Meet Fran Orthwein: Parsippany School Board Candidate

Parsippany Patch has reached out to local candidates to find out more about them. Check out Parsippany Patch's Election Hub for information on all candidates. Here is information from Fran Orthwein.

• Orthwein has lived in the Lake Hiawatha section of Parsippany for 27 years.
• Age: 54
• Family: Married to Ron for 28 years, 3 children, all Parsippany School attendees.  Rob is in his last year of college in PA, Allison is an EMT and attends County College, Sarah is a 2013 graduate of PHS and is attending James Madison University in her freshman year.
• What is your education background?   Some college
• Why do you think you are qualified for this position?  My work experience was centered on Human Resources and Employee Benefits.  I have a wide range of experience working with various employee groups as well as union contracts.  Prior to being appointed to the Board in 09-10, I was a consistent attendee at BOE meetings for about 8 years. 
• Why are you running for this elected office?   I believe in giving back to the community and the schools that have afforded my family so many opportunities.  Through my volunteer service on the Board I can assure that a quality education is available to all children in Parsippany.
• What are the three issues that most concern you?   Stabilizing the Senior Administrative team, preserving the quality of the instructional programs and co-curricular activities being offered in the district, and facilitating a more cohesive Board.
• Explain your proposed approach to managing these issues. In January, the Board must move immediately to interview and identify a new Superintendent of Schools.  The next priority is recruiting a new Business Administrator. Through the budget process  and careful oversight the Board can ensure that the programs and co-curricular activities are held to a high standard of achievement and are focused on the needs of the children. I believe the Board can work together to do what is best for our community.  We need to bring education back to the Board of Education.
• Have you held elected office before? Please provide details of what position and for how long.  I was elected to the Board of Education in April 2011.
• What organizations do you belong to?   Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills, King of Kings Lutheran Church, Mountain Lakes.

---
Editor's Note: Patch will be posting these candidate questionnaires in the order that they are received back. For candidates who have not heard from Patch, please contact Kim@patch.com.