Wyckoff Board Of Education Candidate Profile: Louis Cicerchia

WYCKOFF, NJ — Candidates are set for the K-8 Wyckoff School District Board of Education race on the Nov. 8 ballot.

In anticipation, Patch sent questionnaires to each of the six candidates vying for the three open seats on the Board of Education, asking them to share facts about themselves and why voters should choose them to represent the township's school district.

Incumbent Louis Cicerchia is bracketed together with newcomers Jim Schappert and Juan "Tony" Molina, running under the slogan "Reading, Writing, Arithmetic." The trio is facing another bracketed group comprised of three newcomers.

Here are Cicerchia's responses:

Name:

Louis Cicerchia

Age:

47

Town of residence:

Wyckoff

Position sought:

Wyckoff K-8 Board of Education

Family:

Giovanna (Spouse), three children ages 16, 14, 11

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree (Seton Hall University), MBA (NYU Stern School of Business)

Occupation:

Finance Professional

Why are you running for this office?

I am currently serving on the K-8 Board of Education and decided to run again because I believe that I can make a difference in our schools. I also believe that member consistency, via multiple terms, is a positive characteristic of any board. My first term was a tremendous learning experience regarding board processes, procedures, and policy and how the board sits between the administration and the community. I am also greatly appreciative of the positive encouragement that I have received from parents and community members to run again.

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

Quality of education for our children and the associated ranking and reputation of our school district is of the utmost importance. Although our district generally receives above average rankings on most lists, there is evidence that remote learning has had a negative effect on all students. We will drive efforts to restore potential learning loss to ensure that all standards are not only met but often exceeded.

What differentiates you from other candidates?

I am the only incumbent running in this year’s contest and have established very good working relationships with the remaining board members, staff and administration.

What other issues or ideas do you feel deserve attention?

Parents’ Rights has become a hot topic recently and we support transparency that allows parents to know what is being taught and how it is being taught in the classroom. We will support a parents’ role in their child’s education.

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

I am currently an active member of the K-8 Board of Education and previously served on the Wyckoff Zoning Board of Adjustment. I have also been an active member of the community for over 10 years and been involved in coaching multiple Wyckoff Recreational sports including baseball and travel basketball.

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

Classroom materials drive the curriculum, which is utilized in meeting the NJ Department of Education Student Learning Standards. As board members, we can analyze and recommend supporting or substituting these materials where appropriate so that standards are met and often exceeded.

We are committed community members, experienced leaders, and are devoted to our families and friends. It would be our honor to serve and support parents/guardians, students, and our Wyckoff community.

We invite residents to learn more about us and our upcoming events by visiting our website, www.123forWyckoffBOE.com, our Facebook page, and Instagram.