As a former teacher, school principal and attorney with 20 years of experience in education, I’m running for the Teaneck Board of Education to help guide our district toward academic excellence, student well-being and financial accountability. My focus is on ensuring that the board works transparently and collaboratively to support all students and empower educators to succeed.
Prioritizing Literacy and Intervention Programs
The board has a responsibility to ensure policies and funding align with educational best practices. Early literacy is critical, and while the district uses Benchmark Literacy and Wilson’s Fundations, we need to do more:
- More Nonfiction Resources: We need a stronger emphasis on nonfiction texts to build students’ informational reading skills.
- Phonics Intervention Programs: I advocate for adopting Wilson’s Just Words to support students approaching grade level.
- Restoring Pullout Services: The elimination of supplemental support positions has created a gap. The board must ensure resources are directed to early interventions that prevent future academic struggles, especially for students with language-based learning disabilities.
- Updating the Writing Curriculum: A modern writing program, with explicit grammar instruction and differentiated support, will ensure all students can meet learning goals.
Fostering Safe Schools And Meaningful Parent Engagement
The board must set policies and oversee their consistent implementation to ensure all students feel safe and supported. Our HIB (Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying) policies should exceed state minimums, not just meet them. Parents need to be partners in these efforts, fostering a school culture where students thrive socially and emotionally. Safety must be a priority across all grade levels.
Transparent Financial Management
The board is responsible for overseeing the budget in a way that ensures funds are spent where they matter most—on students. I will push for clear financial reporting so parents, teachers and community members know how resources are allocated. Every dollar should support student success and help restore critical programs that have been cut (like the resource room). The board must act as stewards of taxpayer money, balancing fiscal responsibility with educational priorities. It should be clear where every dollar is going and why.
Preparing Students for Life Beyond High School
The board’s role is to ensure the district provides not just a diploma but the foundation for college, career and life readiness. That means curriculum oversight to ensure that academic programs like Eureka Math 2 are properly implemented with the necessary teacher support. We must empower teachers to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners, ensuring all students are prepared for success.
Building a Strong Partnership Between Families, Educators And the Board
The board should foster a collaborative relationship with parents and teachers. Clear communication builds trust and helps ensure that policies reflect the needs of our community. As someone with experience in both education and law, I understand the importance of giving educators the tools to innovate while keeping parents informed and engaged in their child’s development.
Vote Jenni Levy: For a Transparent, Student-Centered Teaneck
I am committed to working with the superintendent, my fellow board members and the community to restore trust, promote transparency and prioritize student achievement. If elected, I will advocate for thoughtful policies and effective oversight that ensure every student in Teaneck receives the education and support they deserve.
Vote Jenni Levy for Teaneck Board of Education—Together, let’s build a school system that works for every child, every family and our entire community.
Thank you!
