05/22/2026
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I am truly honored and grateful to receive the endorsement of the wonderful Jefferson Township Education Association β our teachers and support staff of the Jefferson Township Public School System β who work tirelessly every day to educate and support the children of our community.
As we all know, the Mayor does not oversee or manage our schools. That responsibility belongs to our School Superintendent and our Board of Education.
However, as a PROUD Forever Falcon as a 1982 JTHS graduate, as well as a parent who proudly put two children through the Jefferson school system, supporting our schools and students has always been important to me β long before I ever considered becoming Mayor.
During my 30-year career as a police officer and 10 years as Jeffersonβs Community Services Officer, I worked closely with our youth and schools. In 1991, I established Jefferson Townshipβs local DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program, beginning decades of advocacy, mentorship, and involvement with our students that continued through my retirement as Deputy Chief of Police in 2016. I even served as the President of the JTHS PTSA and President of the JTHS Girls Soccer Booster Club into retirement!
As Mayor, I have continued that commitment by regularly participating in district-wide school activities and programs. I enjoy reading to our elementary students, speaking to third-grade classes about local government and civics, hosting tours of our municipal complex for White Rock School 3rd-grade students, and attending school pep rallies and student events.
I have also proudly supported PTA fundraising events such as the Falcon Fun Run (Slime!), the JCPTA Wizards Fitness Challenge (Pie in the Face!), Mayor for the Day, and many other student-centered activities that strengthen the relationship between our schools and our community. In fact, I was just asked to sit in the dunk tank at the White Rock 3rd-grade Field Day!
In addition, I proudly serve on the ECAC Committee supporting our preschool program.
Beyond community participation, I have also been a strong advocate for fair school funding. In 2019 β during the first year of major S2 funding cuts and my first year as Mayor β I supported a district-wide letter-writing campaign to state officials. Since then, I have met with state legislators, school administrators, and education advocates regarding school funding inequities impacting communities like Jefferson.
Most recently, I attended a State Assembly Education Committee hearing alongside Superintendent Howe in March, and I continue working closely with the Highlands Impact Aid Now Coalition. I also testified before the State Assembly Budget Committee with Superintendent Howe, BA Giacchi, 7th-grade student Emily Henderson, Tom Fasano of the Highlands Coalition, and more than 100 middle and high school students advocating for equitable funding solutions for Highlands communities like Jefferson Township.
I love our schools, and I will continue doing everything I can as Mayor to support them, our students, and our educators!
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