Three incumbents are running for reelection in an uncontested race for three-year seats on the board of education on Election Day, Nov. 7.
Name: Sean Toner
Age: 54
How many years have you lived in Palmyra? 18 1/2
Married? Children? Grandchildren? Married with a 19 year old son.
School and degree: The Catholic University of America – bachelor’s degree in architecture
Profession: Architect
Elected Office: Has served on the board for eight years.
Community involvement: Serving on BOE.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I believe a lot has been accomplished in the last few years and I would like to support the district in continuing the progress we have made on achievement. I would like to see our district grow our programs for our students both in Dual Credit college courses and Career and Technical Training. I would also like to see the continued growth of our test scores.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
We need to provide improved facilities by replacing roofs and old air handlers as well as provide security vestibules. We need to increase our space efficiency by relocating offices and support programs within our buildings to increase classroom spaces in preparation for the planned residential development on the other side of Route 73. These are important steps to take as we look to provide education into the future. We need to prepare students so they can compete in today’s workforce. Securing the funding to make this happen is an important item for us to focus on.
Name: Judy L. Belton
Age: 54
How many years have you lived in Palmyra? 26 years
Married? Children? Grandchildren? I am married and we have four children ages 26, 23, 20, 20.
School and Degree: Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Profession: Morgage Regulatory Compliance and Risk Industry.
Elected Office: I have served two terms as a school board member.
Community involvement: I belong to TriBoro CERT since September 2014 and I am a member of the Ladies Auxiliary for Independent Fire Company, Palmyra Fire Department since June 2019.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I have been very passionate about our public education system before my children entered Palmyra School District many years ago. I ran for school board when my second daughter was in high school; and since then, the school board has supported the district in reaching many goals and achievements. There is a lot more work to be done and I want our school children to have an excellent education.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
One area I would like to concentrate on is the improvement of our facilities. Upgrades and enhancements to our facilities will provide a comfortable learning environment for our children and growing community.
Name: Jennifer Mossgrove
Age: 50
How many years have you lived in Palmyra? 14 years
Married? Children? Grandchildren? Married to my wife; three children, ages 19, 18 and 13
School and degree: Bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Bethany College in West Virginia, and a master’s degree and doctoral degree in mathematics education from the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania.
Profession: Director, Teaching Fellowship Program at Knowles Teacher Initiative – I am a teacher educator; I run a Fellowship program that supports beginning math and science teachers in high schools across the country.
Elected Office: This is the first time I’m running, but I’ve served on the board since January 2023. I was appointed by the board for a vacant seat.
Community involvement: I have been involved with Palmyra schools since my youngest started kindergarten at Charles Street School in 2015. I have been a member of the PTA (parent teacher association) every year and served as a room parent each year through 2020. In May of 2022, I became a trustee on the Palmyra High School Foundation for Educational Excellence (PHSFEE). And I am a fanatical devotee of the Palmyra Halloween Parade.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I have witnessed firsthand, as both a parent and teacher, the need for community investment in our schools. I have a deep love and appreciation for the teachers and the culture here. I am particularly drawn to the ways the entire Palmyra community supports the schools. I also bring an understanding the national education landscape. Combining this knowledge and my passion for supporting education helps me to navigate the unique possibilities and challenges that our district encounters each year. I believe in the power of community – and I am excited for the opportunity to continue to serve Palmyra schools.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
Equity. My focus is supporting our district as we strive to develop classrooms and other educational spaces where all students have meaningful learning opportunities. This means that teachers need strong support to continue to lead the development of equitable curriculum. I know firsthand the importance of that work and the challenges that arise as different stakeholders (teachers, parents, administrators, etc.) work to determine what approaches best serve our children. A strong commitment to equity leads to continuous improvement in student learning, keeps innovative teachers in the classroom, and strengthens our communities.
Polls open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 7.
