PASCSCK VALLEY—Five of six local school board races in the General Election Nov. 7 are contested in Pascack Valley towns, with one town’s school board uncontested, and a highly competitive contest for Westwood and Washington Township seats on the regional K–12 district’s school board.
Only one seat, representing Woodcliff Lake, is contested on the Pascack Valley Regional High School District Board of Education.
While 10 candidates are vying for four seats on the Westwood Regional School District, local school districts such as Montvale and Woodcliff Lake have double the number of candidates vying for two open seats on each board.
As we’ve reported, due to increasingly fractious and divisive school board meetings, generally over issues such as the state-mandated health and sex education curriculum, LGBTQ+ and Pride support, and “parental rights,” some boards have become lightning rods for community battles over social, religious, and occasionally, educational issues.
On the two regional boards, Pascack Valley Regional High School District and the Westwood Regional School District, the Westwood district remains a highly contested district this November, while only one seat on the Pascack Valley Regional BOE is being challenged.
The PVRHS District had four vacancies, two from Hillsdale, one from Montvale and one from Woodcliff Lake.
In uncontested races in Hillsdale, incumbents Kristen Martin and Gini Varghese seek reelection.
In Montvale, incumbent Michael Weaver seeks reelection.
In Woodcliff Lake, one open PVRHS BOE seat is contested by newcomers Stephanie Mong-Ping Huang and Jennifer L. Levison.
Contests at the nine-member Westwood Regional School District board are vigorous: Voters from the Township of Washington will select three candidates; voters from Westwood will select one.
There are eight candidates running for election: of the six from Washington Township four were in attendance at a League of Women Voters candidate night Sept. 18: Loni Azzolina, Irene Fenarjian, Jorge Pertuz, and Heather Perin.
Of Westwood’s two candidates, Nicole Martin joined.
Township candidates are incumbent appointees James T. Parrino and Irene Fenarjian, and challengers Heather M. Perrin and Loni Azzolina.
Westwood candidates are newcomers Nicole Martin and Darren Deluca.
Competing for the Township’s unexpired one-year term are incumbent Stacey Price and Jorge E. Pertuz.
The candidates have been meeting and greeting at other venues, their campaign sites state their pitch to voters, and our Letters section is well representative of the contest.
Across the Pascack Valley’s local school boards, many competitive races have come into focus. Here’s a preview:
EMERSON
In Emerson, three candidates vie for two open seats. Competing are William Graulich V, running under the “Experienced, Passionate, Reliable” slogan, and bracketed running mates Anthony Khiami and Amanda P. Riccardi.
“Your Voice Is Our Priority” says a Facebook headline from Khiami and Riccardi. A campaign flier they sent reads “Putting Academics First—Feel Confident That We Stand For” and lists their priorities. Their platform includes enhanced performance standings; transparent partnerships; fiscal responsibility; and teacher retention.
Newcomer Will Graulich has worked in public education for 16 years, the last seven as an administrator creating academic programs, expanding access to pre-college credits, and building partnerships focused on college and career readiness. He’s certified as superintendent, principal, supervisor, and teacher.
Graulich said that participating in district activities and attending BOE meetings have always been a priority. “Regardless of the outcome of the election, I’ll still be there. Being available and transparent to Emerson is more important to me than ‘saying the right things’ to be elected.”
Graulich added, “I believe in public education and am proud to have my children enrolled in Emerson Public Schools. I believe it can empower students for post-secondary success and inspire young learners to reach their highest potential. I believe strong public schools can strengthen and galvanize entire communities, attract homebuyers, and bring financial gains to homeowners.”
HILLSDALE
In Hillsdale, three candidates have filed for two open seats, including incumbents Nicole Klas, current BOE president, and Christina Jennings. Challenging for a seat is Michael Kenduck.
Klas told Pascack Press her platform is: 1) provide a comprehensive and acceptable solution to George G. White Middle School facility issue; 2) continue to bring high levels of transparency to the community regarding the business at the Board of Education to enhance the overall relationship between the two; and 3) continue to oversee the work being done at all our schools and to advocate the best for our students, administrators, and staff.
“There is still work to be done, and I am both passionate and determined to be a part of it,” Klas told us. “Passing an acceptable and satisfactory voter referendum (both in terms of cost to all residents and in educational space/effectiveness for our students/staff) to solve the aging middle school dilemma is definitely a priority,” she added.
A 20-year-plus resident, incumbent Christina Jennings told us, “I have helped at the high school level serving as the PFO President for the past 3 years and helped as the cheer and gymnastics team parent.”
She said, “Over my past terms as a board of education member, I’ve been dedicated to the betterment of our education system and have actively worked towards meaningful changes, including amongst others live streaming of our meetings and the important, George White referendum project.
“I firmly believe that our children deserve the best opportunities for learning, and I see the referendum as a pivotal step in making this vision a reality. The potential it holds is immense, from modernizing our facilities to enhancing educational programs,” she told us.
Challenger Michael Kenduck said that he is running for school board “because I think it is time for candidates to emerge who have fresh ideas for how to solve the challenges that the district faces.”
Kenduck, an educator of 20-plus years, said he knows “how to communicate and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure the district is well run.” He said he supports the “most cost-effective solution to updating George White Middle School” or Option 3, and said he’s “hoping the least expensive option makes it onto the ballot.”
Kenduck told us he is concerned about student and staff safety at the Ann Blanche Smith School that stays in session on election days.
“Hundreds of people enter the school and can pose a threat to both staff and students. Over 90% of the school districts in Bergen County either do not use school as polling locations on election days or are closed on election days if the schools are used as polling locations,” notes Kenduck.
He alleged that due to the grammar school being open, “The SLEO III officer is not in position to be as effective, as voter intimidation laws forbid the officer to be located in the polling area. If elected, I will advocate for Smith School not being in session on election days.”
MONTVALE
Five candidates are competing for three open seats in Montvale, including
incumbent Amaka A Auer, running under a “Veteran Nurse, Mother” slogan.
Also competing are current Vice President John F. Carvelli, under a “Children, Community, Civics” banner; incumbent Rachel S. Baskin, under a “Committed To Excellence” slogan; and newcomers Dominic L. Disalvo, under “Putting Students First.” and newcomer Zaheera Khan.
Incumbents Auer and Baskin sent a joint campaign statement to Pascack Press.
Auer is a West Point graduate, wife, and mother of two daughters, ages 6 and 10. She has served her community as an Army officer, current school board member, town committee volunteer, and volunteer for the PTO. She works as a registered nurse at Valley Hospital.
Auer told us, “Not only does having children enrolled in the Montvale K8 school district allow (me) to bring a unique perspective to the Board, so does (my) leadership and career experience.” She has served on the BOE since 2021.
Baskin, a 20-year resident, has had four children attend local schools, including one currently at Fieldstone Middle School. Baskin is a former educator who taught at The Trinity School in New York City and the Ridgewood public schools. She has served on the board since 2015.
Under “Our Contributions to the Board,” Auer and Baskin note, “As two of three members of the Education, Curriculum, and Technology Committee, our leadership guides curriculum enhancements and assessments that address student challenges and need for growth. Additionally, the Board reviewed and approved a new math curriculum which supports the changing academic needs of our students.”
Both served on the Policy Committee, and noted “the Board also recognized the need to focus on mental health and wellness. To provide social and emotional support at Memorial School, in collaboration with staff and the Montvale Education Foundation (MEF), ‘The Cloud’ was built to serve as a space devoted to supporting children and staff so they can refocus in preparation for learning and interacting with others. In addition, the Board hired a new counselor at Fieldstone,” they wrote to us.
Carvelli, a 16-year resident, has been on the board since 2016, and has served as VP for the last two years.
“People ask why do you want to do this? I enjoy giving back to the Montvale community,” Carvelli told us.
Carvelli has served on the finance, facilities and transportation committees. He has advocated getting updates out to the entire Montvale community and supported the April 2021 referendum to upgrade schools to better educate local children, he said.
Challenger Dominic DiSalvo moved to Montvale in 2016 due to the quality of local schools, he told us. DiSalvo is a certified environmental engineer, with over 30 years’ experience in engineering, project management and budgeting. He works as engineering director at the Bergen County Utilities Authority.
“We have the obligation as parents and a community to assure that the students are given the best opportunity to succeed in life and a big part of that is a quality education. I feel that each student needs to be challenged to the best of their ability and be provided with the tools to best achieve their academic goals. Elementary and middle school set the basis for future education and must prepare the students for high school and beyond,” said DiSalvo.
Newcomer Zaheera Khan, a mental health professional, told us she has served as a PTO member at the elementary and middle school levels, and a high school PFA member.
She told us she is “committed to academic achievement, inclusivity and safety for all Montvale children.” A parent of two students, she advocates for parental empowerment and engagement. She is a 2023 New Jersey Fifth District Hometown Hero.
PARK RIDGE
In uncontested Park Ridge, three ballotted candidates are competing for three open seats, including incumbent Natalie Agoos. Also challenging for a seat are Rachel Browne, Robert A. Fisher, and write-in candidate Lori Fredrics.
Agoos joined the board following election in January 2021, after having moved to Park Ridge in 2005. Agoos graduated from Columbia University and worked as a journalist with the Baltimore Sun, MSG Network, and as a producer with ABC Sports.
In a campaign email to us, newcomer Robert Fisher questioned the superintendent’s salary, asking “Why are we paying luxury salaries to bureaucrats who deliver poor results? I’m the only Board of Education candidate asking that question.”
His platform lists three priorities: Cut the Park Ridge School Budget by 10% by eliminating wasteful spending; “Educate, Don’t Indoctrinate”’ and “Address our Mental Health and Drug Crisis.”
Fisher told us that losing a high school classmate to a fentanyl overdose “burnt a passion in me” on this issue. “When I’m elected I’ll double the number of counselors in our school system, so your children have a person who can help them from pursuing career interests to getting help with a mental health/drug issue. I’ll also get fentanyl testing kits in our bathrooms.”
Fredrics’s husband, Howard, her campaign manager, sent in a statement on her candidacy. He said she brings decades of international experience as a performer and university-level and private music teacher, with a focus on preparing elementary and high school music and theatre students for college admissions.
“In her role as a university instructor, she has also trained and mentored many college students, who went on to be elementary and high school teachers. Her undergraduate degree in music management from William Paterson University, and master’s degree in voice performance from University of Texas at Austin, as well as her experience as a successful music business owner, equips her with the common-sense, practical knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions on behalf of students in the Park Ridge community.
Fredrics is a longtime resident of Park Ridge, her family having moved to this community in 1971, and is a 1983 graduate of Park Ridge High School. Her campaign said she believes “the quality of education received here, as well as the sense of community she experienced in Park Ridge, was instrumental in her career success. She is dedicated to making sure that current and future students in the Park Ridge School system have the same excellent head start that she had when they go out into the world to pursue their goals, both in higher education and in their careers.”
Fredrics promised to maintain Park Ridge schools “as an independent district, and as welcoming and nurturing place for students from all walks of life, one where students are taught respect for one another.”
RIVER VALE
Four candidates are running for three seats in River Vale. with three incumbents vying for reelection. Incumbents include Steven Rosini, Patrice Pintarelli, and Jamie Assor. Assor’s slogan is “Approachable, Compassionate, Educator.” Also contesting for a seat is newcomer Glenn Pagano.
Incumbents Steve Rosini and Patrice Pintarelli, and Jamie Assor, who filled a one-year unexpired term are three incumbents seeking reelection for three seats on the Board of Education. Their slogan is “Experienced. Dedicated. Reliable.” They provided a link to their campaign Facebook: /assor.pintarelli.rosini.for.rv.board.of.ed.
Following is a joint statement issued by Rosini, Pintarelli and Assor:
“We have been privileged to work together on the River Vale Board of Education. Through our efforts we have helped to provide a high quality education for the students as well as provide renovated and comfortable facilities for the children, staff and community to enjoy. We look forward to the opportunity of ensuring that the progress we, and the entire Board, have made over the past years continues on a positive and productive path for the students and members of our community.”
Challenger Glenn Pagano, a resident for nearly 20 years, is a new father, with wife Katia. He’s a 29-year veteran of Paramus Police Department, now serving as a Detective Lieutenant in the Criminal Investigations Bureau. He also served as a volunteer rescue pilot to rescue dogs and cats from kill shelters and fly them to foster homes across the United States.
He said he’s running for the school board “to work with the current excellent board members and to protect and guide the foundations and curriculum that has already been built.”
My goal is to be an advocate. For the kids, to get the best education possible. For the parents, protecting family rights are a core part of our duties. For the taxpayer, to ensure we spend wisely and avoid waste. For the teachers, to make sure we attract the best and treat them the best.”
He added, “Using a common-sense based approach, I’m willing to work with everyone to get the job done.”
WOODCLIFF LAKE
In Woodcliff Lake, four candidates have filed for two open seats, including incumbents Lysbeth Espinosa and Kristin Saks. Challengers include Alison Stein-Jakter and Elizabeth M. Sagat.
Challengers Stein-Jakter and Sagat provided some bullet points about their campaign. Sagat, a nearly 13-year resident, has worked as a speech language pathologist in various settings, including schools. She is concluding seven years on the PFA.
“I am looking forward to serving our town on the Board of Education to help strengthen our already amazing school district and watch our children flourish,” said Sagat.
Stein-Jackter, and her husband, have lived in the borough for nearly 12 years. She is a secondary English teacher with 19 years’ experience in New York State.
I hope to marry my daily understanding of the challenges faced by students and faculty, with my own experiences in Dorchester Elementary and Woodcliff Middle School. I am looking forward to continuing Woodcliff Lake’s long history of excellence and success,” she told us.
“We are both committed to ensuring that all students in Woodcliff Lake meet their full academic potential,” said the two candidates in a joint statement.
Their Facebook page is Sagat and Stein-Jackter for Woodcliff Lake Board of Education and our Instagram handle is @forwclboe. Campaign email is SagatandSteinJackter@gmail.com.
Incumbents Lysbeth Espinosa (six years) and Vice President Kristan Saks (nine years), issued a joint campaign statement, saying in part, “Our dedication to education and the well-being of our students remains a top priority.”
Their platform listed seven key bullet points, including: maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for our students and staff; balancing the budget while always looking to enhance the quality of education without raising taxes; ensuring that our district keeps pace with technological advancements; and maintaining and modernizing facilities and grounds.
Residents wanting more information can visit Instagram: @EspinosaSaks4WCLBOE, and
Facebook: Re-elect Espinosa & Saks for WCL Board of Education.
Pascack Valley Regional BOE Election
In Woodcliff Lake, one open Pascack Valley Regional High School BOE seat is being contested by two newcomers, Stephanie Mong-Ping Huang, and Jennifer L. Levison. Recently, Huang strongly advocated against future cannabis businesses in town, speaking out at council meetings to oppose any type of cannabis business locally.
In uncontested elections, Hillsdale incumbents Kristin Martin and Gini Varghese run unopposed, and incumbent Michael Weaver runs unopposed for a seat in Montvale.
Huang, a 16-year resident, said she has dedicated the past 12 years to being an active volunteer for her two children “at every stage of their education” including coaching boys’ basketball, and serving on the Parent Faculty Association hospitality committee.
Huang told us, “I will utilize my corporate background in pharmaceutical marketing and medical education, to serve well the regional board of education and its mission: To prepare our students for successful college and/or career experiences with the needed mindset, skills, structures, and knowledge to accomplish that goal.
She said, “ The platform of my campaign is also how I have raised my children, in pursuit of excellence in education. My children are both ranked in the highest tier of their classes and are in high standing with each of their teachers. They are in all honors and AP courses, on sports teams, and have taken full advantage of the clubs and extracurricular activities offered at the high school. Let’s keep our focus on our students’ pursuit of excellence in education,” Huang said.
Jennifer Levison, a former teacher, a social worker and a mother of three children, including a Pascack Hills junior, told us she was “ideally positioned to understand the strengths of our district, the needs of the community, and our vision for continued growth.”
She noted, “Ensuring students and staff enter a safe building each morning is a top priority. It is also the foundation of a positive learning environment. In 2013, I initiated a petition to relocate our polling center from the Dorchester Elementary School to a nearby church in order to increase our students’ safety.” She said the petition succeeded after two years.
Noting high school years are “transformative” for students, defined by learning, maturity, self-discovery and also anxiety and stress, Levison said teachers and staff require training and resources.
“We must continue to provide essential training and resources to teachers and staff, particularly the guidance department, to support our children’s emotional needs along with their academic goals. Tapping into available grants will allow us to maintain the excellence of our schools amid increasing costs and diminishing funds,” Levison said.