https://www.pascack.org/district/board-of-education/board-members

Kathleen "Katie" Keller for BOE, River Vale, NJ (2026)

11/06/2024

Dear neighbors,

Thank you all so much for your support, encouragement, and trust in my leadership. I am honored to serve a new term as an elected member of the Pascack Valley Regional High School District. Your encouragement to keep going and to stand up for the rights of our students truly helped me throughout the campaign season. I’m committed to advancing our schools with a focus on inclusive, high-quality education that empowers every student to thrive.

I also wish my opponent, Eli, the best of luck in his future endeavors. Even if we may not have agreed on how to arrive at solutions in education, I thank you for caring about our students and community enough to put yourself out there and run.

Here’s to continuing to build a bright, supportive future for all our students together. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Katie Keller

11/05/2024

What’s the difference between me and you?

11/05/2024

If we know better, we do better. This has been on my mind for some time now. So, before I stop spamming you all with campaign material, I’d like to share this post. Using “Common Sense” rhetoric is problematic. Give one another some grace. Common sense is not so common, after all.

The “myth of common sense” suggests that what we often call “common sense” is not as universally applicable or reliable as we might think. While people tend to believe that common sense reflects obvious truths or practical judgment that “everyone knows,” this notion can be misleading. Common sense is actually shaped by cultural, social, and personal biases, which vary greatly from person to person. Here are a few ways this myth manifests:

1. Subjectivity and Variability: “Common sense” is not universal; what one group considers common sense may seem foreign to another. It varies based on upbringing, culture, and personal experiences. For instance, common sense in one community might emphasize collectivism, while another prioritizes individualism.

2. Oversimplification of Complex Issues: Common sense tends to simplify complex issues into seemingly obvious solutions, ignoring underlying complexities. Real-world problems, especially in fields like science, education, and policy, often require nuanced understanding beyond what “common sense” offers.

3. Cognitive Biases: The human mind relies on shortcuts, or heuristics, that create biases—ways of thinking that feel intuitive but can be flawed. For instance, confirmation bias leads people to see patterns that confirm their beliefs, which may feel like common sense but actually reinforce misconceptions.

4. Resistance to Change: Common sense often supports the status quo. Since it feels instinctual, it can become a barrier to innovation or progress. When people claim that something is “just common sense,” they may be dismissing new ideas or evidence that challenges established beliefs.

5. Reliance on Intuition: People frequently use intuition as a proxy for common sense, which can be unreliable. For instance, in situations where experts have complex, research-based insights, relying on intuition alone can lead to oversights or errors.

In essence, the myth of common sense reminds us to question assumptions and recognize that just because something seems “obvious” doesn’t mean it is universally true or the best approach. Instead, critical thinking and openness to diverse perspectives are often needed to find more accurate or effective solutions.

11/04/2024

Hey, River Vale! Vote Kathleen “Katie” Keller at the polls tomorrow!

’Twas the Night Before Election Day
(A Parody Poem)

’Twas the night before Election Day, when all through the town,
Not a voter was stirring, no polls had shut down.
The yard signs were planted on lawns with great care,
In hopes that tomorrow, votes soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of progress danced in their heads.
And I in my office, with spreadsheets and pens,
Had just settled in to review once again.

As a mom, my heart beat with hopes and with dreams,
For safe, thriving schools and supportive teams.
For teachers with training, and students with needs,
To have the resources to truly succeed.

When out on the lawn, there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my desk to see what was the matter.
Away to the window, I flew in a dash,
Tore open the blinds and threw up the sash.

The moon on the maples, the sidewalks so clear,
Gave a glow to the signs, and I held back a cheer.
When what to my hopeful eyes should appear,
But neighbors and friends who all held me so dear.

With notebooks, agendas, and thoughts to discuss,
They smiled and they waved, all here to support us.
As teachers and board members, candidates too,
We all shared one goal: to see students shine through.

“Now fairness, now kindness, now strength and inclusion!
On empathy, problem-solving, and solutions!”
I whispered my wishes, then shouted them all,
To uplift our district and answer the call.

We spoke of the future, of values we’d share,
Of parents, of teachers, of showing we care.
For board seats and classrooms, for every debate,
I knew that our love for this work was so great.

And as dawn crept up with a soft golden glow,
I felt a deep peace and a steady, calm flow.
With confidence rising, I thought, come what may,
Our mission for students would win on this day.

So here’s to the voters, the families, the school,
To those who bring heart to each district rule.
And I heard them exclaim, as the polls came in sight,
“Happy Election to all, and to all a good fight!”

10/31/2024

Neighbors,

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns. I completely understand your frustration, and I agree that placing unsolicited and disparaging political material in personal mailboxes crosses a line of respect and legality. This kind of behavior does nothing to foster the unity and constructive dialogue we all want for our community.

I am deeply committed to transparency, inclusivity, and respectful communication in all interactions. My goal is to create an environment where everyone feels safe and valued in expressing their perspectives in an appropriate, lawful way. I want to emphasize that I do not endorse any actions that involve uninvited or disrespectful tactics (such as handing out flags at the polls, making slanderous online posts, placing signs in public places— including at Woodside, spam text messages, disparaging mail, shooting projectiles at signs, stealing signs, etc. as my opponent and his supporters have done), and I strongly encourage those who support me to uphold the highest standards of respect and integrity.

We all play a role in setting the tone for our community, and I believe we must rise above divisiveness by encouraging open, honest, and respectful conversations that are grounded in facts and fairness. I hope we can focus on what truly matters—supporting our students, strengthening our schools, and building a strong, united community.

10/26/2024

The long-awaited flyer! Encourage fellow voters to visit my page for the most comprehensive information about my positions on issues in education.

10/26/2024

Good morning, neighbors! Early voting starts today! Vote Kathleen “Katie” Keller for PVRHSD BOE!

10/25/2024

Can I be frank?

Campaigning is both a privilege and a significant challenge. It requires immense time, thought, and energy to engage with complex, sometimes polarizing topics that impact our schools. Responding with decorum, grace, and respect is essential, especially since these conversations are memorialized publicly. This process can be emotionally taxing, as I strive to represent our community’s values while balancing the demands of public service.

There are, however, questions that I will choose not to answer—particularly those that don’t contribute to the conversation in a productive, realistic, or meaningful way. Some questions fall beyond my expertise, require resources I may not have, or are ones I am simply not prepared to answer, emotionally or otherwise. My goal is to focus on discussions that build understanding, foster collaboration, and contribute to a stronger, more united community for the benefit of our children and schools. By prioritizing respectful, constructive dialogue, we can better serve our public schools and uphold the values we share as a community.

10/24/2024

Q: Are you able to share the significant differences between you and your opponent?

A: While I cannot speak for anyone other than myself—including my opponent—what I can offer is a clear understanding of my own values, experiences, and vision. My focus is on what I bring to the table: my dedication to education, my commitment to serving all students, and my belief in working collaboratively with the community. I encourage voters to evaluate both of us based on our individual platforms and experiences to determine who they believe will best represent their interests on the board.

However, I do believe that our qualifications differ. I bring a unique blend of personal and professional experience that informs my decision-making. One key difference between my opponent and me is that I am actively working in the education field, which gives me firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities our students and educators face. My experience as a special education teacher equips me with a deep understanding of inclusivity, individualized support, and advocacy for all students, especially those with special needs.

Additionally, my current role on the board has allowed me to build strong relationships with community members, parents, and educators. I have worked collaboratively on initiatives that prioritize student success, fiscal responsibility, and transparency. My commitment to continuous learning, both in my pursuit of a doctorate in Leadership and Innovation and my experience with curriculum development, sets me apart as someone who is not only passionate but also well-equipped to lead with innovative solutions.

10/23/2024

Q: Does your candidate (Kathleen “Katie” Keller) support a career focused curriculum similar to the very highly ranked Bergen Academies? Additionally, does your candidate (Kathleen “Katie” Keller) support bringing more skilled trade resources to our school?

A: Yes, I support a career-focused curriculum that empowers students to explore their interests and develop specialized skills. I want all students to have access to educational opportunities that will prepare them for future success. I believe in personalized learning paths that cater to diverse needs and strengths. I recognize the value of providing innovative programs that align with students’ goals, whether they are academic, vocational, or technical.

I believe it is important to develop career-focused curricula that are adaptable and inclusive, serving a wide range of students across different learning styles. Such programs can provide hands-on experiences, internships, and real-world applications that will prepare students for both college and careers. This approach not only enhances academic achievement but also fosters confidence and independence in our students, making them well-rounded and capable members of the workforce and community.

Here are some related issues I’d like to focus on to help students transition to life after high school:

1. Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Trade Schools: One of the most critical areas we need to expand is career and technical education opportunities. Not every student will pursue or be able to afford a traditional four-year college education, and we must recognize the importance of alternative pathways like trade schools. Offering robust CTE programs—such as those in healthcare, technology, automotive, and skilled trades—prepares students for well-paying, in-demand careers. Strengthening partnerships with local businesses and trade schools will provide internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on learning experiences to help students transition smoothly from high school to the workforce.

2. Post-Secondary Readiness for All: Beyond trade schools, we must prepare students for a variety of post-secondary options, including community colleges, technical certification programs, and direct entry into the workforce. This includes providing guidance on financial aid, scholarships, and alternative funding for students who may be unable to afford traditional college paths. Ensuring that all students are career-ready, whether through college or vocational training, is essential to their success and the long-term health of our community.

3. Affordability and Access to Higher Education: For students who do wish to pursue college but face financial barriers, we need to ensure that they have access to the resources they need to make higher education affordable. This includes better support in the financial aid process, early intervention with scholarship opportunities, and partnerships with local colleges to create dual-enrollment programs that allow students to earn college credits while still in high school, reducing the overall cost of a degree.

4. Workforce Development and Community Needs: As a district, we should be closely aligned with the needs of the local economy. Engaging with community businesses and industries to understand the skills they require will help us tailor our educational programs to prepare students for the jobs that are available in the area. This not only supports students but strengthens the economic fabric of the community by ensuring that businesses can find qualified employees locally.

5. Comprehensive Student Support: In addition to academic preparation, we need to focus on the holistic development of students. This includes providing career counseling that helps students explore all options—college, trade schools, military service, or immediate entry into the workforce. It also means ensuring mental health resources are available to help students make informed, healthy decisions about their futures.

If elected, I will continue to advocate for these initiatives to ensure that our district offers a broad spectrum of career opportunities for all students.

10/21/2024

Q: What will your candidate (Kathleen “Katie” Keller) do to get our school rankings back on par with neighboring communities?

A: My approach to improving our school’s rankings and aligning with other high-performing districts would focus on several strategic actions:

1. Curriculum Enhancement: We need to ensure that our curriculum is rigorous, relevant, and aligned with both state standards and the skills needed for future success. By expanding advanced placement (AP) courses, dual-enrollment programs, and career-technical education opportunities, we can offer more pathways for students to excel academically.

2. Support for Teachers: Our educators are central to student success. I would advocate for increased professional development, mentorship programs, and access to the latest instructional resources. Investing in teachers’ growth will directly translate to better classroom experiences and student outcomes.

3. Focus on Student Support: Ensuring students receive the support they need is crucial. This includes expanding access to tutoring, counseling, and social-emotional learning programs, as well as providing targeted interventions for students who are struggling academically. Personalized learning plans can help address individual needs and maximize student potential.

4. Data-Driven Decision Making: Regularly reviewing performance data will help identify areas of improvement and guide us in implementing evidence-based strategies. This includes analyzing test scores, graduation rates, college acceptance rates, and feedback from the school community to create informed improvement plans.

5. Community and Parental Involvement: High-performing districts often have strong partnerships with parents and the community. I would work to enhance parent engagement by fostering open communication and involving families in decision-making processes. When families and the community are actively involved, student achievement tends to improve.

By implementing these strategies, I believe we can elevate our school’s performance and regain our position as one of the top districts in the region.

10/20/2024

Another day, another Q&A!

Q: How will your candidate (Kathleen “Katie” Keller) address the unsustainable rise in costs?

A: I understand the challenges posed by the rising costs of education. To address this issue, I would focus on several key areas:

1. Efficient Resource Allocation: We need to conduct a thorough review of the district’s budget to identify areas where resources can be used more efficiently without compromising the quality of education. This might include reducing administrative costs, optimizing energy use, and renegotiating vendor contracts.

2. Seeking Alternative Funding: I would advocate for pursuing grants, partnerships with local businesses, and other external funding opportunities to supplement our budget and alleviate the burden on taxpayers.

3. Long-term Strategic Planning: Implementing long-term financial strategies, such as investing in technology and infrastructure that will save money over time, is crucial. For example, adopting energy-efficient systems or investing in digital learning tools can provide savings in the long run.

4. Community Involvement: Finally, maintaining an open dialogue with the community is essential. I would work to ensure transparency in spending and seek input from parents, educators, and other stakeholders on cost-saving measures while maintaining the high standards our district is known for.

By taking these steps, we can ensure that our schools remain both excellent and financially sustainable.

More on this topic from the Pascack Press Candidate Issue:

To hold the line on school budgets, I would explore cost-saving measures like energy-efficient infrastructure, shared services with neighboring districts, and optimizing technology investments. Additionally, prioritizing needs-based spending and leveraging state and federal grants could help reduce the reliance on local property taxes without compromising educational quality.

Kathleen "Katie" Keller for BOE

11/06/2024

11/05/2024

11/05/2024

11/04/2024

10/31/2024

10/26/2024

10/26/2024

10/25/2024

10/24/2024

10/23/2024

10/21/2024

10/20/2024

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