In preparation for Tuesday’s election, Patch asked the four candidates running for three seats on the Franklin Lakes Board of Education to fill out the following “Patch Candidate Profile.”
Below are the answers Patch received from Candidate Christine Christopoul.
Name: Christine ChristopoulAge: 47
Where did you grow up? Please tell us a little bit about your education and profession.
I grew up on Long Island, NY but have lived in NJ for 26 years. I graduated from SUNY Albany with a BS in Financial Decision Systems and an MBA in Management Information Systems. I worked for Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) for 5 years as a Senior Management Consultant and then Merck-Medco for 5 years as a Senior Operations Manager.
How long have you lived in Franklin Lakes? 14 years
Why are you running for a seat on the Board of Education?
I am running for re-election because I want to preserve and improve the high quality of the Franklin Lakes school system and our community as a whole. My business background combined with the knowledge and experience I gained while serving my first term provide me a unique opportunity to benefit the community that I love and in which I have chosen to raise my children. Additionally, I want to be a good role model for my kids by demonstrating the importance of both a good education and of giving back to the community.
Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the job?
During my first term on the board I have proven to be a dedicated and productive board member. I have the ability and experience to balance the needs and wants of students, parents, taxpayers and teachers and I have been honest and transparent with regard to my decisions at the board table. Our district is facing many changes right now and we have several administrators who are relatively new to their positions, so it is important to have experienced trustees on the Board of Education. Additionally, I know our schools. I know the curriculum, the staff and the culture and this knowledge is very important to the decision making process. I serve on the board for the right reasons and I would be honored to continue for a second term.
What do you feel are some of the most important issues the district is facing?
Our district, like others in the state are facing the challenge of implementing numerous mandates coming down from the state. Currently we are revising curriculum to adhere to the common core state standards, preparing our students and teachers for the new PARCC testing, making sure our technology is adequate for handling on-line testing and preparing teachers for the new teacher evaluation system being required. Any one of these initiatives would warrant significant time, effort and money, but taken together the challenge increases dramatically. On top of that we have had significant changes in our administration and are currently beginning the search for a new Superintendent.
Do you have an election website and/or Facebook page?
website: http://www.christopoulforflboe.com
facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ChristopoulforFLBOE
Additionally there is a link to the PTA candidates interviews: http://districtweb.franklinlakes.k12.nj.us/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=303681
To see profiles of the other three candidates, click here.
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