13 Things School Board Members Wish People Knew About Them

1. We are the best trained elected officials in the state
2. We have to go through a criminal background check before taking office
3. We have to adhere to a code of ethics
4. We are legally required to go into executive session when we discuss certain matters
5. We can't tell you the "real" reason that teacher was non-renewed... or that student got suspended
6. We're not the person to talk to if you have a problem with your child's teacher.
7. At school board meetings, the public comment period is for the members of the public to comment, not engage in a discussion with board members.
8. We don't get keys to the school buildings.
9. We don't get paid a salary.
10. We only oversee one employee: the superintendent.
11. One or two board members can't enact new policies.
12. We don't decide when school is closed for a snow day.
13. We take great pride in the most satisfying part of our job: having a lasting impact on the education of the children in our community, and helping every child reach his or her full potential.

and Language Arts. This mindful pair was not satisfied with just these core subjects and looked for ways to support students in Science and Social Studies. Their philosophy to make everyone successful was supported by the Westwood School District, in a commitment to make a full co-teaching class.

Where does this dedication come from? Mrs. Patterson began working with handicapped people in a group home as she prepared for her work at the Westwood Regional School District. Mrs. Duda started at Brookside and Ketler, as a fifth and sixth grade teacher, coming together at George school where they began officially co-teaching. This pair has worked diligently with our Co-Teaching Consultants from Montclair State University to develop exemplar strategies for the co-teaching model, often serving as a model for other colleagues to observe and work with. This generous nature extends to their holistic collaborative approach with the students, where their class is “Kindness Certified”. This inclusive philosophy extends to the entire school community where they have invited all students to join them for a movie, such as “Wonder” on a Friday evening. Even their interactive Bulletin Boards, extend to the whole school, promoting respect and kindness.

Not surprisingly, when I asked Mrs. Duda and Mrs. Patterson what they would do if they had not become teachers, there was a long pause, as if to “say’ how absurd. After some wait time, Mrs. Patterson said she would have become a “nurse” and Mrs. Duda would have become an “attorney”, specializing in School Law. Thankfully, for the students and staff, they landed here at George School.