Candidate Profile: Kinnelon Resident Dr. Marcy Pryor

A resident of Kinnelon for the past eight years, Dr. Marcy Pryor is one of two candidates who filed nominating petitions for her candidacy in April's election. We caught up with Dr. Pryor to see why she is running.

Q: Will this be your first term on the board?

A: Yes.

Q: What inspired you to run?

A: My family and I have lived in Kinnelon for eight years and we love this town. I am prepared to work with the team to help meet the current challenges and provide the students of Kinnelon an optimal education, while being mindful of budget constraints.

Q: What are some of the issues or challenges of the board that you're looking forward to working on?

A: Perhaps the biggest issue I see in public schools today is "doing more with less." The Board of Education is working with slimmer budgets and increasing needs of our students. It is important for our schools to reach all learners from the early grades through high school. I would also welcome the opportunity to help the BOE provide better communication between the schools and the community. Over the past year, I have attended every BOE meeting. I have taken and distributed minutes to community members on my own and through the Kinnelon Community and Education Partnership (CEP) based on these meetings. I think this is definitely something that should come directly from the BOE in a timely manner. It is extremely important for the community to be informed and involved in our schools.

Q: Do you plan to serve on any committees?

A: Absolutely. I welcome the opportunity to serve on some of the Board of Education committees. I think I would be an asset on any committee requiring expertise in education.

Q: What is your professional experience?

A: I teach students with specific learning and multiple disabilities and have been a public school educator for 18 years. I have a Doctorate from Columbia University in Administration in Special Education, where I was a research fellow. In addition, I have served as a college adjunct. On a community level, I am a founding member of CEP (Kinnelon's Community and Education Partnership), a liaison group between the community and the BOE. I am President of my homeowners' association and active with the American Cancer Society.