Quick Q&A: Laura Jens-Smith, New Mattituck-Cutchogue School Board Member

A day after , North Fork Patch caught up with Laurel resident Laura Jens-Smith, new school board member, who was elected in the area’s Tuesday night and will serve a three-year term. A mother of two children currently enrolled in the school system, Jens-Smith ran for the board and lost in 2008, when were re-elected.

Q: Did you have a good time last night?

A: Yes — when I ran before I wasn’t there that night, but last night it was nice to hear my name called as a winning candidate. I’m so happy that the community has faith in me and voted me in.

Q: Are you still ready to take on this responsibility?

A: I’m absolutely ready to take it on and am looking forward to getting started — which I’ll do tomorrow. I was sworn in last night because it was a vacant seat.

Q: What is the biggest thing you learned in the process of running for school board?

A: I guess just listening to what people are saying and going back and doing the homework. If someone has a budget question or a curriculum question, you’ve got to get you homework done so you can provide comprehensive answers.

Q: So it feels good to be studied up on the district again …

A: Exactly.