Letter to the Editor: Re-Elect Joanne Greene Tobias

My name is Joanne Greene Tobias, of Florham Park, and I am running for

re-election as the Florham Park representative to the Hanover Park Regional High School District Board of Education. I have served on the Board for the past 6 years.  It is truly my honor to serve on the Board and represent the students, parents, and staff of this outstanding school district. I am running for re-election because I am proud of the work and leadership of our Board but we have more to do.

I have lived in Florham Park for the past 26 years with my husband, and three children.  All of my children attended the Florham Park Public Schools from kindergarten to graduation day at Hanover Park High School.  I am a retired New Jersey public school teacher with a

Master’s Degree in Special Education, 4 teaching certifications and decades of experience in the field of education. Including, 6 years of valuable experience while serving on the Florham Park Board of Education.

I am a veteran, having served in the USAF, Reserves and Active Duty, for fourteen years. During my enlistments I was a jet engine specialist, working the flight-line and launching aircraft. I was later recruited into Air Force Intelligence. I served in the Persian Gulf War and was awarded the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal in 2004. I was invited as a Charter member of WIMSA (Women in Military Service for America).  I am profiled at the memorial, located in

Arlington National Cemetery.

During my 6 years on the Hanover Park Regional High School Board of Education, the District has been consistently designated as “High Performing” by the New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (QSAC).  The Board has been fiscally responsible, being respectful of the state mandated 2% budget cap. For the 10th year in a row, Hanover Park HS has been designated as a "No Place for Hate Gold Star School” from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). Gold Star status is reserved for schools that have gone above and beyond the ADL’s recommended criteria. In addition, Hanover Park HS has been recognized as a National District of Character for the past 5 years.  Our graduates have gone to Harvard, Northwestern, NYU, Brown, and Vanderbilt, just to name a few.

I have Chaired the Curriculum, Personnel, Policy, and Student Affairs Committees and earned Certified Board Member status from the New Jersey School Board Association Board Member Academy.  For the 2022 school year, I was appointed Delegate to the NJ School Board Association.

I am currently serving in my fourth year on the Morris County School Board Association

Board of Directors and Chair the Morris County Recognition Committee.  This committee recognizes graduating high school students entering into fields of trade, those preparing to become first responders, entering military service, as well as special needs students transitioning to vocational programs.

Serving on the Hanover Park Regional High School Board of Education, requires a commitment of one’s time. There are Board and Committee meetings throughout the entire year, including preparation for those meetings. Each Board member is assigned to three committees, chairing one.  In addition, there is mandatory Governance Training for all Board members.  Board members are encouraged to attend an annual 3-day NJ School Board Association Workshop, where valuable  training opportunities are offered.  The public should have confidence in the commitment of their Board members to the District.

When any candidate seeks an elected office, it is important they make themselves available to the public. It is imperative, especially in school board elections,  for voters, residents, parents, students, and teachers, to have the opportunity to ask questions: Why do you seek this Board position?  What are your objectives, motives, agenda, ideas for the District?  What experience do have to offer to be an effective Board member?   Having faith and trust in Board members experience, dedication, leadership, and ability to facilitate Board operations is important to the voters of Florham Park. And I have the experience and commitment to serve Florham Park and the Board of Education.

Unfortunately, the Hanover Park Regional High School District Board of Education Candidates Forum, sponsored by the League of Women Voters, was cancelled. I would have welcomed questions, in a public forum since I am asking for your consideration and your votes on November 8th.

I have earned the trust of this community and I will continue to be diligent and conscientious in matters concerning the District.  I have the ability to make tough decisions and see all sides.  I have a unique perspective to serve in this position, considering I am an educator, the parent of three children, and a taxpayer.  I will continue to respect and uphold the integrity of the Board and do what is best for the students of our District.

The Hanover Park Regional HS District will begin this new school year fully staffed for operational purposes and with no covid restrictions!   We are looking forward to a productive, exciting, safe, and healthy school year. Look for upcoming information on improvements to Hanover Park’s unique California-style campus.    GO HORNETS!

Most Sincerely,

Joanne Greene Tobias

Hanover Park Regional High School BOE

If anyone has questions for me, I welcome the opportunity to answer them. I can be contacted via email at:   [email protected]

For additional information about myself, latest news and legislative updates visit my campaign web site at: www.re-electjgtobias4hpregboe.org

Paid for by Committee to Re-Elect Joanne G. Tobias to HPBOE