By TAPinto Montville Staff
MONTVILLE, NJ – Nov. 5 is election day, and in order to give residents more information about the candidates for Township Committee and the Board of Education, TAPinto Montville asked the candidates five questions.
Here are the answers that Karen Cortellino, who is currently a member of the Montville Township Public Schools Board of Education, and is running for re-election, gave:
Question 1. Present a short biography
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Karen Cortellino, a 40-year resident of Montville Township, has enjoyed a distinguished tenure on the Board of Education since 2006. The 18 years of Karen’s service have been characterized by calm, steady progress in academics and Board operations, including the introduction of innovative programs, addition of AP courses, restructuring of the world language program, improvements in safety, communications and facilities, which have all been accomplished in a financially responsible way, mindful of the impact on the taxpayer.
Under Karen’s leadership as Board President, the Board began to understand its role as overseer, which has led to a stable central office staff, competent administrators, highly effective teachers, and most importantly, high levels of student achievement.
Karen’s commitment to professional development through the New Jersey School Boards Association academy program has earned her the distinction of being Montville’s first Certified Board Member, Master Board Member and Certified Board Leader, requiring more than 60 hours of professional development, attendance at various statewide and regional meetings and workshops, and service in leadership positions.
Having served two terms as Vice President of Legislation, in May 2023 Karen was honored to have been elected to serve as President of the New Jersey School Boards Association, a federation of boards of education. Her tenure on the Montville School Board and as an officer of the New Jersey School Boards Association has helped establish strong relationships with state and federal legislators, where she is able to advocate for public schools, and ultimately, our beloved town. In addition, her years as an NJSBA officer, and especially now as president, has given her the opportunity to visit many other school districts in many counties. This has certainly confirmed that Montville Township Public Schools are well run and the Board’s understanding of its role continues to elevate the stature of our schools. I enjoy the work of being a school board member and I am so proud of the work we do here: academic excellence, innovative programs, outstanding co-curriculars, including competitive athletics, recognized music programs, Broadway quality theater and more.
· Montville Township Board of Education, 2006 to present
· President Montville Board of Education, 2010-2016
· Vice President of Legislation, NJ School Boards Association, 2019 to present
· President NJ School Boards Association 2023 to present
· President Morris County School Boards Association, 2013-2018
· Nominated by her colleagues for School Board Member of the Year
· Practicing physician specializing in breast imaging and intervention
· Married 42 years, blessed with 2 children, and two grandchildren
Civic and Community Activities
· Montville Good Scout Award, Boy Scouts of America, 2017
· Towaco Civic Association Board of Trustees, 2006 to present
· Executive Committee, Boy Scouts of America, Patriots Path Council 2019-2021
· Montville Township Relay for Life, 2019-2024
· One Montville, One Montville Response Team 2015
· Project Playground, 2000
· Parishioners St. Pius X Church since 1984
Question 2. Why are you running for re-election?
I’ve sometimes heard that serving the community as a board member can be a thankless job.
But I don’t think of it in those terms: I prefer to think about all the tremendous rewards that continue to feed my passion for board service after more than 18 years on the Montville Township Board of Education.
recalling a board meeting where you had a nervous group of fifth graders visit to tell the board about their wonderful new character education program.
Or, maybe a group of high school students is being honored at a board meeting for their selection as ShopRite Stars.
Perhaps you were invited to read to a class of first graders on Dr. Seuss Day.
For me, the most meaningful moment is attending the high school graduation ceremony. Not only is graduation an important milestone in the lives of these young adults but it is also the conclusion of a 13-year journey and the beginning of a new one. Listening to Pomp and Circumstance, watching the seniors walk across the stage to shake hands with the superintendent and receive their diplomas, seeing all the pictures being taken with family, friends, and staff, makes it all deeply gratifying and worthwhile.
These and other rewards of board service make serving on a board of education so worthwhile and fuels my desire to continue to serve.
Question 3. How important is the increasing enrollment to Montville taxpayers and why?
Projections are enrollment will grow by over 300 students from 2022 through 2028. These projections are based on proposed housing and demographic shifts. All schools except the high school will see increasing enrollment through this period. Montville prides itself on small class sizes, especially at elementary schools. It will be a challenge to maintain this policy as enrollment grows.
Question 4. What other issues do you feel are important to talk about
School districts today face many challenges: financial restraints, teacher shortage, enrollment increases, transportation costs, mental health, safety and security, and more. Our district has faced these concerns and managed them effectively and efficiently, but relief is needed. We will continue to work with the school community and community at large to continue to successfully navigate a challenging environment.
Question 5. What else would you like to say
I love serving as a school board member. I thoroughly enjoy the work and watching our students thrive. I believe my record demonstrates an understanding of what makes an effective board, which leads to positive student achievement. I would be grateful for your support and vote, and honored to serve another term.
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