Meet BOE Candidate - Why Yvonne?

Word Document: Montclair POD Yvonne W. Bouknight ybouk@verizon.net ybouknight@montclair.k12.nj.us

What experiences, skills, and perspectives make you uniquely qualified to serve on Montclair's Board of Education?
I am running for the Montclair Board of Education because I believe every student deserves the

opportunity to succeed—and I have the experience, commitment, and vision to help make that happen.
For the past two and a half years, I have served on the Board, leading on the Curriculum, Special Education, Policy, and Culture and Climate Committees. In that time, I have worked to ensure equity and access for all students, because access is the foundation of achievement and advancement.

My 39-year career as an educator, along with my role as an Adjunct Professor at Kean University, has given me the insight to understand the challenges facing our students, teachers, and families. I know how to listen, collaborate, and advocate to create solutions that strengthen our schools.
As a proud Montclair resident and mother of two Montclair Public School graduates, I bring both professional expertise and a personal commitment to the success of our community’s children. Beyond education, my leadership with the National United Women in Faith and international

partnerships in Haiti reflect my dedication to service, equity, and opportunity.
Guided by the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “The time is always right to do what is right,” I will continue to fight for policies that expand opportunity, uplift every student, and provide the tools, resources, and support needed for our schools to thrive.
Together, we can ensure Montclair’s schools remain strong, inclusive, and a source of pride for our entire community.

Montclair Public Schools are facing significant budget challenges, including $18 million in

debt and concerns about financial management. As a Board member, how would you work with the superintendent and the community to promote fiscal responsibility, transparency, and clear priorities in spending?
Yes, it is a fact: Montclair schools are facing an $18 million debt, and our community deserves a plan for stability. As a current Board of Education member, I believe the only way forward is to

work in strong partnership with the Superintendent, grounded in accountability and transparency. First, we must restore fiscal responsibility by putting tighter controls in place and requiring regular, detailed financial reporting. Second, we must ensure transparency—families and staff

should know where every dollar goes, through clear communication and public updates. And third, we must set clear spending priorities: protecting classrooms, special education, and programs that directly support student achievement—while cutting waste and inefficiency.
I am committed to making sure every dollar strengthens our schools and serves our students. That’s how we will rebuild trust, stabilize our finances, and keep Montclair’s schools strong.

Montclair is known for its diversity, but achievement gaps persist across the district. What

specific policies or initiatives would you support to ensure that all students—regardless of race, income, or learning ability—have equal opportunities to succeed?
Montclair’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths, but persistent achievement gaps remind us that equity cannot be a slogan—it must be a practice. As a Board of Education member, I have focused on ensuring that every student, regardless of race, income, or learning ability, has access to the opportunities they need to succeed.

Going forward, I will continue to support policies that:
• Prioritize resources where needs are greatest, ensuring schools have strong academic supports, counseling, and enrichment.
• Expand access to advanced coursework and enrichment programs e.g. AP Bootcamp and tutoring, so that all students—not just a few—can participate and excel.
• Strengthen special education and intervention services, so students with different learning

needs are fully supported.
• Improve data transparency, so we can track equity gaps and hold ourselves accountable for closing them.
Equity means every student gets what they need to thrive. My commitment is to make sure Montclair lives up to its promise as a diverse community where opportunity is not determined by zip code, income, or background, but by the quality of education we provide to every student.

What frustrates you most about our schools?

What frustrates me most about our schools is the lack of transparency and the way misinformation and half-truths spread on social media. This erodes trust between the district and the community. As a Board member, I believe we must confront this directly—by improving communication, sharing clear and accurate information, and making sure families hear the truth from us first, not from rumors online. Trust and transparency are the foundation of a strong school district, and I am committed to rebuilding both.

What do you love most about our schools?

What I love most about our schools in Montclair is the energy, passion, and commitment of the school community. Families, educators, and students ask for—and demand—excellence, a value

that has guided my family, my professional career, and my life in general. I believe that if something is worth doing, it must be done right, and I bring that same standard of dedication to my service on the Board of Education. It is that drive for excellence that inspires me every day to work toward stronger schools, equitable opportunities, and success for every student.

The relationship between the Board, district leadership, and the community has been strained in recent years. How would you recommend strengthening trust and collaboration among families, teachers, administrators, and the Board of Education?

The relationship between the Board, leadership, and community must be rooted in transparency, respect, and a shared purpose. To rebuild trust, we need open communication, consistent honesty, and space for all voices to be heard. As a Board member, I believe the best way forward is continued collaboration—families, educators, administrators, and the Board working together toward our district’s strategic goals. When we align around those goals, we move past division and ensure every decision is focused on advancing our schools and giving every student the opportunity to succeed.

Testimonials of Service

Read personal testimonials from Yvonne Bouknight's former students, parents, colleagues and supporters who will attest to the great work, commitment and love for enriching the lives of young people.

Dr. Bernadette Anand

Administrator & College Professor

Yvonne Bouknight, retired educator of 39 years.

Has an underlying commitment to equity in education; decades of teaching experience with diverse populations of students supporting them to become confident proficient readers and writers.

She will bring her understanding and experience of how schools and districts can work and move towards achieving excellence and equity for all students.

She is highly respected among colleagues for her ability to work intersectional; to listen to multiple views, and help individuals and groups to work towards a common goal- the safety and education of their children.

Yvonne served as first co- chair of the School Review Committee at the newly formed Renaissance School and as such galvanized the school community around the Implementation of the school community’s shared vision and excellence and equity goals.

She has strong communication and leadership skills as evidenced by the broad spectrum of committee memberships with a social justice lens.

And, is the Mother two accomplished daughters graduates Howard University and Bryant University (one is Director of Student Admissions Emerson College and Electronic Medical Records Business Analyst) both of whom attended Renaissance in its first and second years and then for four years at MHS.

Her mantra, "If I can touch just one person, that one person touches someone else, and that’s how we make a difference.”

Dr. Joseph A. Caravela

Former Supervisor

"I had the pleasure of working with Yvonne Bouknight for many years. She was an excellent Reading Specialist who always had the children's needs first in her mind and heart. She was an expert in teaching reading to all types of learners on all levels and each child made significant progress under her guidance and care. Yvonne was a good colleague to her peers and was a good communicator with our parents. Her standards are high and she always put her all into bringing out the best in her students!"

Veronica Gerald

Chief Executive Officer at Education Leadership Services

I have known Yvonne for almost twenty-five years and was privileged enough to become one of her many proteges as a new teacher. During those years I have observed Yvonne’s dedication and commitment to educators, especially students and their families, and the community-at large. I have known Yvonne to demonstrate expertise in curriculum, instruction, and assessment, as I have participated in many of her professional development sessions. In fact, as a former teacher, principal, and district administrator, I credit Yvonne’s expertise, mentorship, and leadership as the foundation for my own career in education.

Yvonne is a tireless and fearless advocate for all students to have access to high quality education and equitable opportunities, so they reach their highest potential. Yvonne has always held student success as her highest priority. She is a servant and selfless leader, who always operates with honesty, integrity, and for the greater good. I give my highest recommendation for Yvonne as a candidate for the Montclair School Board of Education.

Smadar Calandri

Parent

Yvonne Bouknight is an incredible educator. She is a dedicated individual and puts her all in while she taught my son Gabriel. Gabriel was diagnosed with severe dyslexia. Yvonne worked with him with dedication and enthusiasm for more than ten years. She was determined to assist Gabriel. Gabriel today is a successful person. He is doing above and beyond in college and he is on dean’s list. Gabriel reading and writing skills are above average.

When Gabriel was seven it was difficult to find a reading specialist that has the certification of the Ortho-Gillingham method. Yvonne tutored Gabriel week after week with great pride and precedence. Yvonne is committed to helping children.. She has patience and an outstanding personality.

Gwendolyn Furr

Essex County Teacher of the Year, 2005; Governor’s Recognition Awardee, 1988

It is with great pleasure that I recommend Yvonne Bouknight as a candidate for the Montclair Board of Education. I, Gwendolyn Furr, have known Yvonne for over 3 decades. We worked together as colleagues at Myrtle Avenue School in Irvington, NJ. She was a phenomenal Reading teacher with great classroom management and organizational skills. When the district was looking for good teachers to work at Florence Avenue School in Irvington, we were transitioned there, and without skipping a beat, Yvonne continued to do what she does and that is, she gives it her all! She serves whole heartedly! She sets high standards for herself and the students and was very effective in helping her students to excel, as was evident in her student’s increased reading scores. She was respected, and maintained a rapport with student, parents, and staff. She later transitioned from the Irvington district to utilize her skills as a Reading Specialist position in Glen Ridge, NJ.

In her endeavors, she became an Adjunct Professor at Kean University and our paths crossed again. We worked together in the Summer Enrichment Program in Irvington, NJ., which was a S.T.E.M. program which operated in connection with Kean University. Yvonne is trained in technology and is impressively tech savvy. She shared her technology skills and the plethora of educational strategies in her toolbox with the students and staff, which challenged them to think critically, grow exponentially, and produce effective results and positive outcomes in the enrichment program, as was expressed by the parents, students, and staff in Irvington and from Kean University.

Yvonne is an exemplary character. She is well respected. She has an outstanding work ethic and is fully dedicated to any task she encounters, and she meets her professional responsibilities in a timely manner. She has a proven record of success as an educator and leader. She communicates articulately and effectively, in addition, she is a pleasant team player who works cooperatively and collaboratively with others. Moreover, she has excellent problem-solving skills. Overall, she carries herself in a professional manner. She has a positive attitude that is reflected in her overall professional demeanor. I know that she is capable of the performance caliber of the candidate which you are seeking, and she possesses the qualities to fulfill the duties successfully. Thus, I sincerely and unequivocally, recommend Yvonne Bouknight as a candidate for the Montclair Board of Education. I am confident that she will prove to be an asset.

Alicia Renee

Former Student

It is my honor to share with you, my thoughts on what an asset Mrs. Yvonne Bouknight would be to the Board of Education of Montclair NJ. Mrs. Bouknight was my teacher from grades 6 through 8, between the years of 1979 to 1982.

Mrs. Bouknight ran her classroom with positive discipline. She let us know that she cared about our education, and she worked diligently to help us reach our educational goals. I do remember her colleagues holding her in high regard for her knowledge and professional etiquette.

As a student of Mrs. Bouknight, you knew that you had to work hard and prove yourself. Nothing was freely given. We earned every passing grade.

Mrs. Bouknight was then and I am certain even today, an inspiration to students and education professionals alike. I believe that Mrs. Bouknight could positively evoke change on the Board as well as her community.

All these years later, I am honored to have been her student. Mrs. Bouknight's legacy as an educator helped mold me into the educator I am today. I cannot imagine my life without teaching.

I'm sure that her seat on your board will encourage her peers as well as the schools in her district, to bring their A-game, dig down, and make the necessary decisions that will be of great benefit to the community of children and families of Montclair.

Jodie Schnack

Former Colleague

I am so excited for the students of Montclair! I have had the pleasure of knowing Yvonne for over 18 years and she is always pleasant, willing to lend a hand, involved with helping others, a good communicator, organized, and most importantly a good friend!. Yvonne, a former colleague, created many successful programs and participated in many results-driven committees. How lucky Montclair will be with Yvonne as a BOE member! -Jodie Schnack