FLBOE Candidates: Carolyn Reitz

Carolyn Reitz is a mother of two boys — a junior at IHHS and a sixth grader at FAMS —  is running for a three year term on the Franklin Lakes Board of Education. She lives in the Highwoods section of town. 

Experience: I was a very active parent at High Mountain Road School, serving on their PTA board for a total of 5 years, the first two years as Vice President and then for three years as President.  A heavily involved parent becomes aware of the issues in a school system.  My involvement in the schools progressed into wanting to be a part of the board of education to contribute to the decision making process of overseeing our schools.  Prior to becoming a parent, I worked as a customer service manager in the mortgage loan servicing industry. 

Why do you want to serve on the school board? 

Carolyn: After serving for six years on the board, I would like to continue my efforts in moving our district forward.  We have some very challenging issues ahead of us with the many changes that are occurring in the field of education.  I believe my experience as a board member will be useful in facilitating whatever decisions are required of us in the years to come. 

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

Carolyn: We are currently in the midst of conducting a district efficiency study with the input of educators, board members and community representatives.  This study will provide us with the ability to evaluate how we are utilizing our resources to service the needs of our community.  The issue of redistricting is a very sensitive topic for our community, but a reality that must be dealt with.  The efficiency study will provide us with the facts and data necessary to make an informed decision that best serves our staff, taxpayers and most importantly the children of Franklin Lakes. 

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

Carolyn: Our greatest assets in Franklin Lakes are our teachers and staff.  We are fortunate to have the best of the best and supporting our staff is paramount in keeping our district moving forward.  Our greatest liabilities right now are the state imposed mandates that we have been faced with in the recent past.  We have been fiscally responsible in creating a budget that falls within the state-imposed 2-percent cap and thus far have maintained the excellent programs in our schools.  But the future of education is uncertain and will require dedicated individuals who are not afraid of making hard decisions.
  
What problems would you like to see corrected in the district and how would you go about doing them? 

Carolyn: We would benefit from a greater collaboration between the community and the board of education.  I encourage all taxpayers to join us at board meetings and ask questions to learn more about how we operate.  I believe frustration could be alleviated by asking the right questions of the right people.  We as a board have made transparency one of our goals this year by providing as much information as possible through a variety of channels.  We welcome the suggestions of our community in achieving this goal.  

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

Carolyn: I am a respectful and collaborative board member who examines every issue and asks pertinent questions.  I have the ability to listen to the facts and make an informed decision.  When a majority opinion is reached, even if it differs from my individual vote, I move forward by supporting that decision.  Most importantly, I base my decisions on issues by examining how they will affect all the children in our district, and not a select group.  

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

Carolyn: I believe that we all have a responsibility to evaluate our education system and make changes for the better, not just for tax payers, but for teachers as well.  There are many challenges that require give and take on both sides, and we all have to face the realities of a changing economy.  It would be my hope that educators and taxpayers make an effort to engage in dialogue and reach consensus on how to deal with these realities. 

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Check back tomorrow to hear from another FLBOE candidate "In Their Own Words."