Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis has endorsed a second member of the “Kids First” slate running in the November 3 Board of Education election, “academic all-star” Dr. Thomas Howard, Jr., for a two-year term on the board.Â
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Dr. Howard has a proven track record in the field of education,†Davis said in a statement. “From building teacher capacity to implementing innovative practices, Dr. Howard knows how to get things done when it comes to public education.â€
Howard, who currently serves as the Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Harbor in New York City, has a B.A. from Winston-Salem State University and an M.A. from Rider University, as well as a Doctorate in Education from Nova Southeastern University.
Howard has 35 years of experience in education, as he began his career as a music teacher 1980. Since that time, he has served as an elementary school teacher in a number of school districts, including the Lawnside and South Brunswick Boards of Education.
He has also served as the principal at the Burlington City Board of Education and the Trenton Community Charter School.
“I’m passionate about education,†Howard said in the same statement. “Mayor Davis understands that and he knows that with my background and experience I’ll be able to make a difference in our community.â€
Additionally, Howard just spent nearly three years of his career serving as the Associate Director for the Data-Driven Reform in Education at Johns Hopkins University, which was managed by the Success for All Foundation.
While serving in this capacity, Howard created a research-based data analysis model used to train school administrators across ten states to understand student outcomes and improve academic performance, according to a news release.
“My unique academic experience provides me with the knowledge and know-how to lead on issues pertaining to standardized testing, career and college readiness, youth development and engaging community as a way to boost student learning,†Howard added.
“Dr. Howard is an academic all-star, and we need him on our team fighting for our children,†Davis concluded.
Davis’ endorsement for Howard comes one week after he threw his support behind Denis Wilbeck. The Kids First team also includes incumbent Chris Piechocki, Nancy Solis and Barry Kushnir.