Two incumbent school board members and a newcomer are seeking election to the Lawrence Township Public Schools Board of Education in the Nov. 3 general election.
Incumbents Michele Bowes and Arundel Clarke are joined on the ballot by newcomer Mark Elliott.
Bowes has served on the school board since 2016. She is the board president and chair of the Negotiations Committee. She also serves on the Curriculum Instruction Assessment and Development Committee and the Finance Committee.
Clarke has served on the school board since 2021. He serves on the Personnel Committee and the Negotiations Committee and is the liaison to Student Services.
Elliott is seeking election to the school board for the first time. He is running for the seat held by board member Diana Pasculli, who is not seeking another term.
The Gazette asked the candidates why they are seeking election to the school board and what they hope to accomplish during their three-year terms.
Why are you seeking election to the school board?
Bowes: I am seeking re-election so that I can continue the work of seeing the district’s reconfiguration through to completion. I feel a strong responsibility to our students, our district and our community to help ensure that this transition is successful and that we continue to manage the district’s finances responsibly, following the passage of the $98 million referendum.
I will remain committed to providing thoughtful leadership, maintaining fiscal responsibility and making decisions that support the long-term success of our schools and the students we serve.
Clarke: I am seeking another term because I’ve had the pleasure of serving the school district through the referendum. During that time, I have interacted with people from all different walks of life.
I would like to continue my growth with the district in this way.
Elliott: I am running for school board because the quality of our schools is important not just for our students, but for our community. As a school parent, I have seen the importance of an engaging and supportive school environment firsthand.
I have also taken an active interest in the quality of education by attending school board meetings. Through these school board meetings, I have grown an understanding as to what work goes into the success of our students.
A fundamental belief of mine is that when a community’s school increases the quality of education for all its students, all community members benefit. Betters schools result in higher achieving students that have more opportunities after graduation. More opportunities after graduation means greater economic opportunities and the ability for graduates to reinvest in Lawrence and continue the cycle.
Higher quality schools also attract more families into our community and raise real estate values for everyone. Both as a Lawrence Township Public Schools parent and community member, I recognized that Lawrence already has great schools, but that doesn’t mean more can’t be done.
In short, schools are the heart of every community and are essential for every community member’s future social and economic benefit. I believe that improving our schools will help Lawrence grow.
What do you hope to accomplish in the next three years?
Bowes: I hope to continue the important work we have begun in LTPS by increasing student achievement and success, fostering a safe, healthy and inclusive learning environment, and strengthening community engagement and partnerships.
By working collaboratively with educators, families and community members, we can build on our progress and ensure every student has the opportunities and support they need to thrive.
Clarke: My primary goal for the next three years is to continue my growth while serving the district, and maintain discussions with families as we work through the next steps of the building expansion.
Elliott: In running for school board, I am guided by my high school’s motto – “Learn to live and live to learn.” I believe this encapsulates what LTPS should aim for.
In the next three years, I hope to improve the quality of education for our students and allow them to excel academically, whatever that means for each individual student. I also aim to develop a supportive and welcoming community environment for all students in Lawrence’s schools.
This is key to allowing students to succeed academically. I believe that successful students means a successful town for everyone.
