When I first became a member of the Board of Education, one of the most important things to me was ensuring that the community had a real voice in shaping the future of our schools. I didn’t believe in assuming what should happen—I believed in listening. As a parent who has had children in the district for 18 years, I knew firsthand how little had changed to our building over time—most upgrades were limited to things like roofing and boilers. Our students, educators, and families deserved more. That’s why I supported asking the community directly in the referendum what they wanted for their schools, for their students, and for their teachers.

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The vote confirmed the passing of the Referendum. Once the construction is complete, every Cranford student will have access to full-day kindergarten, supported by new classroom space at four elementary schools. The funding also enabled modernized media centers, updated technology, renovated performing arts spaces and classrooms, improved accessibility, air conditioning in large areas, upgraded electrical systems, and other critical infrastructure improvements. More than $19 million of the project is expected to be covered by state aid, minimizing the local impact while maximizing benefits for students.

 

Separate from the Referendum, the Board supported Cranford’s Energy Savings Improvement Program (ESIP), a budget-neutral initiative that retrofits public facilities with energy conservation measures without requiring upfront capital investments or impacting local taxes. The $9 million ESIP project delivers eco-friendly upgrades—including lighting, solar panels, window replacements, hot water boiler replacements, …—that are projected to save over $11 million in energy costs over time, combining environmental responsibility with fiscal prudence.I joined the Cranford Board of Education three years ago with a dedication to advancing student learning, improving school facilities, and promoting sustainable practices. I continue to believe in transparent, inclusive decision-making, ensuring the community has a voice in shaping the future of Cranford’s schools while fostering safe, sustainable, and high-performing learning environments. I’m proud to have played a role in making sure the community’s voice was central to these decisions. This modernization of our buildings—is about investing in our children’s futures.