GLEN RIDGE, NJ — The Glen Ridge Board of Education election will hold a contested election this year with four candidates running for three, three-year seats. Three of the candidates are incumbents: Betsy Ginsburg, the BOE president; Heather Yaros-Ramos; and Michael de Leeuw. The challenger is Teresa Boye-Tellucci.
In a previous edition of this newspaper, Yaros-Ramos and de Leeuw were interviewed. All candidates were asked the same questions.
Elisabeth Ginsburg has served five, three-year terms and one, one-year term. She said she is running again because there has never been a more challenging and exciting time in education. The challenge is from diminished funding and education “reforms” that have put a burden on district staffs.
The excitement is from an ambitious, referendum effort.
“If successful, this will enable us to address longstanding facilities and space needs,” she said. “I want to be part of that effort.”
Ginsburg said she can offer 16 years of experience plus a thorough knowledge of school district operations and the role of the board in overseeing those operations. She said she also brings enthusiasm to her responsibilities, “for education, for this community, and for this job as board of education member.” She said those responsibilities are greater today than when she first ran for the board.
Ginsburg is endorsed by the CCC.
She does not presently have a child in a Glen Ridge school, but her daughter went through the system.
Ginsburg is employed as executive director of the Garden State Coalition of Schools. This is a nonprofit, educational advocacy organization.
She is also a trustee of the Freeman Gardens Association, a member of the Glen Ridge Historical Society and the Women’s Club of Glen Ridge.
“I am also a member of St. Luke’s Church in Montclair and sing in its choir,” she said. “As an avid gardener, I also belong to numerous horticultural organizations and the Garden Writers of America.”
Teresa Boyle-Tellucci said the reason she is running for the BOE is the opportunity to serve her community. She feels that as a board member she would be able to make a considerable contribution to Glen Ridge. Boyle-Tellucci said she is endorsed by the CCC.
“Community service is very important to me,” she said.
Over the years, she said she has volunteered for school functions and various fundraisers.
“I always raise my hand when people need help,” she said.
Boyle-Tellucci has two children in the Glen Ridge school system. With her children older and more self-reliant, she said she now has the opportunity to run for the board.
“Our educational program and supporting our schools is very important,” she said.
She is a board member of Program for Parents.
“They try to educate folks in early child development,” she said. “They also provide funds to caregivers.”
She has been with this organization for two years and calls it “a great experience.” The organization has two locations, Montclair and Newark.
Boyle-Tellucci is an employment attorney and for several years has volunteered with Pro Bono Partnership and helped to draft an employees handbook.
“Having a legal background is important,” she said. “I am also a mediator in employment cases.”
Boyle-Tellucci said she is a good communicator and as an employment attorney has knowledge of risk analysis.
If elected, she said her first year would be a learning experience, but because of
her background she would like to eventually become involved with the personnel committee.
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