Jennifer Maury, David W. Dungey, and Monica Pelaez are proud to announce their candidacy for Hackensack Board of Education under the Champions for Students slate. The three candidates are running on a platform of enriching the culture of our schools, enhancing academic rigor in the classroom, and planning for the future needs of our community.

Jennifer, an educational support professional in the Tenafly Public Schools, has two children educated through Hackensack public schools. David, a computer scientist at Honeywell, has been a technological innovator during his career, and also has one child currently attending school in Hackensack and one who attended elementary and middle school here. Monica is a surgical technician at Hackensack University Medical Center, with a niece and nephew who each attend school in town. All three are dedicated volunteers across our community, Jennifer a member of the schools district’s Parent Advisory Committee, David Chair of Hackensack Access for All Board, and Monica with the Jackson Avenue School PTA.

“As an educator, I understand many of the challenges our students and staff face each day,” said Jennifer Maury. “I graduated from Hackensack High School, and while the classrooms may look the same, the needs of our staff and students have completely changed.”

Together, the Champions for Students slate will focus their campaign on one simple principle – speaking with fellow residents about how to better our schools for all children. They’ll be walking door-to-door, meeting with neighbors, and having conversations at every opportunity possible focused on our students.

“I’m an innovator by trade, and I want our students to discover their passion for science, mathematics, or any other subject like I did a number of years ago at Hackensack High School,” stated David Dungey. “My children have greatly enjoyed their time in our schools, but much like other parents I’ve heard stories and know there are some things that can improve.”

“My father worked as a custodian in this district for nearly two decades,” added Monica Pelaez. “I hear stories from my niece and nephew about small ways teachers and other professionals impact their lives. I want to make certain our community supports our staff, so that they can continue having a positive effect on our children.”

For more information about the slate and to view upcoming events, check out their Facebook page Facebook.com/ChampionsForStudents.