09/22/2023
Dear Friends and Neighbors:
I am Scott Cowan, and I am a concerned father of four, running for the Demarest seat on the Northern Valley Regional High School Board of Education.
We live in an area best known for our top-ranking school district, but several major issues have fallen through the cracks. I decided it was time for change and time for someone new to step in and advocate for our children and all residents of Demarest.
Once elected as your Board of Education representative, I promise Demarest families that I will:
*Heighten Academic Excellence - As a long-time resident of Demarest, I am proud of the reputation of our schools. As a parent, I am passionate about improving the high school experience for our children. Despite being a top-ranking district, many of our students are still suffering from the school shutdowns. I will help create a path forward for students facing a loss of learning and keep the emphasis on teaching where it belongs – on key academic areas of Mathematics, Sciences, Language Arts, History, Athletics, and the Arts.
*Bring Back The Blue Ribbon – Northern Valley Regional High Schools were awarded the Blue-Ribbon Award of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education during the 1994-1996 school years. Since then, the schools have not received that designation. I am committed to bringing back the Blue Ribbon to our high schools.
*Achieve Financial Accountability – The residents of Demarest are already paying hefty sums in property taxes. 75% of these dollars are used to fund our schools, yet the budget is exceeded year after year, raising our taxes higher and higher. I will analyze where each and every dollar is spent and will cut any and all excessive spending.
*Remove Politics From Education– Let’s keep politics out of the classroom. Our children should be taught how to think, not what to think. I will ensure teachers and administrators leave their political affiliations at the door and keep the schools a safe place for all students of all beliefs.
*Protect Parental Rights – As parents, we are our children’s first and most important teacher. It is our right and responsibility to know exactly what is going on in our children’s lives, whether it’s at home or in school. Students should always be advised to turn to their families for guidance and advice on all personal matters. Once elected, I will propose a policy to protect the rights of all parents.
With your vote, I can help increase our academic growth, cut back on excessive spending, and make our schools a safe environment for every student. I hope I can count on your vote on November 7th.
It would be an honor to represent you, the people of Demarest, on the Northern Valley Regional High School Board of Education. If you have any questions or would like to set up an in-person meeting or telephone conversation, please email me at [email protected].
Thank you,
Scott Cowan
