I am not the same as the other candidates for the West Windsor-Plainsboro Board of Education. The responses to the questions from the League of Women Voters and the West Windsor and Plainsboro News sounded very similar. We all want a high quality education at a reasonable cost. However, I bring a unique set of skills to help achieve results in these challenging economic times. I can unearth the hidden stories in the financial reports. I can help the district find and articulate the best path to a high quality, cost efficient education. I can help negotiate fair and equitable contracts.
As a product manager for a large financial institution in New Jersey, I have a track record of solving various challenging problems. For example, several years ago when a line of business was losing several million dollars a year, I played a key role in restoring it to profitability. I achieved this by exploring the financial information for the business and found that there were several different problems. In some cases, we were not charging market prices. In others, our costs were too high for the level of service. I unearthed each of the stories and explained them to the key decision makers along with the appropriate remedies. All numbers tell stories, and I can find and explain those stories.
I also negotiate contracts on a regular basis. In my career, I have provided significant input and guidance in the creation and modification of customer contracts. These contracts provide clients with the terms of service that they want, while giving the service provider the protection and compensation deemed appropriate. Both parties are satisfied. This process takes place under the scrutiny of the laws and regulations of the state of New Jersey, similar to the school board constraints. As the district negotiates contracts with its service providers, my knowledge and experience will be very useful.
Finally, if elected to the board, I will encourage more women to run. Many voters may not realize that the current board only has one woman, and she faces a re-election challenge. I believe that we need more balance on the board to hear diverse points of view on all the issues. Therefore, in future elections I will seek women candidates to help round out the board.
As stated above, I have skills and experience to help the district navigate these challenging economic times. I hope the residents of West Windsor will recognize this and vote for me, Scott Powell, for School Board on April 20.
Scott Powell
West Windsor
I am writing to ask the voters of West Windsor to elect Scott Powell to the school board of the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District.
I have known Scott for several years as both a colleague and friend. Scott has tremendous leadership skills and analytical capabilities. As a financial product manager, Scott is responsible for managing both revenues and expenses. The Board needs this experience, particularly in these challenging economic times. Scott also has strong collaborative abilities; a necessary trait for a successful board member who must work together with eight others.
Scott is the parent of two young children and understands the importance of providing a high-quality education. As the son of a teacher, Scott appreciates the teachers’ point of view on what it takes to accomplish this. Scott is also a businessman and understands the importance of keeping costs low to ensure that taxes are kept to a minimum.
Scott Powell brings the right set of priorities to the job and will make an outstanding board member. I urge the voters of West Windsor to vote for Scott on April 20 and elect him to the school board. In accordance with District Policy Number 0146, please note that though I am a board member, this letter expresses my own opinions and not necessarily those of the board.
Todd Hochman
Daisy Court
Scott Powell will bring change and leadership to the West Windsor- Plainsboro Board of Education. Scott and I are colleagues and having worked with Scott for the last three years, I believe he will bring a fresh perspective to the board. He will also bring a rigorous, disciplined approach to the financial and labor challenges facing the district.
I have been impressed with the focus and energy he brings to solving problems. For example, we had an employee involvement team at work that had been muddling along for almost a year. When Scott joined the team, it quickly regained its vigor and relevance and added renewed excitement to our unit. On another occasion, Scott joined a team assigned to share business priorities with our business partners. Before Scott joined the team, they had developed several ordinary events. After Scott joined, the team developed exciting and engaging events that were well-received by the business partners. In both instances, Scott brought new ideas and a strong desire to deliver great results. He also brought a process and philosophy that helped to achieve these outcomes.
In surveying the field of West Windsor candidates for the School Board, I strongly believe that Scott will provide the Board and the district with a much needed shot in the arm. That is why on April 20, I will vote for Scott Powell, and I encourage you to do the same.
Melanie Pelosi
