Letter to the Editor: Voting for Schwartz for Franklin Lakes Board of Ed

The following Letter to the Editor was submitted to Patch. Send in your letters by emailing them to jessica.mazzola@patch.com. 

To The Editor:

I have lived in Franklin Lakes for over forty years and during that time, I have been very involved in the school community -  first, as a parent of three children and active member of the PTA and then as an employee of the Board of Education for seventeen years. 

During these years, I reached the conclusion that Board members need two-three years of experience before they fully understand the dynamics of the Franklin Lakes School District and, therefore, become truly valuable members of the Board.   Being successful in a chosen career is not enough.  Having a child in the school district is not enough.  Being involved in the sports program is not enough.  Even being involved in another school district is not enough.  We need people who know the Franklin Lakes School District and who understand education.  We need people who are willing to put aside their egos and who will listen and learn.  This is why I watched in horror as the recently elected inexperienced Board members recklessly made decisions that almost undermined our excellent school district.

We desperately need to bring our Board of Education back to the path of responsible and experienced governance.  We need Board members who can work in mutual respect with all constituencies of our school district – the Administration, the Teachers, the Parents – to help achieve the very best educational experience for our children.

We need Kathie Schwartz.  We need her experience, her proven track record in dealing with the tough issues, her deep respect for the school community.  We need to put aside politics and focus on bringing the best and most experienced people to the Board so that Franklin Lakes can once again shine with pride.

Please join me in voting for Kathie Schwartz for the Board of Education.

Linda Leeder

Franklin Lakes