Election 2023: Stafford School Board Candidate Bonnie Strouse

STAFFORD, NJ — Election Day is nearing, and Stafford voters will head to the polls to cast their votes for three Township Board of Education seats.

Patch sent questionnaires to all candidates seeking their responses. Here is the response from candidate Bonnie Strouse.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the office of the clerk. The responses received will be published between now and the Nov. 7 general election. These responses will be published edited only for style. Candidates who would like to participate but did not receive one (for whatever reason) can contact [email protected].

Name Bonnie Strouse

Age 42

Education I graduated William Paterson University in 2003 with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing

Occupation I worked for 15 years in nursing before taking time for one of the hardest jobs. I am lucky enough to be the full time Household manager for my family. Or as I like to call myself "The CEO of the Strouse House"

Family: My husband and I have been married for 16 years. We have 3 daughters, 2 cats and 1 dog. One daughter is at Southern Regional Middle School and two are currently in the Stafford School District.

Previous public office experience? While I have not held a public office in the past I like to think of this as a positive. I have even more reason to prove myself and make the community glad they elected me into this position. I am going in with an open mind and a clean slate. Previous experience will not cloud my judgment and I will focus on the future of our children's education.

Why are you running for this position? When my family and I moved here 5 years ago we immediately saw a difference in the school system from the previous one we were in. The opportunities provided to our children are not seen in most districts. I want to ensure that future students will have the opportunity to experience that same wonderful learning environment my children have had.

What separates you from the other candidates? I feel I come to this with no personal agenda. The focus of my campaign is truly doing what is best for all the students of Stafford Township. Since moving here, I have been an active volunteer with the PTO helping in any way I can. Currently I am the Corresponding Secretary for the Stafford PTO where I have created a positive working relationship with the various schools already. I hope to be able to serve the schools and the community more if elected onto the Board of Education.

What do you think is the most pressing issue in the district and how do you intend to address it? As many are aware, a large amount of state funding was pulled from our district this year. I feel that the budget will be a pressing issue to overcome the financial loss to the district. With that in mind I am fiscally responsible and will work diligently to provide the best education to our students while also keeping with the budget.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish? If elected I hope to build a collaborative relationship with staff and the community to establish strong communication to inform and engage staff, family and the community in setting and achieving district goals.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know? While I may be new to public office, if elected, I will work tirelessly to ensure the best for our district and our community. I do not take my responsibilities lightly and will be fully committed to attending all meetings. I have no vote restriction and will vote for the best interest of all students and residents.