Former BOE member urges public to consider serving on new board

By Muriel J. Smith

HIGHLANDS — Reflecting on her six years on the Henry Hudson Regional School Board, Tracey Abby-White said she feels immense satisfaction in contributing to the education of students in Atlantic Highlands and Highlands.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to know that I’ve given my time to help foster the best education for our students,” she said.

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Abby-White, a former board member from 1988 to 1994, is calling on more residents to file petitions before July 29 to run for the district’s new nine-member K-12 regional school board.

She highlighted her journey and shared her motivation for running.

“I was told the elementary school was first rate, but I was advised against sending my children to Henry Hudson because there were very few students and no football team. That wasn’t reason enough for me.”

Committed to ensuring a quality education, Abby-White ran for and won the Board of Trustees, and witnessed the exceptional offerings of Henry Hudson and his dedicated faculty.

“A good education is essential for a child to take ownership of the trajectory of his or her life,” she said.

With regionalization approved by voters, the new board will consist of nine members: five from Highlands and four from Atlantic Highlands, who will be elected in the November election. Although Abby-White would have liked to run again, her current role on the Brookdale College Board of Trustees and her recent appointment to the Y of Greater Monmouth County Board of Trustees prevent her from serving on a local school board.

Abby-White acknowledges that volunteering takes work. The hardest part for her was putting her name on the ballot—despite her education and experience as a teacher, she was intimidated by the title. She advises potential candidates to be aware that New Jersey law requires new board members to complete training within 90 days of starting their role. The training, provided by the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA), covers policy, school finance, student achievement, labor relations and school law.

“Busy people make great board members because they think strategically and avoid micromanaging,” she said, emphasizing the need for people who believe in public education and are willing to volunteer their expertise. She stressed the importance of understanding the constraints of public education and the need for community members to attend board meetings to learn how tax dollars are being spent.

She stressed that public education is under constant pressure to meet growing mandates while reducing the financial burden on taxpayers.

“What do our students need to succeed in a global economy? What do we need to change today and in three years to get there?” she asked, advocating for courageous people with a growth mindset and a sense of curiosity to serve on the board. She stressed the importance of trusting the trustee and making decisions based on a jointly developed strategic plan.

The new regional council, which has a 5-to-4 ratio of members, reflects population differences. Abby-White said the need for unity on the council, encouraging questions and opposition will ensure the best decisions for students.

Highlands and Atlantic Highlands residents interested in serving on the new regional council can obtain petitions from the Monmouth County Board of Elections or the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education. Completed petitions, including all necessary information and signatures, must be returned to the Monmouth County Board of Elections in Freehold by 4 p.m. on Monday, July 29.