Raritan Twp Candidate forum

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Tune in and cheer on our candidates Barb Simoncelli & Hope Cohen as they face their republican opponents.  

October 11, 2021

6:30 PM

TapInto will be hosting the forum and it will be held virtually on zoom. The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce has collaborated with TAPinto for this Candidate Forum.

Registration is required. 

Steve Chernoski, TAPinto reporter, middle school history teacher, and producer of the documentary "New Jersey, The Movie" will serve as moderator. 

Ms. Markowski was unable to attend the BOE Candidate forum.  She has provided us with responses and a candidate statement.  In order for voters to make the best educated decision on who to vote for, we are publishing her comments since they are not included in the video.

I am Laurie Markowski from Raritan Township. I have lived here for 28 years.  I have 2 older children that have gone through the school system and are very productive citizens of where they preside now.  I am a Board of Ed member for 18 years and I also am involved with NJSBA and our county association.  I love this community and district and that is why I have served for so many years on the Board of Education.  I am looking forward to continue this venture to help our children and community grow in this district.  I enjoy working with the other board members along with our Superintendent and administrative staff as well.  With this past year given so many challenges in our every day living we were still able to supply an education to our children. I love serving because whatever the issue is we are able to still be there for our students and community.  Before being on the Board of Ed, when my children were young, I served as President of the PTO at Desmares.  Our district works so hard for the children in our schools doing whatever they need to help them learn.  I love the fact that our parents volunteer to help as well.  We also have a very caring community and am very proud to be a part of that.  Being on the Board of Ed also allows us to get to know other board members in Hunterdon County.  The relationships you meet in this role are also a part of being a member.  You learn so much not just from your board but others serving in the same role as you in other districts.  We also get training from New Jersey School Board Association.  They have a wealth of information.  They train new board members to help them get on board along with veteran board members keeping them up to date with state mandates.  I have appreciate them for all their knowledge and help.  Being a board member is an honor and I am very proud of it.   Thank you for letting me serve these years and I look forward to another term.  

1.   What do you see as the main challenge facing FRSD today?

•  One of the challenges I see with the board is keeping our children, staff and administrators safe with COVID—

2.   What equity issues and challenges do you think exist in public education in general and in FRSD specifically? What is the role of the BOE in addressing these issues?

•  It's not a matter of equity issues it is making sure our children have the same learning tools in our schools and using them to the limit.

3.   Do you agree with Gov. Murphy’s Executive Order that requires all persons to wear face masks when in school buildings, at least for the beginning of the 21-22 school year? Please support your position with reasoning.

•  I do agree with the decision—it is a matter of keeping everyone safe.

4.   How does FRSD best assess gaps in learning that may have resulted from limited instructional time during the pandemic?

• We have our teachers and administrators evaluating that and making the necessary adjustments with our kids.

5.   What should be the role of the BOE in helping FRSD overcome pandemic-associated learning gaps?

• Evaluating the children throughout the year and correcting these associated issues.

The Raritan Headwaters Association is resuming their Annual Stream Clean Up with COVID-19 guidelines in place.  This is a great opportunity to safely gather as we perform a service to the community.

SITE 12A- Liberty Village, Flemington, NJ

THANKS to everyone who participated.  We had a great turn out and did a fantastic job cleaning up our streams, waterways and park area.