Anne Cugini - Monroe Twp BOE Campaign

11/08/2022

Thank you so much for the support these last few months. I wish I had the opportunity to meet and speak with more community members. If you have a sign on your property you can dispose of them after tonight. The signs are recyclable. Whatever happens I will continue to fight for our children and school community. Please go out and vote, one small change can have a huge impact.

Best Wishes, Anne Cugini

11/07/2022

Proud Mom… Congratulations to the MTHS Marching Band taking 3rd place in the 2022 USBands National Championships. They received their highest score of the season.

11/05/2022

11/01/2022

I just received an email that brought the biggest smile to my face. Kids were trick or treating yesterday saw my sign and said to their Mom " Mom it's Mrs. Cugini's sign take our picture and send it to her". I don't want to post because they are not my children. Thank you for sending that picture to me. I LOVE it. One more week, if anyone wants a sign DM me and I will drop it off.

10/31/2022

An exciting night. The band didn't get top honors but the performance was the best one yet! Monroe Falcons Soar in Academics, Arts, & Athletics.

10/29/2022

Good luck to the MTHS Marching Band as they compete in the NJMBDA State Championship.

Also, last chance to check out Showcase at the high school tonight at 7:00. An evening of Broadway tunes and one-act comedies. See the amazing talents of our students.
Adults- $10
Seniors/Students- $8

10/23/2022

Come on down, say hi and pick up a sign!

10/12/2022

I will not be able to attend the wellness fair this Saturday. I will be across the street setting up for the MTHS Marching Band Home Show. This is an exciting event to watch. Several marching bands from around the area perform. I am assisting with the set up and volunteering during the event.

Come to the field say hi and stay for a great performance.

10/09/2022

These are the questions and my responses from The Regency Reporter:

1. After several failed referendums to expand school facilities, will you vote in favor of the referendum planned for April? Why or why not?

While I agree with the need to address the High School and Middle School space, I do not believe the current referendum adequately addresses all of our issues as a township. With the recent referendum, schools will still lack the appropriate space for students. Inadequate instructional space should not be accepted by our community. We need to properly promote and demonstrate the long-term value the investment would make for our township.

2. Because of limited funding, the Board has used "shared services agreements" with the municipal government to refurbish the tennis courts as well as the track and football field. Do you favor such agreements? Why or why not?

I support efforts to stretch the spending power of our budget to support the needs of schools and students. However, I believe we have underutilized resources that can also provide revenue for our schools. We should develop a plan to bring in revenue to the schools/community by renting out some of our beautiful school spaces to outside vendors and companies. Bringing in organizations to rent our facilities can offset costs and help fund future projects for our schools and community. It also highlights the vibrant community we have and helps us become a destination for families in the future.

3. Even though our students are successful, what do you think can be done to raise student achievement?

These are two ideas for programs that I believe would benefit many and continue to create lifelong learners. Promote a Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) program affiliated with one of the United States military branches, which develops leadership skills in the participating students. Design a program to teach ASL (American Sign Language) to our students. As our country strives to increase inclusivity, having students that can communicate in a variety of ways, including those that may be hearing impaired gives them a unique advantage in the workforce. It also promotes inclusion within our district by having “student-signers” present at meetings and school events to translate for other students or families.

10/09/2022

The Monroe Township Indians for Civic Action (MICA) sent the candidates questions, below are my responses:

Question # 1. Will you support current planned referendum with regards to schools renovation’s and expansion at Applegarth, Middle School and High School? Please explain why or why not.

Our schools are overcrowded and our township continues to expand. While I agree with the need to address the High School and Middle School space, I do not believe the current referendum adequately addresses all of our issues as a township. Schools will still lack the appropriate space for the students that will be attending school with all the new developments that are being built.

We need to have proper classrooms and provide dedicated spaces for all of our scholars, including accelerated students, students with special needs, vocational students, and students still trying to determine their future after high school. Having “mobile” music and art classes that are brought into a classroom on a cart or using an inadequate space should not be accepted by our community. We must properly promote and demonstrate the long-term value the investment would make for our township.

Question # 2 - What is your understanding of the funding formula? How do you plan to advocate for changes in the funding formula?

The funding formula is an area that I am continuing to educate myself on. While I realize our district may not meet the same requirements as neighboring towns, we must continue to advocate to the state to find a more equitable funding formula for our district. The burden of this building expansion cannot be shouldered exclusively by the taxpayers. Surrounding towns with similar socio-economic profiles receive greater funding. This fight is bigger than one person advocating or even just the board of education. I want the school board and township council to work collaboratively to fight to get our fair share and see equity restored in our funding.

Question # 3-If elected what would be the area of key focus for you to impact student success positively in our district ?”

Developing the skills, character, and ability to learn so that our students graduate from our school system prepared to enroll in college, be immediately employed in a career that can sustain them, or enlist in the military are the most important factors for student success in our district.

This vision of success can be ensured by providing a variety of programs that allow students to pursue their interests. Programs like a Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) program affiliated with one of the United States military branches, which develops leadership skills in the participating students can be a pathway to enlistment or enrollment in one of the military academies. Work-Based Learning and Career and Techincal Education are programs that partner with local businesses or trade unions to provide students opportunities to explore vocational interests or experience what a particular career path may look like. These programs should be enhanced or developed by our township.

10/09/2022

The League of Women Voters' sent all the candidates questions, below are my responses:

What do you consider the most important challenges facing the school district at this time? How would you address these challenges?
Our schools are overcrowded and our township continues to expand. While I agree with the need to address the High School and Middle School space, I do not believe the current referendum adequately addresses all of our issues as a township. Schools will still lack the appropriate space for the students that will be attending school with all the new developments that are being built. We need to have proper classrooms and provide dedicated spaces for all of our scholars, including accelerated students, students with special needs, vocational students, and students still trying to determine their future after high school. Having “mobile” music and art classes that are brought into a classroom on a cart or using an inadequate space should not be accepted by our community. We must properly promote and demonstrate the long-term value the investment would make for our township. There is also a need for continued advocacy that I would continue to do with the state to find a more equitable funding formula for our district. The burden of this building expansion cannot be shoulder exclusively by the taxpayers. Surrounding towns with similar socio-economic profiles receive greater funding and I will fight to get our fair share.

What are the most important factors for student success, and how will you, as a school board member, ensure that those factors are addressed?
Developing the skills, character, and ability to learn so that our students graduate from our school system prepared to enroll in college, be immediately employed in a career that can sustain them, or enlist in the military are the most important factors for student success in our district. This vision of success can be ensured by providing a variety of programs that allow students to pursue their interests. Programs like a Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) program affiliated with one of the United States military branches, which develops leadership skills in the participating students can be a pathway to enlistment or enrollment in one of the military academies. Work-Based Learning and Career and Technical Education are programs that partner with local businesses or trade unions to provide students opportunities to explore vocational interests or experience what a particular career path may look like. These programs should be enhanced or developed by our township. Continuing our strong college preparation track is also vital.

In your own words, what are the responsibilities/duties of a school board member?
The goal and duty is to support the students and faculty to give them the best path to success. Board members should be constantly improving their school district and community needs while making difficult decisions due to financial limitations. We have to provide our teachers with the tools to ensure the best practices are always being used. The school board must provide clear communication with families and staff to ensure an atmosphere where respect, consideration, and accountability can provide an optimal learning environment. A board member should also be open-minded to new suggestions and ideas. It is our job to discuss all options, and compromise where necessary, in order to find the best solution to support our students and staff.

What personal and professional experiences have prepared you for serving on the Board?
I am a certified teacher that worked as a daily sub, leave replacement, and full-time teacher. I am a parent of 2 children. I have volunteered on the PTA. While in Monroe, I have developed relationships that allow me to hear other families' concerns. I worked for small private businesses. My diverse experience gives me perspective when looking at the challenges facing our district. As a working mother, I know the importance of balancing a budget by stretching your dollar value. I am a great listener and welcome open dialog. I want what is best for my team. I am solutions-oriented, and I give my best effort toward the plan that was chosen. It is not about me but about the community and what I can do to improve the school district.