FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ — Jennifer Patten is one of six candidates seeking three full-term seats on the Freehold Township Board of Education in the Nov. 8 general electi0n.
In these profiles, candidates provide voters with background about themselves and their positions on the issues, as they see them. Patch is publishing individual profiles leading up to the election.
Patten is an incumbent, having served 11 years of the Board of Education. But, she notes, that “doesn’t mean I don’t question everything. When people voice their concerns . . . I am listening. I weigh everything,” she says. She says that taxpayer burden and state mandates are two main issues facing the district.
Read more from candidate Jennifer Patten:
Name: Jennifer Patten
Age: 45
Town of residence: Freehold Township
Position sought: Freehold Township schools Board of Education (preK-8), three-year term
Are you an incumbent or have previous school board or civic experience? I am an incumbent, and serve on the Freehold Township Parks and Recreation Commission as well.
Family: My husband and I have four children, two in high school and two at Saint Rose of Lima in Freehold Borough. During COVID we put our younger two children in Catholic school, because they needed in-person school and religious education. Financially it has been a little bit stressful, but they are happy, so we have continued with what is working.
Education: Graduate of Saint Rosa Lima, Freehold Borough High School and bachelor’s degree from Villanova University.
Occupation: Employee of Freehold Regional High School District, (secretary at Freehold Township High School)
Why do you want to run for the school board and what in your experience or background prepares you for election:
I am terrible at campaigning because I hate asking people to “please vote for me.” I want people to do what they feel is right, especially given our current world. I have experience serving on the board for the past 11 years, but it doesn’t mean I don’t question everything. When people voice their concerns – whether it’s with a friend directly, friend we have in common, by email, or when they participate at a meeting – I am listening. I weigh everything.
If you are running as part of a slate of candidates, please explain the main positions of the slate if there are agreed upon positions.
I am running as an individual, but I vouch for the thoughtfulness and integrity of my fellow incumbents, Mike Matthews and Elena O’Sullivan.
Name what you see as the top issues currently facing your district and how you plan to address them. These can be local issues and/or statewide issues.
Taxpayer burden and state mandates are two main issues facing our district.
It has become harder and harder to manage a budget where the state has placed so many mandates upon us.
Board of Education members have been used as a shield by state and federal governments for decisions made at those levels regarding COVID and curriculum. I’m tired of all the distractions and I want to look at continuing with the best programs for our kids.
I won’t hesitate to say if I hate a program. And I won’t hesitate to say that we need to watch our spending. Costs are out of control for all families.
But I believe that I can also be collaborative. Many people don’t realize that a Board of Ed gets nothing done as one, only as nine.
What changes or improvements do you see for the district that could enhance educational life and is there a way you might accomplish that?
Going back to basics. Working in education has become a daily siege these past few years. My hope for staff, students, and parents is that simpler and better times are ahead.
Everything is too serious, we need more frivolity. I would, however, continue to look at morale across the board, as well as student achievement, as vitally important.
Candidates for Freehold Township Board of Education:
Full Term – Vote for Three
- Renata Brand, Parental Knowledge Consent
- Jeffrey D. Williams, Students Before Politics
- Faith Edwards
- Michael Matthews
- Elena S. O’Sullivan, Educator for Education
- Jennifer K. Patten
