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School board candidates outline goals, qualifications
To help voters decide whom to elect to their local school board on April 15, Passaic Valley Today asked candidates to submit their profile information. The following information was received by the deadline given to candidates.
Little Falls
Four candidates are vying for the three open three-year seats.
John Groh
I have lived in Little Falls for almost 14 years. My wife of 17 years, Carole, and I have three children: Alyssa 13, Nicole, 9, and John, 6. I am a lieutenant with the Passaic Fire Department.
I’m currently completing a three-year term on the board of education and am seeking reelection for a three-year term.
My three primary goals are to: address the board’s biggest obstacle, which is filling two key positions - the business administrator and principal; continue working with the current board in moving our district in a positive direction; and continue to improve communication between the board, administrators, staff and public.
I am a member of both the Little Falls School No. 1 Parent Teacher Association PTA and School Nos. 2 & 3 Parent Teacher Association, Little Falls Athletic Club and the New Jersey State FMBA.
Ian Lawson
I am a lifelong resident of Little Falls. I am married to Kelly and have three daughters, Lauren, Sydney and Brookie. I am employed at Little Falls Trophy.
I am seeking re-election for a three year term. Three goals I would like to continue to pursue are: 1. keep improving test scores, 2. update school technology, and 3. maintain a quality education while keeping budgets in check. I am a member of the Little Falls Planning Board, a football coach with the Little Falls Junior Hornets and a softball coach with the Little Falls Athletic Club.
Lori Ratti
I am a long time resident of Little Falls, married with three children, Zack, 13, Kylie, 12, and Ryan, 4. During the past six years I have been a member of the Parent Teacher Association and also served on the Little Falls Football Parents Association board as corresponding secretary, as well as co-commissioner for cheering and cheering advisor.
In addition to my community involvement with the PTA and LFFPA, I have been responsible for strategic planning and budgeting while working within a set of established guidelines to achieve a common goal.
As a dedicated citizen and community active parent, I am aware of the importance of school, family and community, which forms the basis for a child’s success from elementary through high school.
It is for these reasons and much more, that I am a qualified candidate for a position on the Little Falls Board of Education.
Kathleen Radcliffe
My name is Kathleen Radcliffe. I have been a Little Falls resident for 31 years and have two sons who were educated through the Little Falls school system. My husband Donald Radcliffe is a former Township Committee member and served as fire commissioner.
As an experienced educator I have taught in the Newark Public Schools for over 30 years, teaching elementary school and English as a second language, being a staff developer, facilitating the implementation of state mandated testing, teaching disruptive students and running the gifted and talented program. I have a masters degree in education from Kean University.
After retiring, I became active in Little Falls serving as the municipal alliance coordinator for the last five years. While serving in this position, I introduced the popular “Game of Life” program to the school system, provided eighth graders with extra help preparing for the state mandated GEPA testing and implemented the “Soaring High” tutoring program for at-risk students in grades 3 and 4. In addition, continued the BABES and DARE programs, and our popular dances. The alliance also provides for the needs of our senior citizens, through educational and wellness programs. I also serve on the Little Falls Shade Tree Commission and am a member of the Inwood complex board of directors.
I am seeking this three year position for the board of education because I believe I have firsthand knowledge of the needs of both teachers and students and know what is necessary to develop a thorough and efficient educational system. I feel my skills and qualifications will be a positive addition to the board of education.
Totowa
Three candidates are vying for the three open three-year seats.
Thomas Ferraro
Thomas Ferraro, husband to Esther Ferraro, father of sixth grader Thomas, and second grader Amy, has decided to seek membership on the Totowa Board of Education. Thomas submitted his application last month with the encouragement from his family, friends and members of the current Board of Education. He embraces the responsibility of representing the interests of the Totowa community with sensitivity to the needs of the children, the schools, and the future. Thomas has always approached his personal and professional life with high regard for the needs of others without selfish motivations. Thomas moved into Totowa because of the great school system and has been a resident for nearly six years. Thomas was born and raised in Paterson. Since moving to Totowa, he has become a member of the Totowa PAL coaching football, baseball and basketball.
Anthony Rillo - information not submitted
Annamaria Sole
I lived in Totowa for 28 years. I am married to John Sole for 19 years and we have five children: Salvatore, Jessica, Daniella, Alyssa and John Jr. I am a homemaker.
I am running for Totowa Board of Education for a three year term. I decided to run because I currently have four children in the school system. I want to ensure that all of the children continue to receive a quality education. I am especially interested in making sure children with learning difficulties receive the extra help that they need. I am active in the Police Athletic League and have been involved with soccer, hockey, basketball, baseball, softball and cheering for the past 10 years.
West Paterson
Four candidates are vying for the three open three- year seats.
William Depsee
I am a resident of West Paterson for the past 21 years with wife Patty and children Michael, Jonathan, and Diana. Six years ago, I retired from the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department after 26 years of service. I have served 11 years on the Passaic Valley High School Board of Education, being past president and vice president. I am a member of the New Jersey State Honor Legion, New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association, American Legion Post 238, National Association of REALTORS, New Jersey Association of REALTORS and Passaic County Board of REALTORS.
I am a former member and president of the West Paterson Board of Recreation. Being involved with my children in sports, I have coached baseball and basketball for the West Paterson Boys & Girls Club.
Throughout the years, I have been the recipient of several distinguishing awards such as the Honor Legion Valor Award, the American Legion Valor Award, the New Jersey State P.B.A Certification of Merit, a proclamation from the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the 1995-1996 Passaic County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, and I was also inducted into the Passaic County Technical Institute Hall of Fame. The 200 Club of Passaic County has honored me for my heroic actions.
As a former member of the West Paterson Board of Education, I want to continue serving the people of our community. I will make every effort to reach our children’s educational needs and continue to bring suggestions, comments and concerns to help serve our community to keep West Paterson schools moving forward.
Marian Jordan
I am seeking reelection to a three year term on the West Paterson Board of Education where
I have served a previous full term. My occupation as a bookkeeper for 20 years is instrumental in serving on various financial committees, such as approving bills for payment.
Some major repairs to our schools have been put on the backburner because the funds were not made available. I will work to ensure that monies for these much needed repairs will be included in upcoming budgets. I will also confer with the Home and School Association to research the availability of funding to build a cafeteria in Memorial School. Most importantly I would like to keep increases in forthcoming budgets to a minimum without reducing the quality of our children’s education.
I have served on the West Paterson Municipal Alliance for seven years, six of them as the coordinator. The alliance has been instrumental in the development of drug and alcohol prevention programs that are presented to our schoolchildren. This has proven to be a very rewarding endeavor.
I have lived in West Paterson for 12 years with my husband Ed. He is a lieutenant with the borough police department and grew up in town. We have two children, Sam and Shelly, and four granddaughters; one is attending the first grade at Charles Olbon School.
I hope I can count on the support of the residents of West Paterson on April 15.
Ronald Pascrell
Ronald Pascrell has been a resident of West Paterson for 22 years. He is currently serving on the West Paterson Board of Education, along with serving on the buildings and grounds committee. A former United States Marine, he is currently and has been employed by Clifton Board of Education for 25 years. He is a former member of the New Jersey Education Association’s executive board along with being awarded Passaic County ESP of the Year 2006. He is a former member and basketball coach of the West Paterson Boys & Girls Club, former member of the West Paterson Municipal Alliance, and a Little League baseball umpire for 20 years. He is a graduate of Clifton High School and a parishioner of St. Philips Church. He is married to Rita, and they have two children, Joseph, who is currently attending Pace University, and Stephanie, who is attending Monmouth University. Ron would like to continue to serve his community by seeking reelection to the West Paterson Board of Education. He will strive to continue to make the West Paterson Education system one that is competitive within our district, providing the best education possible for our children, improvements to our schools, including a new cafeteria for the students being among his goals.
Keith Tanski
My name is Keith Tanski. I was born and raised in West Paterson. I can recall attending kindergarten in School #4 ( before it was Beatrice Gilmore). My mother Dorothy was the nurse at Memorial School for many years and my daughters, Rachel and Natalie, graduated from our school system. My connection with the West Paterson School district is long and extensive.
First elected to the West Paterson Board of Education in 2003, I found a school system stalled and without any real direction. Good enough was the prevailing attitude. Since that time, many changes have occurred: a new superintendent, realignment of the schools and the redesigning of curriculum and class scheduling to name a few. These changes have gone far in providing our children with a sound footing to compete in our modern, ever changing world. Progress has been made and must be maintained. Not that I believe in change for the sake of change. Being a science teacher in Jersey City, I am well aware of the pitfalls of some “new” trends in education. If reelected I will ensure that worthwhile advances already made are not squandered while flash in the pan schemes are avoided.
Overseeing the operation of a school district is not confined to academics. As a licensed school business administrator and taxpayer in West Paterson, I assure you budgetary concerns are a top priority. Providing the best educational experience available for our children at a reasonable cost is my pledge. We can’t have everything at once. I am a strong advocate for a lunchroom/cafeteria but I realize that deteriorating roofs must be repaired first . It’s tough choices like this that I am willing to make on your behalf. I therefore ask for your vote on April 15.
Passaic Valley H.S.
For the Passaic Valley Regional High School Board of Education, Eugene Ridgeway is uncontested for the one open three year seat representing Totowa, and incumbent Joseph Puglisi is uncontested for the one open three year seat representing Little Falls. Two seats are open to represent West Paterson. Candidates are incumbent Margaret Hasko and Angela Jones.
Eugene Ridgeway - information not submitted
Joseph Puglisi
Joseph Puglisi, a Little Falls resident since 2001 and a Passaic Valley High School graduate, is seeking reelection for a second term on the Passaic Valley High School board of education.
Joe is a CPA employed as a senior manager for Rothstein Kass of Roseland. Joe and his fiancée Gina Ruggiero will be married in May 2008.
Joe was introduced to the board seat two years ago when filling a position vacated by his aunt Toni Damiano, who is currently the municipal court judge of West Paterson. Mrs. Damiano, along with the late James Belford, Joe’s grandfather, were former presidents of the Passaic Valley board of education.
Joe’s goal for the upcoming three year term is to provide the students of Passaic Valley with the best resources and continue the same level of commitment and service to community as his family before him.
Margaret Hasko
My name is Margaret Hasko and I am seeking reelection to the Passaic Valley Board of Education (three year term.) I am a lifelong resident of West Paterson and proudly, along with my husband Frank, raised our two children here. We now also enjoy being the grandparents of five.
My background includes attending and graduating from the West Paterson elementary schools, St.Bonaventure High School and William Paterson University (then Paterson State College.)
For 30 years I was employed as a teacher in the West Paterson schools and now enjoy retirement.
I have served as a member of the West Paterson Board of Education and was a trustee of the Alfred H. Baumann Public Library for 10 years. Frank and I attend Our Lady of Pompei Church where I serve as a lector, lector coordinator and CCD instructor.
My background in education and my sincere desire to offer our children the best education possible has been my motivation to serve. It is my desire to be reelected to the Passaic Valley High School Board of Education so that I can continue to be a part of the ongoing, positive growth of a truly fine educational facility. The West Paterson residents should know that we are not receiving any increase in our share of the tax money needed to continue operating this great high school.
Angela Jones
I have lived in West Paterson for 41 years. I am the widow of James Jones. I have three children, Maria McCloskey, Christina Brown and 1st. Lt. David Jones, US Army. I have two granddaughters, Kailey and Kristen McCloskey.
I am a family and consumer sciences teacher. I taught in Prospect Park for seven years and at Clifton High School for the past 22 years.
I have a bachelor of the arts degree in home economics education and a master's degree in guidance and counseling from Montclair State University.
I decided to become a board of education candidate for several reasons. I am appalled by the lack of support, commitment and funding to our school systems by the legislators in Trenton. I am also concerned about the “No Child Left Behind Law” which is adversely affecting students.
If elected I will work with board members, administrators, staff and parents to continue to provide the very best education we can for our students. I will fight for increased funding from Trenton and will encourage all our residents to support our school system.
I am a member of the Cedar Grove-Little Falls-West Paterson Passaic Valley Regional Flood Control Board and a member of the West Paterson Emergency Response Team. I am the membership chairperson of the Passaic Valley Chapter of UNICO and a lecturer at Our Lady of Holy Angels Church.
I was a member of the West Paterson Parent Teacher Association serving as president for four years, the secretary for the West Paterson Local Assistance Board and a member of the Bicentennial Committee, the Surrey 7-77 Committee and co-chaired the “Light For A Life” committee which worked to obtain the traffic light at McBride and Lackawanna Avenues.
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