ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Keep academics at the center of decision-making, maintain high standards, and prepare students for college, careers and life beyond high school.
ALINA BERGNERS
Candidate for Watchung Hills Regional High School Board of Education — Warren
EDUCATION FIRST
Common Sense Leadership for a Stronger Watchung Hills
Priorities
My Three Priorities
TRANSPARENCY & PARENTAL PARTNERSHIP
Promote open communication, provide clear information, and respect parents as essential partners in their children's education.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY & ACCOUNTABILITY
Make thoughtful, responsible decisions about taxpayer dollars and school resources, and prioritize spending that directly supports students and education.
About
About Me
Warren has been home to my family since 2010. My children attended Warren schools and graduated from Watchung Hills. After years of involvement as a parent, PTO Executive Board member and substitute teacher, I am running to continue serving our community and keep education at the center of Board decisions.
My professional background includes managing projects for large companies with experience in budgets, vendors, schedules and resources. I hold an MS in Information Systems from Stevens Institute of Technology.
All three of my children attended Warren Township schools, beginning at Mt. Horeb Elementary School, then Warren Middle School and Watchung Hills Regional High School.
Being involved in my children's schools has always been important to me. Even while working full-time in corporate project management, I took time off to volunteer at school events.
I joined the Watchung Hills PTO in spring 2020 and served on its Executive Board for six years, helping organize student and staff programs and events and supporting PTO communications and social media.
I also worked as a substitute teacher across Warren Township schools, which gave me an opportunity to experience the schools from a different perspective.
Photos from Watchung Hills PTO events, including Parent Meet and Greet, Ice-skating, Bowling, Teacher Appreciation and Project Graduation.
Career
I have spent my career managing various projects for large companies, including Chase, Deutsche Bank, ADP, Reckitt Benckiser and L'Oréal. At Deutsche Bank I coordinated multiple infrastructure projects, and at ADP I coordinated large-scale telecom projects across multiple locations, managing schedules, resources, and budgets to ensure timely delivery. On the Board, I would bring the same habits: clear plans, careful attention to budgets and vendors, and regular, transparent updates to the community.
Education
- Master of Science in Information SystemsStevens Institute of Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Computer ScienceNew Jersey City University
Roots
I came to the United States from the former Soviet Union in the 1990s. I am a proud naturalized U.S. citizen.
In my words
Why I'm Running
I am running because I believe education should remain the primary focus of our schools. After raising three children in Warren and spending many years involved in our school community, I want to continue giving back and help ensure that future students receive the strongest education possible.
I believe Board decisions should be guided first by what best serves students academically and prepares them for college, careers and life beyond high school.
I believe in common-sense decision-making, transparency, accountability and a strong partnership between parents and the school.
I will approach issues independently and objectively, listen to different perspectives and make decisions based on facts and what I believe is in the best interest of our students and school community.
I have no broader political aspirations. I am simply a Warren mom who cares deeply about our schools and wants to help keep the focus on providing our students with an excellent education.
Issues I Would Like to Explore
SCHOOL SAFETY & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
My experience as a substitute teacher during a lockdown at Watchung Hills made school safety very personal to me. I would like to examine our emergency procedures, particularly how substitutes are prepared, informed and equipped to respond during an emergency. Anyone responsible for students should have clear instructions and the information and tools needed to keep them safe.
EARLIER COLLEGE & CAREER PREPARATION
After guiding three children through Watchung Hills and the college application process, I believe students and parents would benefit from receiving more information and guidance earlier. By senior year, applications are already underway. I would like to explore ways to begin that preparation sooner so families feel informed and prepared well before senior year.
HEALTHIER SCHOOL FOOD OPTIONS
I would like to take a closer look at the food choices available to students and explore whether we can provide more nutritious, appealing options while remaining mindful of cost and practicality.
As a Board member, my role would be to bring concerns forward, ask questions, examine the facts and costs and work with fellow Board members and the administration to determine where improvements can be made.
FOR ME, THIS IS ABOUT SERVING OUR COMMUNITY AND KEEPING EDUCATION FIRST.
Alina Bergners
Candidate for Watchung Hills Regional Board of Education — Warren
VOTE ALINA BERGNERS
ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 3
