Former Board Member Urges Community Participation in New Regional School Board
In a heartfelt reflection on her years with the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education, Tracey Abby-White emphasized the immense satisfaction of contributing to the education of students in Atlantic Highlands and Highlands. “It’s a wonderful feeling to know that I volunteered my time to help foster the best education for our students,” she remarked.
Abby-White, a former board member from 1988 to 1994, is calling on more residents to file petitions before July 29 to run for the new nine-member PrK-12 regional school district board. She highlighted her journey and shared her motivation for running: “I was told the elementary school was first-rate but warned against sending my children to Henry Hudson because it had so few students and no football team. That wasn’t a good enough reason for me.”
Driven to ensure quality education, Abby-White ran for the board and witnessed Henry Hudson’s exceptional offerings and dedicated faculty. “A good education is essential for a child to own the trajectory of their life,” she said.
With the regionalization approved by voters, the new board will include nine members: five from Highlands and four from Atlantic Highlands to be elected in the November election. Although Abby-White would have liked to run, her current role on the Brookdale College Board of Trustees and her recent appointment to the Board of Directors of the Y of Greater Monmouth County prevent her from serving on a local school board.
Abby-White acknowledges that volunteering takes work. The most challenging part for her was putting her name on the ballot; despite her educational background and experience as a teacher, she was intimidated by the title. She advises potential candidates to know that New Jersey law requires new board members to complete training within 90 days of taking office. This training, provided by the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA), covers policy, school finance, student achievement, labor relations, and school law.
“Busy people make excellent board members because they think strategically and avoid micromanaging,” she explained, stressing the need for individuals who believe in public education and are willing to volunteer their expertise. She highlighted the importance of understanding the constraints of public education and the need for community members to attend board meetings to learn how tax dollars are spent.
She noted that public education is under constant pressure to meet increasing mandates while reducing the financial burden on taxpayers. “What do our students need to succeed in a global economy? What must we change today and three years from now to make it happen?” she asked, advocating for courageous individuals with a growth mindset and a sense of curiosity to serve on the board. She emphasized the importance of having confidence in the administrator and making decisions based on a jointly constructed strategic plan.
The new regional board ‘s 5-4 membership ratio reflects population differences. Abby-White emphasized the need for board unity, encouraging questions and opposition to ensure the best decisions for students.
Highlands and Atlantic Highlands residents interested in serving on the new regional board can obtain petitions from the Monmouth County Board of Elections or the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education. Completed petitions, including all necessary information and signatures, must be returned to the Monmouth County Board of Elections in Freehold by 4 p.m. on Monday, July 29.
