop financial analyses and benchmarks to determine firm profitability.

Recently, my community involvement as a board member, active PTA parent and volunteer at the local library has allowed me interact with a variety of community members and truly understand what makes our district so extraordinary. That experience is invaluable. 

Why do you want to serve on the school board? 

Susan: As a representative for public education in our community, I want to be a strong voice for all students and ensure their needs are being addressed while efficiently allocating our resources to meet those needs.  This is something I am passionate about, and I have the time and dedication it takes to go deep into the issues and truly make a difference in our children’s educational experience.  Effective school boards can positively impact student learning, performance and achievement, and I want to contribute to that effort. 

What challenges do you see in the next three years on the board? 

Susan: The challenge will  be how to accurately assess ourselves in our efforts to increase student performance and achievement in a positive and nurturing environment.  We need to ask ourselves-what are the skills our kids require in the 21st century and how are all of our educational programs delivering them?  How can we do better?  How will we know?  How do we fund it?  Although the economic climate is challenging, it is not an excuse for mediocrity or complacency.  We have an excellent school district, but that cannot mask the need to improve our system.

What do you see as the district's greatest assets and liabilities?

Susan: Our greatest asset is our entire community’s commitment to excellence in education.  We have inspired educators, motivated students and engaged parents.   The key to our success will be bringing these groups together to define our vision and goals which reflect our values for education.  We all need to be a part of the decision-making process that will shape the future of our district.  We are all on the same side — we all want what is best for our students.

What problems would you like to see corrected in the district and how would you go about doing them? 

Susan: Our district needs to increase its focus on prioritizing funding and human resources around student learning goals.  This includes creating a culture of high expectations, setting achievable goals and specific targets, supporting teacher collaboration and ongoing professional development, and using data to regularly monitor progress.   Then it’s a matter of holding the system accountable-identifying measures that we accept as evidence of progress, and using that information to determine needs and make adjustments.  We need to do all of this within a fiscally responsible and efficient environment.  However, we cannot confuse efficient with effective.  A tight budget may force you to become more efficient; that doesn’t necessarily mean you will be more effective.

What personal/profesional strengths do you bring to the table that you feel will help to make the district better? 

Susan: I recognize my role as one contributor to a policy and decision-making body, and I work collaboratively and respectfully with all members of the board.  As a representative for the community, I listen to all individuals in the community, but it is my responsibility to answer to the entire community.  I educate myself thoroughly about all of the issues affecting our district, ask meaningful questions and discuss them openly and honestly.  

How do you feel about the governor's proposal to end teacher tenure and institute pay raises based on merit? 

Susan: Although that process has not been fully vetted, I do keep myself well informed about all of the issues surrounding education reform in New Jersey and the country. Whatever direction these discussions take, I will always come down on the side of what serves the best interests of students.  Teachers are vital to the success of all  learners, and we need a system that gives them the opportunity to have the greatest impact.  I remain committed to ensuring that Franklin Lakes attracts, retains and rewards the highest quality educators.   

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Yesterday, we heard from board candidate Craig Urcioli  Carolyn Reitz. Check back tomorrow to hear from another FLBOE candidate "In Their Own Words."

More information on the school board elections, including the budget figures for both the local and regional districts is available here. To learn more about the candidates, watch the videos on the district website or on the borough's two cable channels, Verizon FiOS channel 46 and Cablevision channel 77.