Jessica Young

I am running for school board because I am an educator, a parent, a community member and a stakeholder in the future of the Hamilton Township School district. I have been an Elementary school counselor since September of 2009, and my educational experience gives me an edge because I know what schools look like on the inside, if you will. I have knowledge of the education system and the obstacles educators face. I understand the dynamics of the classroom, CST (Child Study Team), HIB (Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying), 504 plans and IEPs, Special Education, as well as Curriculum and Instruction.  Discussion of details and knowledge are very different when coming from the perspective of experience.

I am currently employed in the Manalapan Englishtown Regional School District and I did my Practicum and internship hours in the Montgomery School District. Having experience in districts outside of my hometown has allowed me the opportunity to see what other districts are doing and how they are doing it. It allows me to see what is successful and what can be improved; you build on what works.

The dynamic of Hamilton is extremely diverse, as we are a very large district with many different schools and many different needs. That said, as the focus becomes looking for a permanent superintendent, there are a few key things I'd like to see from a candidate. First, he or she should have experience in a diverse district, The next superintendent needs to understand the unique challenges the district faces. The Hamilton Township school district needs someone who has an understanding that working here is a labor of love, one in which will take time and commitment to the process, and will require transparency.

The Board needs to continue its efforts to be inclusive and to communicate the process of choosing a superintendent to the families, students and educators of the district.

I attended Mercerville for Kindergarten briefly moved to WWP and returned to attend Crockett; I graduated from Nottingham in 2000. I am a Rider University graduate.

My family and I purchased our first home in 2008 and many of my family and friends still reside in the township as well. I love it here, and I want to stay here, however, I need to feel secure that education is a priority of the township. I am not saying I feel it's not, I'm saying we have had inconsistent leadership. Stability at the top is paramount to success. We have amazing educators in this district and in order to retain them and continue to recruit the best there is to offer, we have to be viewed as a district of value. It’s all relative; families move to areas where they perceive the district to be one of quality. Quality schools directly impact property values.

We all have a vested interest in the success of our schools. However, the community’s most important asset is our children. We all need to lay our head down at night and feel as though we are doing right by them. We need to ensure we are creating an educational environment and experience that is not biased by politics. We need to be fiscally responsible, but also be proactive and responsive to needs. I am a mom of 3. My oldest is entering first grade at Sayen this year and my other two will be following shortly.

As I run for a seat on the school board, I would love to engage in a meaningful and productive conversation with my fellow candidates. I think that it’s important for the community to know who it is voting for and what each candidate stands for. I am not sure I love the term debate;it feels divisive and partisan in nature. I'd like to be heard, and I would like to hear from my fellow candidates. Discussing the issues is a great idea as long as it’s done in a respectful and productive manner. We can all learn from each other if we listen, we need to do more of that.

I hope I earn your vote and support for Hamilton Township School Board.