Smith Seeks Election to West Essex School Board

The West Essex Regional Schools Board of Education has three open seats in this spring’s election. Dawn M. Smith will run unopposed for a three-year term representing the sending district of Roseland. Smith was appointed to the seat vacated by Carolann Aschoff in December 2010.

Smith, 47, has lived in Roseland for 10 years. She is the mother of three children. One child attends Lester C. Noecker School in Roseland, the other two are enrolled in West Essex Regional Middle School.

Voters will go to the polls on Wednesday, April 27 for a chance to vote for Smith. The public will also vote on the district's proposed $34.5 million school budget.

Patch recently posed some questions to the candidate: 

Please describe what qualifications you feel you have to serve on the school board. 

My belief is that education is one of the cornerstones of our society and being the mother of three children currently attending schools in the district, I have a vested interest in the success of the West Essex school system. 

What do you think are the top issues facing the district?

The biggest obstacle is to maintain academic excellence amidst the current harsh economic climate. I will try to help the district to save money by investigating every cost-saving opportunity possible.

What is your current occupation? 

Recently employed, as of January 2011, by Marketsmith Inc. as a corporate relocation consultant.

Please describe your previous work experience. 

I worked in finance as an institutional money broker for 14 years. Between my professional history in finance and my last 14 years as a stay-at-home parent, I will utilize my diverse background and continue to bring a unique perspective to the board.