Schools

Jeanette Thomas Proud to be First Latina on Board

Morristown resident running unopposed in elections on April 17.

Having been heavily involved in her daughter's time through Woodland School, Thomas Jefferson, Frelinghuysen and then –as well as involvement in the Girl Scouts and recreation sports–Jeanette Thomas is no stranger to the Morris School District.

But, serving on the Board of Education?

"It was not even in my thought process," said Thomas, who has lived in Morristown since 1999. "It didn't cross my mind."

Find out what's happening in Morristownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

But, when Sandra McNeill resigned from the BOE earlier this year, "I took it as an opportunity to not only see what goes on inside the school district, but also make a difference," she said.

On Tuesday, Thomas is running unopposed in Board of Education elections to complete that term she took over earlier this year.

Find out what's happening in Morristownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"There's a lot of diversity in Morristown, not a lot on the Board," Thomas said. "I am the first Hispanic on the board, the first Latina on the board. That's something I take very seriously.

"I would then be required to be the voice of the Hispanic community. It is very clear to see we have a large Hispanic community," she said.

Still, Thomas noted her ultimate goal is "to give our children the right education and make sure everyone gets what they need, the whole student body."

Her first three months, Thomas said, would be to gauge her interest in being on the Board, but it was obvious from the first meeting, "I belonged there," she said.

"I want everyone to know I want the Morristown community to be successful, the children and administration," she said.

As the most junior member of the Board of Education, Thomas said she is still "learning the ropes" and continuing to meet people involved in the District. "I am definitely still learning, and it's just a pleasure," she said. "It's not an easy task, but it's all very exciting for me right now."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here