Who I Am
Dr. Laura Valente is originally from Long Island, New York and has spent a total of seventeen years in New Jersey. Laura grew up in a working-class family, with grandfathers who had emigrated from Italy, and parents who understood the value of hard work, as well as the importance of family and community. One of four siblings, all of whom became successful with the foundation of a strong public-school education, Laura has two children of her own who are also products of public school.
After graduating from Binghamton University with a degree in Political Science/ Public Administration, Laura went on to Syracuse University and earned a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration/Student Affairs. A year later, Laura moved to Nutley, New Jersey to begin work as the Associate Director of Housing at Rutgers-Newark. After being promoted to Director of Housing and Residence Life, Laura began to pursue her Doctorate in Education Administration at Rutgers University in New Brunswick.
In 1996, Laura became the Associate Dean for Student Life at Saint Peter’s College (now University) and bought her first home – on Ideal Court in Nutley. In 1997, she was promoted to Dean of Student Life, met her future husband; in 1998 was married, in 1999 earned her Doctorate, and in 2000 left Nutley to become the Dean of Students at Cabrini College in Pennsylvania. While living in PA, and now “Dr. Valente”, Laura became a mother, adopting an infant from Guatemala while 6 months pregnant (what a summer that was!)
In 2003, the family moved back to Laura’s native Long Island and she became Dean of Residential Education at Stony Brook University, providing leadership to 10,000 students and 60 full-time employees. Dr. Valente served in that role for 12 years and moved back to Nutley with her two sons in 2015. Both children graduated from Nutley High School (in 2019 and 2020)
Currently, Laura serves as Assistant Dean of The Graduate School at Montclair State University, serving almost 5,000 students and leading all of the student academic support services for graduate students. She also serves as a Clinical Supervisor for those completing their year of “Student Teaching” in NJ’s public schools, and is an adjunct professor at Ramapo College of NJ.
Dr. Valente has served as a Board Member of Nutley Little Theatre, volunteered for various charitable events such as the Annual Boy Scout Food Drive for Nutley Family Service Bureau, and is active in a number of organizations designed to improve the lives of people from all walks of life.
Why I am Running
The importance of a high-quality K-12 education cannot be overstated. In the United States, the public school system can, when implemented well, can act as the great equalizer. Students from the widest range of backgrounds can receive the foundation they need to pursue the path that is right for them. Whether that path leads to graduate school, the military, a technical vocation, a role in a helping profession, or a career in private industry, the knowledge, skills, and abilities gained in elementary and secondary education is invaluable to eventual success.
Let me begin by saying that my personal experience, overall, has been that teachers and professional staff members in the Nutley School System are professional, competent, compassionate, and eminently prepared for the work that they do. My two sons attended Middle and High School in Nutley between 2015 and 2020 and they received the support they needed, when they needed it. I have also been impressed with the interest and energy of the parents and families in the district. Support for music, arts, athletics, celebratory and recognition events has been enthusiastic and successful.
However, a student’s experience in the classroom is influenced by many factors beyond the interest and commitment of the teachers, counselors, parents, and town residents: classroom resources, class size, condition of the physical infrastructure, guidelines for implementation of state curriculum, feelings of safety and security, and direct representation in the development of district policies and priorities. The members of the Board of Education have the ability to consider some of the most pressing issues facing the district, and recommend thoughtful, well-reasoned, and evidence-based solutions.
I am seeking election to the Nutley Board of Education because I believe that as a product of public school, the parent of children educated in Nutley’s public schools, and a life-long educator with a Doctorate in Education Administration, I will bring a balanced view of the problems to be addressed, will offer an ethical and transparent style of leadership, and provide a strong and knowledgeable voice in pursuit of the best possible educational experience for Nutley’s students.
Laura commented at the 8/29/22 Nutley Board of Education Meeting concerning the scope of age-appropriate grade bands for NJ Learning Curriculum Standards. At time-stamp 1:24:00 -1:29:00
Looking Forward Nutley 