MONTVALE—Three candidates are vying for two open three-year seats on the Montvale Board of Education, with incumbents Alisha Foley, current president, and Anita Bagdat being challenged by newcomer Katharine Arena.
We asked the candidates about their backgrounds, priorities, and top goals for the district. Foley and Arena responded before press time. Bagdat, rounding out her second three-year term on the board, did not respond to our repeated written requests for participation, neither at her board address nor the email address she recorded with the county on filing to run in the Nov. 4 contest.
About the district
Montvale, a child-centered community of approximately 8,000 residents, is served by the Montvale School District (montvalek8.org), which operates two schools: Memorial Elementary School (PreK–4) and Fieldstone Middle School (grades 5–8). Most graduates attend Pascack Hills High School on Grand Avenue, in the Pascack Valley Regional High School District. (Many families also choose parochial or private options such as Saint Joseph Regional High School in Montvale.)
The school board has set for itself two goals for 2025–2026: on professional development, “Engage in professional development as a board, with each board member leading a discussion on a board-related topic to support collective professional growth”; and on HIB policy, “Deepen policy knowledge on harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) to ensure effective governance and oversight.”
Alisha Foley (incumbent)
Foley, a nearly 30-year veteran of law enforcement, serves as Captain of Police with the Montvale Police Department. A borough resident since 2004, she and her family have long been active in community life. Her three children attended Montvale schools, where she has served as a coach, Girl Scout leader, class parent, mentor, and victim advocate.
She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Seton Hall University and has been an adjunct professor in the Professional Security Department at New Jersey City University since 2000. First elected to the Board of Education in 2017, Foley currently serves as board president and has worked on the finance, policy, facilities, curriculum, and transportation committees. She also serves as board liaison to the mayor’s office and Borough Council.
If re-elected, Foley said she will continue to focus on:
- Responsible fiscal decision-making to ensure the district’s long-term sustainability.
- Modernizing school facilities to meet the competitive needs of students and educators.
- Strengthening school safety through balanced policies that protect students, staff, and the community.
- Supporting student well-being and open family communication, fostering a learning environment that promotes critical thinking, personal growth, and strong core values.
Foley said the educational issues at the heart of the Montvale community include responsible spending, facility updates, and technology investment to prepare students for the future. “My reputation supports that I lead through honesty and fairness, always,” she said.
She did not list a campaign webpage.
Katharine Arena (challenger)
Arena, an eight-year Montvale resident, said her campaign is built around “student-centered representation.” She has two children in the district and more than 15 years of experience in Bergen County schools as a school psychologist, social worker, child study team chairperson, and behavior support provider. She holds a graduate certificate in supervision and a certificate in applied behavior analysis.
Arena said she brings a “unique perspective” from collaborating with parents, teachers, and administrators “both as a parent and as a school employee.” Her campaign emphasizes student-centered policies, data-driven decision-making, and transparent leadership grounded in accountability and integrity.
Her stated priorities include:
- Implementing student-centered policies that leverage data-driven insights to meet the diverse needs of learners.
- Fostering parent and community engagement through collaboration and effective communication.
- Supporting student well-being and positive behavior through evidence-based strategies.
- Promoting ethical, transparent leadership to ensure the Board of Education operates in the best interests of students and the community.
Arena said she hopes to “empower the educational experience” and ensure that Montvale schools remain “nurturing, inclusive, and responsive to every student.”
More information about her campaign is available at pianotchr.wixsite.com/my-site.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.