>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2008
LAURIE GOODMAN ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR RIDGEWOOD BOARD OF EDUCATION
Village resident Laurie Goodman has announced her candidacy for one of two open seats in the upcoming election for the Ridgewood Board of Education.
“I’m committed to improving communication between the community and the Board of Education,” Goodman said. “I believe members of the Board of Ed can do a lot more to ensure they are truly representing the wishes and goals of Ridgewood.”
Goodman cites the current controversy over math curriculum as an example of a situation where the Board of Ed has failed to maintain trust and a two-way flow of information. “To find themselves at odds with so many in the community, so far down the road of math curriculum development, is a good example of the disconnect between the Board and the public and parents,” Goodman said. “The ‘us versus them’ mentality is one we can work harder to eliminate. It’s counter-productive a real drain on time and resources,” she added.
Goodman continued, “With the challenges that continue to face us in terms of our budget decisions, state funding changes, rising costs and the difficult financial choices to come – not to mention the hiring of a new superintendent and two new principals – it’s vital that the Board of Ed listen to the community and ensure our priorities are clear and we’re all on the same page.”
As an active member of the Ridgewood community, Goodman has served as a member of the Ridgewood Community Task Force/Municipal Alliance, President of the Somerville Home & School Association, Secretary/Treasurer of Federated HSA, Member of Benjamin Franklin Middle School HSA, Co-Chair of Ridgewood High School Project Graduation 2007, and Member of the Ridgewood Public Schools QR2 Task Force on Parent & Public Engagement. In 2006 she led a community effort to establish the Dog Park at the Ridgewood Duck Pond. Goodman and her family are also active members of the Community Church of Upper Ridgewood.
When asked why voters should choose her for the Board of Education on April 15, Goodman replied, “As a mom, businessperson and volunteer, I have a reputation for being thoughtful, level-headed, honest and direct. I do my research and ask questions – before I form an opinion or make a decision. One of my strengths is the ability to focus a team’s attention and energy in order to solve problems and get things done. I would love the opportunity to bring that skill to the Board of Education.”
Laurie Goodman has lived in Ridgewood for 10+ years. She has been married to Paul Goodman for 20+ years. They have two children: Marya (2007 graduate of Ridgewood High School, currently at the University of New Hampshire) and Pete (8th grade student at Benjamin Franklin Middle School). Ms. Goodman is self-employed as a freelance writer and project manager. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from the University of Denver and a Master’s degree from the University of Kansas in Soviet & East European Studies.
Village residents interested in finding out more about Laurie Goodman’s positions on issues in the Ridgewood Public Schools can visit her website at https://web.mac.com/lauriegood or send an email to goodman4boe@mac.com.