BTN is conducting a series of interviews with the Board of Ed Candidates to find out more about them and what they stand for. We are also including their Top 5… We asked the candidates to be creative in their top 5. This can be from their top 5 things, top 5 sports, etc…
Our next candidate to participate is Sanjiv Ohri, incumbent. Sanjiv has been with the Glen Rock BOE for 9 years.
1. Why are you rerunning for the BOE?
As you know, I have 2 kids in the school system and as a parent; I am committed to further enhancing the quality of the educational experience for all our students. While we have made progress in several areas at BOE, I believe I can continue to contribute positively to achieve our educational goals, make the district stronger and improve our state wide rankings. I strongly believe in the philosophy of continuous improvement and another term will allow us to further our goals
2. Why do you think you are a good fit for the BOE?
For the last 9 years I have consistently shown leadership on Board of Education where I have always put students first. I believe I am a strong advocate for the students and the Glen Rock community as a whole. I make decisions based on data, evaluating each issue on its merit, understanding the facts and using knowledge I gained from my past experiences, with a keen focus on the future. I am a team player, with a deep understanding of the overall educational/Board of Ed processes and my independent thinking skills and my ability to bring positive change during my tenure are essential attributes of a good trustee.
3. What do you think are some of the top issues you would like to see accomplished in your next term for the school district? and why are they important?
Glen Rock public schools are K2 – 12, a comprehensive school system with strong academics, sports and other activities focused on kids. So we need to keep our focus on the “whole child”, attending to their academic needs and ensuring their physical well being. I would like to accomplish a better balance between supporting the educational process that meets students’ needs and the fiscal responsibility to the entire community. Although I am only one of nine board members who can vote on issues before the board, I am committed to making the right choices that will maintain our high state-wide ranking.
4. Do you support K-3rd students biking to school with parents? Would you consider allowing them to park their bike in the bike rack?
I support biking to school in general but the safety and security is the main concern as kids will be crossing some major roads in our town. Parents should work with the building principals and administrators of the district to define detail plans to make sure safety is the topmost priority. As long as there is enough space, all bikes should be secured in the bike racks.
5. Are there any changes you would like to see the school district look at? And why?
I would like to explore the ability to raise money from other sources – such as reaching out to outside sponsors, obtaining additional grants, and donations to enable the Board to keep the tax call as low as possible while maintaining and improving the schools system.
6. Any other information you would like to share about yourself?
I am Glen Rock resident for 13 years. I am also a member of Glen Rock Religious communities where I served as a Treasurer and participated in 4th of July and Thanksgiving ceremonies. I work with various religious and civic leaders in our community to ensure we can keep our community strong and embrace the diversity of our town. Recently I also joined the CRAB (Community Relation Advisory Board of Glen Rock and New Jersey).
7. They want to know how anyone can sit on the BOE and not have kids in the school system.
In order to run for the School Board you have to fulfill the mandatory requirements and having kids in the school system is not a mandatory requirement at this time. Every voter has the right to vote for a candidate that they feel will best serve the children of Glen Rock and the community at large.
