Patella: 'I Like to See How it All Works'

Lisa Patella has no complaints about the way the school board is run; in fact, that's a large part of the reason she's running for Cranford's Board of Education. She is one of three uncontested candidates.

"I just want to be part of the process," she said. "99 percent of my experience with the school board has been positive."

Patella is a full-time mother whose three children are all part of the Cranford school system. She got her first sampling of school administration as Hillside Avenue School's PTA President when her oldest son Steven, now a freshman at Cranford High School, was in second or third grade.

"I liked it, and wanted to look into the Board of Education," said Patella, but added that because of the time commitment involved with the Board, she decided to wait until her children were older to pursue a seat on it. Now that they are –Maggie is a seventh grader and Anthony is in fifth grade, both at HAS, Patella is excited to be a part of what she considers a successful school board.

"I've read over the minutes, watched meetings, spoken to members," she said. "Things do work pretty well."

Patella was all set to run a solid campaign and win an open seat, but when she found out the election would be a walk-on, her priorities necessarily changed. Now her goal once she is elected is to contribute in a positive fashion.  

"I just want to have good input," she said.

Patella believes the biggest challenge facing the Cranford Board of Education is the impending budget cuts coming from the state.

"I hope (an acceptable budget) passes, but this year might be a little trickier," she said. "As a board member and a taxpayer, I'm looking to see the money spent in the best way possible."

Patella is excited about her new role. She is "open and honest, with the kids' best interest at heart, just like the other board members," but believes the school board will benefit most from her natural curiosity.

"I like to see how it all works, I like working with the kids, and I like being part of the school system," she said.