April 2013 School Board Election -- Patricia Sadowski

Patricia Sadowski         Ballot Line: A3

What motivates you to seek this office/another term in this office? I am motivated to seek another term because I would like to see the completion of Redshaw Elementary School, and the renovation of Paul Robeson Community School. I would also like to be a part of the solution behind increasing the graduation rate.

What will be your top priorities as a School Board member/in a new term on the School Board? My top priorities if I am elected would be to increase the graduation rate. We need to increase credit recovery programs. We need to find innovative programs to capture varied student interest.

How will you seek to foster parent involvement in New Brunswick Public Schools? We have an excellent bilingual parents council. I would encourage parents to join and also get involved in the children’s school PTA. The high school also has a Zebra Booster Club and PTO. We also offer programs in our different schools such as math and literacy nights for parents, family fun nights, and dinner dances.

How will you ensure that students who are immigrants themselves or whose parents are immigrants receive equal and high-quality educational opportunities?

All of our students are entitled to equal and high quality educational opportunities. High quality academic programs are available to all students in all our schools. We have family and student liaisons, and school counselors in all our buildings who are available to speak with students and parents who need their services. There are times when students and families can call any of the administrators and request assistance. There are also parent teacher conference times available. Our staff members are always available when requested.

How will you ensure that the School District supports struggling students who are in danger of falling through the cracks? We ensure that the school district supports struggling students by identifying students with our administrative support staff and with our teachers. We are never satisfied and are always looking for programs that ensure our students success. Using technology and test scores to support our students. We run after school tutoring programs within our schools and with the YSS after school programs.

In addition to parents, how will you engage other stakeholders in the New Brunswick Public Schools, such as city residents, students, alumni, teachers, staff, and community institutions? Stakeholders at present are very engaged in our schools. Johnson & Johnson has sponsored many opportunities for our students such as the Bridge to Employment Project. The Hoagland law firm has mentored many of our Lord Stirling and Middle School students and also sponsored scholarships. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in very involved with our Health Science students offering exposure to health careers. Alumni are very involved in the New Brunswick Education Foundation. Presently five members of the New Brunswick Board of Education are graduated of New Brunswick High School. A recent fundraiser at the New Brunswick Elks, which was an all New Brunswick alumni event, raised money for the foundation that endows scholarships to our high school graduates, and mini grants to our teachers. They are also heavily involved in the Robotics program at the Middle School. Many teachers are personally involved in the many extra activities at the schools. Many city residents have read to our students during Read Across America week, have visited our schools, and use our schools for recreational activities.