Ramapo Indian Hills Regional BOE Candidate Profile: Doreen Mariani​

WYCKOFF, NJ — Candidates are set for the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional School District Board of Education race on the Nov. 8 ballot.

In anticipation, Patch sent questionnaires to each of the four candidates vying for two open seats from Wyckoff on the Board of Education, asking them to share facts about themselves and why voters should choose them to represent the school district serving students from Wyckoff, Oakland and Franklin Lakes.

Doreen Mariani is bracketed together with another newcomer Thomas Bogdansky, running under the slogan "Integrity, Accountability, Transparency." The duo is facing another slate of newcomers for the seats being vacated by President John Carolan and trust Robert Fortunato.

Name:

Doreen Mariani

Age:

58

Town of residence:

Wyckoff

Position sought:

Ramapo-Indian Hills BOE

Family:

35 years ago, I married my high school sweetheart, Frank. Together we raised 3 children, and have been blessed with our first grandchild who is turning 1 next month! We have been in Wyckoff for 18 years and all three of our children have been through our Wyckoff school system, K-12.

Education:

Bergen County Technical School

Occupation:

Currently I am retired, and enjoying life with my grandson! When available, I do volunteer to assist seniors and keep them compony in our community.

Why are you running for this office?

Many years ago, my husband Frank served on the South Hackensack Board of Education. I saw how passionate each member of the board was and how each one took their role very seriously, knowing each decision they made had to be thought out carefully because it would impact the children and their future. No matter how complicated or challenging things got, the one constant always was putting the children FIRST. Based on what I see at the board meetings and from what educators have shared with me, putting students first is not a current priority. Political agendas and ideology are shaping the future of education and I’m concerned we are shifting focus away from preserving and providing quality education.

What do you feel is the most important issue facing constituents, and what do you intend to do to repair or resolve it?

I believe a large number are passive and have no idea what the kids learn in school, what decisions are being made, or how tax dollars are being spent. This is evident by the low attendance rate at board meetings and is reason for concern. Without accountability and transparency, the current board has had the power to spend money and make decisions without question. As elected board members, we will not take advantage of the trust you put in us and will be transparent, fiscally responsible, and encourage community participation.

What differentiates you from other candidates?

My children are adults so I have no other motive other than to do what’s right for our children and constituents. I sincerely want to preserve the high-quality education our school district has offered while keeping Wyckoff an affordable place to live. I want children today to experience the high-quality education my children received and to also have the tools to compete with students across the nation.

What other issues or ideas do you feel deserve attention?

I believe we can do better to expand on the resources and programs available to children who need additional services. The cost savings would be significant and our students would not be separated or have to drive a significant distance for these programs outside our district. Additionally, we would like to review and fine tune our schools safety plan, mental health and well-being programs, bullying protocols, and any other area that may put students and teachers in an unsafe or unhealthy environment. Is there something we can improve or add? Where are there deficiencies? What are other schools doing across the nation? Are we giving our teachers and staff correct training and the resources needed? Are we asking our students and teachers for feedback?

What accomplishments in your past demonstrates that you are the best candidate for this job?

My proudest and most important accomplishment in life has been raising my children. I’ve raised them to be grateful for the opportunities they’ve had and to be positive contributors to society. I believe our schools and community also played an integral part in instilling this sentiment. I was fortunate to be a stay-at-home mom so I actively immersed myself in volunteering in the PTO and our community. I know the importance of working together to build a strong community. I am dedicated to putting students first and preserving a school system and community that will continue a tradition of excellence.

Do you want to tell voters anything else about you or your positions?

I implore all stakeholders to educate yourself and learn the facts. Ask questions and make informed decisions. Our opponents are resorting to a campaigning style like you see in politics today by spreading untruths. We will not resort to this in order to gain votes. We are visiting groups that invite us to speak, whether it is a place of worship, a club, or a group with same or differing views. All stakeholders have a right to hear our platform, regardless of their affiliation. Whatever we do or wherever we speak we make it clear that Board of Education is non-partisan. The only political challenge we will face is coming together as a board to keep it out of curriculum! We would love to hear from you and will answer any questions you have.

Visit us at www.tomanddoreen4rihboe.com and Facebook/Instagram tomanddoreen4rihboe. VOTE Tom Bogdansky & Doreen Mariani, COLUMNS 1 & 2. It’s YOUR VOICE, YOUR CHOICE, OUR CHILDREN.