Ramapo Indian Hills Regional BOE Candidate Profile: Edward Seavers

WYCKOFF, NJ — Candidates are set for the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional School District Board of Education race on the Nov. 8 ballot.

In anticipation, Patch sent questionnaires to each of the four candidates vying for two open seats from Wyckoff on the Board of Education, asking them to share facts about themselves and why voters should choose them to represent the school district serving students from Wyckoff, Oakland and Franklin Lakes.

Edward Seavers is bracketed together with another newcomer Brian DeLaite, running under the slogan "Putting Students First." The duo is facing another slate of newcomers for the seats being vacated by President John Carolan and trustee Robert Fortunato.

Here are Seavers' responses:

Name:

Eddie Seavers

Age:

41

Town of residence:

Wyckoff

Position sought:

RIH BOE

Party affiliation:

Non-partisan BOE

Family:

Wife Carolyn, Kids Henry (12), Leah (10), Eloise (4), and Emmett (2)

Education:

Master's in Education, Clemson University; Bachelors of Science, Fairfield University

Occupation:

Associate Director, Center for Student Involvement, Ramapo College of new Jersey

Why are you running for this office?

Brian DeLaite and I decided to run for the Ramapo Indian Hills Board of Education to give back to the community that has given our families so much. We believe our professional expertise and commonsense approach is needed on the Board in order to ensure a rational, nonpartisan oversight of our great schools. We support Dr. Dionisio’s efforts to improve on our district’s strong foundation. Our experience as a business leader and a college administrator gives us a unique skillset to bring to the board. We are committed to meeting state requirements while giving parents the freedom to shape their child’s path. Most importantly we respect that the Board is the financial steward of tax dollars and we will provide effective fiscal oversight to make sure resources have a direct impact on students. We are consensus builders who will keep the best interest of the students as the center of each conversation. Please visit our website for more specific information about us: https://www.rihstudentsfirst.com/

What do you feel is the most important issue facing constituents, and what do you intend to do to repair or resolve it?

The most important issue for any board of education is ensuring all students receive an outstanding and comprehensive education. My experience in higher education gives me perspective on how important it is for students to be properly prepared for college and career. In order to achieve this goal the board must have a collaborative working relationship with each other and the administration. I would seek comparative data points on how our high schools course offerings measure up to other high achieving districts. I will ensure the board functions in a nonpartisan manner without the influence of personal or political agendas that get in the way of important board business. The top concerns I have are academic achievement, school safety, and student social-emotional and mental health wellness.

What differentiates you from other candidates?

I have worked in higher education for the past 20 years. Two decades of serving in my role as an administrator at Ramapo College, and other higher education institutions, gives me a unique perspective on the importance of a strong high school foundation for our students. I have a Master’s Degree in Education, served as a student advisor and mentor, as well as managed budgets, contracts, and risk mitigation. Unlike one of my opponents, I have children in the Wyckoff schools. My family is on the cusp of beginning our journey through our great high schools. Another differentiation between Brian DeLaite and myself and our opponents is that we do not prescribe to a political agenda. Boards of Ed have become a topic for some political movements. I will keep the focus on student achievement, not politics.

What other issues or ideas do you feel deserve attention?

The Board needs members who will support, not disrupt. Our highly ranked high schools have a new superintendent who has already made improvements. The 5 year Strategic Plan, currently being developed, is an important process to understand the future goals and resources needed to take our high schools to the next level. My background in higher education gives me a unique knowledge base to be able to ask the right questions during that planning process. As has been reflected in demographic trends nationally, our district is experiencing a decline in enrollment. My experience with budgeting and contracts will translate well as the Strategic Plan addresses using resources in an efficient manner that addresses these enrollment trends. Overall, I believe every conversation should have the best interests of the students as the goal, with effective and efficient use of resources to ensure improved student achievement. This means rational, non biased, data-driven decision making is needed. My professional expertise demonstrates that I am well-equipped to provide this.

What accomplishments in your past demonstrate that you are the best candidate for this job?

In my role at Ramapo College, and other higher education institutions, I have worked successfully with all stakeholders - students, faculty, staff, administrators, parents and vendors - keeping the overall goals of the college at the forefront. My experience working with the same stakeholders that a Board of Education works with provides me an easy transition and very specific knowledge base.

Do you want to tell voters anything else about you or your positions?

The Board of Education is non-partisan. Boards of Ed are not the place for personal or political agendas. As a Board member, I will ensure we meet state requirements while giving parents the freedom to shape their child’s path, understanding that failure to meet state requirements could result in cuts in state aid to our district. I have a lifelong connection with Wyckoff, having been raised in Ridgewood and participated in club athletics in Wyckoff as a child. My family chose Wyckoff because of the great community and great school system. My three siblings are also educators and my father has volunteered and worked in youth athletics for nearly 40 years. We are a family who believes in giving back to a community. I will bring a sincere, positive attitude, years of professional expertise, desire to support our schools and provide fiscal oversight to the Ramapo Indian Hills Board of Education.