BOE Candidate Profile: Mary Walter

With school elections coming up on April 27, Manchester Patch reached out to the  to learn about their background, connection to the community and where they stand on key education issues.

Today's profile features Mary Walter, 53, a licensed real estate salesperson who has lived in Manchester with her husband for 22 years and has served on the board since 1996. Walter's two sons entered the Manchester school system in kindergarten at Whiting School and graduated from the township's high school.

The other candidates, newcomer  and incumbent , have been featured.

A board of education member is not paid — why do you feel it is important to volunteer your time serving on the board?

I believe that local participation in the public school system is important because every district has its own needs, expectations and standards. Our nation was founded on the principle of local control.

I also feel that volunteerism is a positive way to set an example for children. I have also volunteered to train newly elected board members throughout New Jersey since 2002, as well as more advanced training through N.J. School Boards Association.

What are your key concerns heading into next year? 

Every year brings concerns about how to provide a 21st century education for our students within a very tight financial framework. That is not likely to change in coming years, because of how education is financed in New Jersey.

However, here in Manchester, we have found ways to conserve money in certain areas so that we could continue our programs for the children. For example, our energy conservation procedures have allowed us to use thousands of dollars to maintain and update our curriculum as needed. We have also used competitive procedures for a lower cost of needed supplies.

What issues do you hope to address?

It is vital to keep our materials current, such as the computers and related equipment, at all grade levels. Because they receive so much use, and yet computer technology is rapidly changing every day, it is a struggle to be able to provide the latest technology for all areas. However, we are confident that by keeping a steady watch on what is needed, and what can be made available, that we are able to offer our students a well-rounded education and a wide variety of choices in subject area.

Our attention is also focused on keeping our buildings as safe as possible for all students and staff. Without revealing the details, I can say that we have taken measures each year to protect the children and staff.

Budget cuts have been a problem for NJ schools — how can Manchester schools ensure that students receive a quality education without putting extra strain on taxpayers?

Part of the problem for all districts in New Jersey is a frequent change of governors and commissioners in recent years. Each time there is a new administration, the state brings new requirements and demands on schools, most often without providing a means of supporting them. 

For example, [former Gov. Jon Corzine] had set in motion some plans for all districts to offer preschool classes for a limited number of students. Such a program would require more materials, classrooms and staff. 

With the change in governors, that plan was dropped, and new concentrations took place. This constant change of plans places a hardship on school districts, and does not provide a continuity in state policy.

For Manchester students, we have strived to offer the best curriculum and additional services possible. We have found that by observing the changes taking in place in Trenton, but not lunging ahead at the first inclination, we have  brought stability for our students, staff and citizens. To spend our citizens' money on needless changes would be foolish.

Gov. Chris Christie wants to reform tenure. What are your views on how tenure should be handled?

I believe that a law that is approximately 100 years old is worth re-considering. Most professions do not operate in the same fashion, which creates a division between teaching professionals and the rest of us. We should definitely be talking about this topic in the state.  

We are very proud of the staff that we have in Manchester, and support their efforts to be lifelong learners. We provide in-service sessions and other services toward that goal.

What achievement are you most proud of?

In the years that I have been a part of this board of education, I am very happy to say that we have remained a working team, through two superintendent searches, several building projects, numerous budget presentations, negotiations, legal issues, hiring, etc. 

The effort to stay open-minded, to work together toward the same goals, even though at times we do not all agree, to remain focused on what is best for our students is what has made my experience with the board the most rewarding. By achieving harmony on the board, including the superintendent, we are best serving the needs of the children.

How can you serve the board and the residents of Manchester in a meaningful way?

There were several reasons why I chose to run for re-election: 

• As new members have joined us, I feel it is important to retain some members who have been on the board for a while longer. This provides the stability that was mentioned earlier.
• During the years I have lived in Manchester, I have grown to know the community by its demands and expectations, and I enjoy being a part of this district. There are items of which I believe I can still make a positive contribution.     
• There are still issues concerning boards of education throughout New Jersey in which I would like to continue to be involved. 
• I still experience a thrill when I see the senior class coming onto the football field for graduation ceremonies or when I am reading a book for a class of children. That's the real reward.

Somewhere in our schools here in Manchester are future school board members. Their experiences here will influence their decisions at that time. One of the most important things that all board members need to remember is that all board goals should be directed toward student achievement. When they keep that in mind, it will guide members in their decisions that will affect the lives of children, their parents, staff and the community. It has been my personal goal for all board members that I meet to remember that common goal.