Wyckoff Elections: Ramapo-Indian Hills School Board Candidates Answer Questions

WYCKOFF, NJ — This November, local voters can elect candidates for their school boards, including the Ramapo-Indian Hills regional board that oversees two high schools.

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High school students from Wyckoff, Franklin Lakes, and Oakland attend the two high schools in the Ramapo-Indian Hills district, which has its own board made up of members from the three towns.

Three candidates from Wyckoff are competing for two seats representing the town on the board. One Franklin Lakes resident also is running for one spot. Below are profiles of the three Wyckoff competitors.

The RIH board has been controversial in the recent past, as noted in these stories:

• Ramapo-Indian Hills Superintendent To Head To Another District
• Ramapo-Indian Hills School Board Rescinds Contract For New Superintendent, Meeting Planned

The Ramapo-Indian Hills Regional school board candidates are:

• Maria "Amparo" Underfer (for the Franklin Lakes spot)
• Thomas Bogdansky (Wyckoff)
• Othiamba Lovelace (Wyckoff)
• Doreen Mariani (Wyckoff)

For more New Jersey voter information, look here.

Candidate Profiles

Here are profiles and Q&A with the three Wyckoff candidates competing for two spots.

Name: Doreen Mariani

Age: 61

Length of time you've lived in town:

My family and I have lived in Wyckoff for 21 years. We also lived in South Hackensack for 14 years and I grew up in Little Ferry, NJ

Public service in the area:

I have devoted my free time to Wyckoff Sicomac Elementary School, Eisenhower Middle School (EMS) and Ramapo Indian Hills High Schools. I have volunteered for many PTO events, such as theme days at our schools. I was a very active member of the PTO, assisted in many school fundraisers, donated many hours over the years to the Wyckoff Economy Shop to benefit our schools. Over a span of 12 years, I helped fundraise thousands of dollars and the money provided for opportunities to enrich and ensure a wonderful school experience for our children, teachers and staff.

I was also a REC Cheer Coach and Gymnastic Coach employed by Palestra Gymnastics in Bergen County. Community Volunteer highlights include but are not limited to: currently in my third year serving as an elected official/ member of the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional Board of Education. For many years I volunteered my time at Oasis - A Haven for Women and Children. I am very proud my ongoing volunteer work for Wishlist by AM's Annual Night of Fashion and Fun events benefiting the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation, which funds Arteriovenous Malformation research an incredibly meaningful event. This foundation is near and dear to my heart, I am a member of their event leadership team. I am also an active member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Wyckoff. Giving back to my community and our schools will always be a priority in my life.

Family information: I married my high school sweetheart Frank Mariani and recently celebrated our 38th wedding anniversary. We have two sons, a daughter and two grandchildren with number three on the way!

Do you have kids who attended or attend the local public schools? If you chose to send them elsewhere, why?

My children have attended Sicomac School, Eisenhower Middle School, and Ramapo High School.

Do you have immediate family members working for local government?

No, but I did raise a school teacher and she proudly works for our local school system for almost 10 years.

Do you have a full-time job?

I am retired, which allows me to fully dedicate myself to the most important things in my life, supporting my daughter, a local teacher and her husband, by caring for my two grand children during school hours and serving on the RIH Board of Education. My schedule enables me to prioritize Board responsibilities, including attending meetings, engaging with the community, and advocating for our students. I have expanded my Board of Education knowledge base by participating in the New Jersey School Boards Associations Education Workshops, where I stay informed on best practices, updates to state policies, and innovative ways to support the diverse needs of our students and staff.

Educational background:

I earned a degree from Bergen County Vocational Technical School, where I developed a strong foundation in discipline, teamwork, and practical skills. I enjoyed a successful career as a professional hairstylist which honed my ability to listen, build trust, and address individual needs/skills that I bring to the Board of Education. Additionally, my years as a caregiver for local seniors in our community have deepened my commitment to service, empathy, and understanding diverse perspectives. These experiences, combined with my New Jersey School Boards Association education, have prepared me to effectively advocate for our students, who are my top priority.

Other experience:

This is my third year on the RIH BOE, in my tenure: I am currently Vice President of the Board, Arts, Athletics, Extracurricular and Communications Committee member in 2023-2025, Chair of the AAE&C committee in 2023 and 2025, Policy committee member 2023-2025, Member of the Negotiations committee in 2023 (successful contract negotiations with RIHEA), NJSBA RIH BOE Representative in 2024. In 2023, (my first year on the Board) when other Board members refused committee seats and stepped down, I stepped up and took on more responsibility and represented Wyckoff on three Board committees and chaired one. True leaders of their community step up, they don't step down. I’m In the process of achieving New Board Member (NBM) Boardsmanship Certification, the first tier of the NJSBA Board Member Academy certification program. Upon completion, I will be one of only a few Board members on the Board to have achieved this, to date I have earned 23 professional development credits, the certificate only requires ten. I have aspired to take my training to a higher level to better serve all stakeholders. I have a very firm foundation in Board governance skills to carry out my responsibilities with confidence that I possess the experience and expertise to do an exemplary job.

Who are your running mates, if any? Not applicable.

Website where voters can find more information: www.DoreenMariani4rihboe.com

Open-Ended Questions. Answers must be kept to 250 words or fewer.

1. Please tell us what makes you the most qualified candidate.

I'm proud to share my qualifications as a candidate, highlighted by my historic election win and three years of delivering on campaign promises. I have prioritized academic excellence, parental involvement, student safety, and fiscal responsibility. This year, I was elected Vice President of the Board of Education. I have actively served on various committees, including two terms as Chair of the Athletics, Arts, Extracurriculars, and Communications Committee, and played a key role to the successful negotiations on the RIHEA contract in just a few months, which was outside the previous norms.

My commitment to traditional family values and strong voting record reinforces Wyckoff's confidence in my candidacy for another term. As the only woman running from Wyckoff, my perspective as a wife, mom, and grandmother is essential in advocating for our children's education and culture.

School boards impact important issues like curricula, budgets, and parental rights. Losing female voices, particularly those of mothers, risks misaligning our priorities. Wyckoff has thrived with women in leadership positions on the Board. I believe maintaining a female voice is vital to ensure strong family-centric conservative representation on the Board for our students and community.

I am a very principled person and will not compromise my integrity even if it means that my constituents may not fully understand why I voted yes or no to a Board resolution due to confidentiality requirements. Leadership involves making difficult decisions. I have the courage to say yes or no in the best interest of the district, students, staff and our community regardless of how it may be perceived.

2. What is the biggest challenge facing Ramapo and Indian Hills high schools, and how would you address it?

One of the biggest challenges for the district has been declining test scores and graduation preparedness, which have been declining for years prior to the pandemic. Post the pandemic, these numbers worsened, while the district struggled to manage woke "mandates" imposed by Governor Murphy and the district floundered with various interim superintendents. It was clear to me that that strong leadership was necessary to get our district back on track, which is why I advocated strongly for hiring Mrs. Shauna DeMarco as our new permanent Superintendent. While this made total sense to me, it took three motions to get approval to simply hire an HR search firm to get the process started. In August 2024, we hired Mrs. DeMarco who joined us from a high school district that is ranked in the top 2% in the nation and #5 in Bergen County, which is why I supported her from day one, unlike my opponent. Her impact has been amazing to witness, and already we're seeing improvements in test scores which tells us our students and staff are benefiting from her leadership. To date, she has done exceptional work and brought much needed stability to the district.

3. What is your overall impression of the job that the RIH public schools are currently doing?

Under Mrs. DeMarco’s leadership we've prioritized the following:

• Improve Graduation Readiness, Math and Science Preparedness through an updated and revised Program of Studies that focuses on relevance, student interest, and variety. Updating the curriculum to make it more user-friendly for staff and students, ensuring curricular content consistency while providing parents with full transparency and access.
• Implemented a Block Schedule to improve productivity and increase student focus, including a later school start time supporting research that helps the "Teenage Brain,” increased instruction time which equals greater depth of learning, one unit lunch resulting in expanded peer to peer opportunities.
• Enhance communication and connections for all stakeholders, we redesigned the district website and launched the RIH Highlights and Happenings Community Newsletter. Most recently, we secured the expertise of an in-house communications specialist to further these efforts.
• Address Population Disparities: We're focused on addressing the perceived disparities between our two schools that have imbalanced enrollment. Our strategy consists of various components including effectively utilizing our new communications specialist and ensuring equality in our properties, facilities, and technologies.
• Continue upgrading Health, Safety, and Security measures: We’re committed to enhancing physical security, cybersecurity, and prevention measures, while also focusing on social and emotional learning, mental health, and wellness.
• Develop programs to enhance the district's performance and reputation. Adding CTE programs, providing internship and work experiences, increase AP opportunities, explore joint programming with other schools, plus continued expansion/enhancement of Special Education Services and Wellness programs.

Our district in on track to regaining its position as a top-tier school.

4. What do you believe has changed about public education from when you were little, if anything, and do you think the changes are positive? If not, how would you address that?

When I was a kid, schools focused primarily on reading, writing, math, science, and history. Nowadays, there seems to be a significant emphasis on social engineering and agendas such as gender identity, critical race theory, and political activism, which take time away from actual learning. In the past, parents were partners in education, but now they are often excluded from decisions about what their children are taught. It appears that educational standards have been lowered to ensure that no one fails, which ultimately does not prepare students for the real world. That’s why I strongly advocate for a more traditional, values-based education that emphasizes local governance and stronger parental involvement.

5. For whom did you vote in the 2024 presidential election? With proposed cuts to the Department of Education (see link to DOE release), do you see national politics affecting the local schools in the next few years? What do you think should be done about that, if anything? (Source: https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-initiates-reduction-force)

I voted for President Trump, however, my voting preference should not influence my candidacy. As a member of the Board of Education (BOE), I ensure that all policies and decisions are focused on our students, rather than on politics or personal agendas. Based on the link provided, it appears that the Department of Education (DOE) is reducing its own staff to enhance efficiency and accountability, to "ensure that resources are directed to where they matter most: to students, parents, and teachers." In today's highly polarized political landscape, we have witnessed how political ideology can impact our local school systems and the education of our children. The upcoming Governor's race will actually directly affect the Ramapo Indian Hills school district, depending on the outcome. I will continue to support Conservative candidates and values, as they have consistently prioritized improving traditional academics without ideological bias, and value parents as partners in education, development, and learning.

7. Do you believe all public school students should have the option to get free lunch in the local area? If so, how should it be funded?

Public school students can and already do have access to free lunch options through federal programs like the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).

8. Do you think students today require more mental health counseling than in the past? Do you believe current mental health programs in the schools are adequate, or would you increase or cut the programs?

Today’s students face challenges that previous generations like mine did not. Studies report that stress from social media and academic pressures is causing an increase in mental health concerns. Given how much time a student spends in the classroom, schools now play an important and expanded role in their lives. RIH offers robust mental health programs with very dedicated teams. However, we should focus on optimizing these resources to ensure they are tailored to each student’s needs, working closely with parents and, when appropriate, the student's private counselor. Rather than simply increasing or cutting programs, I advocate for a strategic approach: regularly assessing the effectiveness of our initiatives, prioritizing early intervention, and fostering collaboration between schools, families, and community resources to deliver personalized, impactful support.

9. Just for an offbeat question, do you believe the first snow day of the year should be done via remote learning, or a "traditional" day off? (Please note that "I'd leave it to the superintendent" is not an answer, as we're looking for your personal opinion, not a decision.)

When I was in school I loved snow days, so for me this question is easy, yes! I would choose a traditional day off that is not only fun, but provides an opportunity for much needed rest and family time.

NAME: Tom Bogdansky

AGE: 61

Years in Wyckoff: 16 years

Public Service:

I am currently finishing my three-year term on the Ramapo-Indian Hills Board of Education.

I also was the assistant coach for my daughter’s recreation soccer team.

Family Information:

I am proud to be married to Mae Yazdi-Bogdansky – a 47-year Wyckoff Resident, a Township Committee woman, and volunteer EMT in Wyckoff. We have raised three children in Wyckoff: Ariana, a Doctor of Anesthesia; Matean, a data analyst; and Leila Rose, a freshman at Ramapo High School. We’ve been blessed to raise our children here, and I’ve seen firsthand how critical strong education and community leadership are to our future success of our Wyckoff students. I am also an active parishioner at St. Elizabeth's Church.

Local Public Schools:

All 3 of our children attended the Wyckoff Public School System. Our two eldest graduated from Indian Hills High School and our youngest is currently a freshman at Ramapo High School.

Local Government:

My wife, Mae Yazdi Bogdansky is on the Wyckoff Township Committee.

Occupation:

I have spent my entire career in the entertainment and event production industry. At a young age I spent 11 years at the Meadowlands Arena, 7 years as Operations Manager at the Javits Convention Center in New York, and over 32 years at Freeman, where I currently serve as Sr. Client Relations Director. I lead large-scale event planning and production globally, managing union coordination, multimillion-dollar budgets, contract negotiations, and logistical execution for major clients and venues worldwide.

EDUCATION:

I was born and raised in Wallington. I graduated from Wallington High School and soon after graduated from William Paterson University with a BA in Communications and minor in Business.

OTHER EXPERIENCE:

As a Board of Education member, I was chair of the Education & Personnel Committee for one year, Chair Ad Hoc Committee for 1 year, Chair of the Policy Committee for 2 years and I have also served all three years on the Finance and Facilities Committee.

RUNNING MATE: Othiamba (O.T.) Lovelace

MORE INFORMATION:

Website: https://bogdansky-lovelace.com/

1. Please tell us what makes you the most qualified candidate.

My professional experience has honed my ability to make data-driven, strategic decisions that balance vision with fiscal responsibility.

Here are my priorities:

• SAFETY: Law enforcement (SLEO), cybersecurity, preparedness & prevention programs. I recommended AI aided security software to the head of our security which enhances our camera security system to ID a person who may be hiding a weapon. Implemented when we upgraded all our security cameras.
• PARENTS: Provide greater access & understanding to curriculum materials and school policies.
• FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: my experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets and negotiating major contracts equips me to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently, transparently, & directly to support students & teachers.
• EDUCATION: support professional development & classroom resources to ensure educators stay at the forefront of best practices. Equally support special education & mental health services for all students in need. These services promote well-being, improve academic success, and provide a healthy culture. Our responsibility is to ensure ALL students receive what they need to feel empowered, cared for, and engaged to learn!
• STUDENT GROWTH: Champion extracurricular programs & athletics to encourage team building, and help develop confident, capable young adults.

I prompted our BA to investigate our return in interest income and investment. As a result, our interest income doubled from 2.25% to 4.3% and money moved to long term investment at a rate of 5.3%. This kept our tax levy stable by yielding interest income of 1.66M in 2024 and approaching 1.35M in 2025.

2. What is the biggest challenge facing Ramapo and Indian Hills high schools, and how would you address it?

The Ramapo Indian Hills High School District faces several interconnected challenges that influence both educational effectiveness and fiscal health. To ensure long-term sustainability and excellence, we must adopt a comprehensive approach that aligns fiscal responsibility, enrollment balance, and academic performance.

Fiscal Responsibility

Operating two schools of unequal size creates inefficiencies such as duplicated programs, uneven staffing, and underutilized facilities. By streamlining staffing, energy use, transportation, and shared services, we can significantly reduce costs. Every dollar saved should be reinvested into academic priorities such as advanced coursework, student support services, and college and career readiness initiatives. My goal is to ensure that every expenditure directly enhances student learning and instructional quality, not just district operations.

Enrollment Imbalance

Persistent enrollment disparities contribute to inequities in program offerings, athletics, class sizes, and resources. To address this, we need to explore both short- and long-term solutions. On top of the list is providing Career & Technical Education programs, possibly creating a school choice policy, an introduction to enrollment caps; or if necessary, boundary-based assignments developed collaboratively with full community engagement. No matter the solution, the objective is to create a fair and sustainable system that ensures all students have equitable access to opportunities and resources.

State Assessments and Academic Performance

While the district performs well in many areas, state assessments reveal opportunities for improvement. Using this data to guide instruction, provide teacher training, and expand tutoring and counseling will support the whole child academically, ensuring every student can reach their full potential.

3. What is your overall impression of the job that the RIH public schools are currently doing?

We have a great superintendent who is doing an excellent job, we have dedicated and passionate teachers that want to see our students succeed. I can confidently say we are in a great place and we are growing stronger. With anything, there is always room for improvement as I pointed out in the previous question.

4. What do you believe has changed about public education from when you were little, if anything, and do you think the changes are positive? If not, how would you address that?

I think public education has changed a lot since I was a kid. Technology is probably the biggest difference. Students now use laptops instead of text books. It definitely makes learning more interactive and helps prepare kids for the world we live in today. However, I do believe the technology of today takes away from social skills, creativity and hands-on learning at times. My biggest regret though, is that students no longer learn cursive! That to me is a big loss!

5. For whom did you vote in the 2024 presidential election? With proposed cuts to the Department of Education (see link to Department release), do you see national politics affecting the local schools in the next few years? What do you think should be done about that, if anything?

I am a registered Republican who voted for President Donald Trump. My record on the board reflects that I am an independent thinker. In fact, the media has referred to me as a “swing voter.” My decisions are not guided by allegiance to any group of board members, whether labeled the “majority” or the “minority.”

My only allegiance is to the Wyckoff taxpayers who elected me to ensure responsible spending, keep taxes down, and provide the highest quality education for our community’s most cherished resource, our children.

I don’t believe national politics are directly affecting our schools in this district. The proposed cuts may be a response to past overspending or an effort to manage funds more responsibly. It’s possible that any savings from workforce reductions could be redirected to directly benefit student education. Ultimately, these decisions impact our tax dollars, and it’s important that they are spent wisely to support our students.

6. Do you believe all public school students should have the option to get free lunch in the local area? If so, how should it be funded?

Speaking only for our district, I don’t believe students should have a free lunch option unless there is a financial need for it. There are state programs that help families who need assistance.

7. Do you think students today require more mental health counseling than in the past? Do you believe current mental health programs in the schools are adequate, or would you increase or cut the programs?

Absolutely they do! Today’s youth are navigating challenges we never faced! Everything from the pressures of school to the relentless scrutiny of social media and online bullying. They spend more hours at school and in extracurricular activities than they do at home, and that means we…our community, our schools, all of us, have a responsibility to stand beside them. When we provide the resources, guidance, and support they need, we are not just helping individual students succeed; we are strengthening our neighborhoods, empowering our communities, and shaping a brighter future for the world. Their success is our success and we cannot fail them. Thankfully, our district has support services for wellness and mental health.

8. Just for an offbeat question, do you believe the first snow day of the year should be done via remote learning, or a "traditional" day off? (Please note that "I'd leave it to the superintendent" is not an answer, as we're looking for your personal opinion, not a decision.)

100% a “traditional” day off…making memories with family and friends! Hot chocolate with marshmallows after a day of sledding!

Name: Othiamba (“O.T.”) Lovelace
Age: 41
Length of time you've lived in town – 5 years
Public service in the area – I provide free legal services to individuals facing financial hardship.
Family information: Wife, Ruth. Son, Isaiah (9 years old). Daughter, Naomi (6 years old).
Do you have kids who attended or attend the local public schools? If you chose to send them elsewhere, why? Both of my kids attend Sicomac Elementary School.
Do you have immediate family members working for local government? Who? No.
Do you have a full-time job? If so, what is it? If not, how do you earn a living? Yes. I am a labor and employment attorney. I am a Partner at Tobia & Lovelace, Esqs. LLC.
Educational background: I graduated from Tenafly High School in 2002. Graduated with honors and Phi Beta Kappa recognition from Morehouse College in 2006. Graduated from New York University School of Law in 2009.
Other experience: I worked as a bartender for six years while in high school, college and law school.
Who are your running mates, if any? Tom Bogdansky
Website where voters can find more information: https://bogdansky-lovelace.com/

Open-Ended Questions. Answers must be kept to 250 words or fewer.

Please tell us what makes you the most qualified candidate.

I am a labor and employment attorney with nearly 20 years of experience advising and working alongside boards of trustees for major pension funds representing unions across New Jersey, including the Teamsters and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. That experience has given me a deep understanding of how boards operate—balancing fiscal responsibility, compliance, and long-term strategic goals.
I plan to bring that same expertise to the Board of Education, contributing a unique legal and governance perspective to the Board’s review of contracts, policies, and initiatives. My background allows me to analyze issues objectively, ask the right questions, and help ensure that decisions are made transparently and in the best interests of the community.
Beyond my professional experience, I am also a proud Wyckoff resident and parent of young children in our public schools. I have a strong personal commitment to strengthening our schools—not only for my own kids, but for all of the students in our community. Serving on the board would give me the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in this community that I love by raising the quality of education our children receive in our public schools.

What is the biggest challenge facing Ramapo and Indian Hills high schools, and how would you address it?

The biggest challenge facing the Ramapo–Indian Hills High School District is the lack of sustained and consistent leadership at the top. Since 2020, our district has had several different superintendents. This turnover has made it difficult to maintain a unified vision and direction for our teachers, administrators, and students.
As the son of two lifelong educators—my father an art teacher at Tenafly High School for 35 years, and my mother a professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University and Bergen Community College—I have deep respect for teachers and understand the importance of stable leadership in education.
If elected, I will focus on building a strong, respectful working relationship between the Board of Education and our superintendent. I believe part of the turnover in the past stemmed from conflicting attitudes and personal biases within the board itself. I am not tied down by any past political or personal agendas in Wyckoff and will bring a clear, objective perspective to help our school district move forward.
By fostering trust, professionalism, and collaboration at the top, we can provide the consistent leadership our schools need to reach their full potential—and ensure that Ramapo and Indian Hills continue to be among the best high schools not only in New Jersey, but in the nation.

What is your overall impression of the job that the RIH public schools are currently doing?

While it’s undisputed that Ramapo and Indian Hills remain among the best public high schools in New Jersey, I’m nonetheless concerned about their recent trajectory. According to U.S. News & World Report, in 2023 Ramapo ranked 46th in New Jersey, while Indian Hills ranked 85th. In the 2024 rankings, Ramapo fell significantly to 74th, while Indian Hills moved up only slightly to 82nd.
Although rankings do not capture the full picture—our schools continue to have excellent teachers, strong programs, and dedicated students—they do reflect how the state and outside observers view our district’s direction. Unfortunately, those perceptions suggest we are losing ground rather than advancing.
I believe that by restoring consistent leadership, prioritizing academic excellence, and refocusing on the fundamentals—reading, writing, math, science, and the arts—we can reverse these trends. With a stable vision at the top and continued community support, Ramapo and Indian Hills can regain momentum and return to being recognized among the very best public high schools in New Jersey.

What do you believe has changed about public education from when you were little, if anything, and do you think the changes are positive? If not, how would you address that?

One of the biggest changes I’ve seen since I was a kid is the decreased emphasis on the arts, music, and vocational training—programs like woodworking, culinary arts, and home economics that once gave students valuable hands-on experience and prepared them for a wide range of careers.
My father was an art teacher for 35 years, and I grew up seeing firsthand how the arts can shape young minds. Art and music nurture creativity, problem-solving, and confidence in ways that traditional academic subjects alone cannot. When students have opportunities to express themselves creatively—whether through painting, performance, or design—they develop skills that serve them in every part of life.
I believe we need to restore balance by emphasizing both academic fundamentals—reading, writing, math, and science—and the creative disciplines that help develop the whole student. Too often, political distractions and outside noise have drawn attention away from what truly matters: preparing our children to think critically, create boldly, and adapt successfully to an ever-changing world. My goal is to help refocus our schools on those priorities and ensure every child in our district receives a well-rounded education that builds both knowledge and imagination.

For whom did you vote in the 2024 presidential election? With proposed cuts to the Department of Education (see link to release), do you see national politics affecting the local schools in the next few years? What do you think should be done about that, if anything?

I support President Donald J. Trump and I believe that government spending has grown unsustainably, and I agree with the need to review and reduce the size of many federal agencies, including the Department of Education. This kind of accountability and fiscal responsibility is essential to ensure that taxpayer resources are used wisely and effectively for our children’s future.
That said, I also believe it’s critical that local education remain focused on students—not politics. National political shifts will undoubtedly influence school funding and policy in the years ahead, but at the local level, our duty is to provide stability and focus on what truly matters: keeping our kids safe, well-educated, and prepared for the future.
If elected, I will keep politics out of the decision-making process and prioritize the needs of our students and families. Education should never be driven by shifting political trends or ideological agendas. It should be grounded in common sense, community values, and a shared commitment to academic excellence. Our responsibility as board members is to keep the focus where it belongs—on the children, not the politics.

Do you believe all public school students should have the option to get free lunch in the local area? If so, how should it be funded?

I believe that no student in our public schools should ever go hungry. However, I also believe that school-provided lunches should be reserved for families who truly need them. Schools should not be expected to provide free meals for every student, but rather to ensure that no child’s education is disrupted or diminished because their family cannot afford lunch.
Families who are able to provide meals for their children should continue to do so. For those who cannot, our community should step in to help. We can do that through targeted funding, charitable partnerships, or local programs designed to assist families in need.
It’s also important to make sure our school budgets reflect real priorities. If we identify waste or inefficiencies in other areas, we can redirect those funds toward essential needs—like ensuring that every student who requires assistance has access to healthy meals. Occasional special lunch events that bring joy to students, such as pizza days, are great community builders, but the core responsibility is to feed those who would otherwise go without.
Our goal should be to balance compassion with accountability—helping those in need while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars.

Do you think students today require more mental health counseling than in the past? Do you believe current mental health programs in the schools are adequate, or would you increase or cut the programs?

I believe that kids have always needed mental health support—what’s changed is that more students today are finally getting the help they’ve always deserved. When I was growing up, mental health was not discussed openly, and many students would have benefited from counseling that simply wasn’t available or encouraged at the time.
While I can’t yet speak specifically to whether the current mental health programs at Ramapo and Indian Hills are fully adequate, I can say with certainty that I would never support cutting them. If anything, I would want to make sure these programs are properly funded, staffed, and accessible to every student who needs them.
Today’s students face challenges that previous generations never encountered. With the rise of social media, constant digital communication, and online bullying, our children are exposed to pressures that can follow them around the clock—even into the middle of the night. Properly trained mental health professionals in our schools can help students navigate these unique challenges, build resilience, and learn healthy coping strategies.
As a parent, I know that even with the best intentions, we can’t always provide that level of professional support at home. That’s why it’s so important for our schools to make mental health care a priority, ensuring that every child has the tools to thrive both academically and emotionally.

Just for an offbeat question, do you believe the first snow day of the year should be done via remote learning, or a "traditional" day off?

Without a doubt, I believe the first snow day of the year should be a traditional day off—and I know my kids will love that answer too.
I have fond memories of growing up in Teaneck, New Jersey, just down the road from Wyckoff, and school snow days (especially during the “Blizzard of 1996”) are some of the best memories from my childhood. There’s something special about waking up to a blanket of snow, bundling up in layers of winter gear, and heading out to sled with friends in the neighborhood. The laughter, the shared excitement, and the hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows afterward are memories that stay with you for life.
Learning is essential, of course, but so is joy. Those small moments of connection—friends playing together in the snow, families spending time together at home—help create the kind of community bonds and childhood experiences that no virtual lesson can replace. A snow day gives students a well-earned break, a chance to be kids, and a reminder that not everything has to happen on a screen.