Education & Mental Health
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“It is our obligation to prepare and offer our children, the next generation’s workforce and industry leaders, every opportunity to succeed and prosper. That means prioritizing effective, sound, and responsible support for our schools, teachers, and mental-health resources.”
- Assemblywoman Aura K. Dunn
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Putting Students and Teachers First
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As a product of public schools, I know how essential a high-quality education is to prepare children for the future. Growing up in a single-parent home and switching schools 14 times before sixth grade taught me the value of stability and great teachers, lessons that continue to guide my work today.
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As your Assemblywoman, I have fought to fully fund our schools and reverse the cuts made under the current administration, including millions lost to districts like Randolph, Jefferson, and West Milford.
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Key Priorities
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Reverse State Cuts: Restore fair funding for local schools impacted by the state’s flawed formula.
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Career Readiness: Promote apprenticeships, STEM programs, and outdoor education that prepare students for tomorrow’s workforce.
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Support Military Families: Provide free tuition to children of veterans who died or were disabled in service.
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Civics Education: Require civics curriculum to teach the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.
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Strengthen Mental Health: Expand prevention and recovery programs for children, families, and frontline workers, and improve access to counseling and crisis hotlines.
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Proven Results
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Guaranteed student meals during COVID-19 closures.
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Led efforts to limit student cell phone and social media use during school hours, promoting mental health, reducing distractions, and restoring focus in the classroom.
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Strengthened school safety by prohibiting sex offenders from residing near schools.
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Authored legislation requiring transparency in school curriculum.
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Sponsored legislation to expand state support for special-education services.
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Supported expanded mental-health services for students, first responders, and health-care workers.
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A Promise to New Jersey’s Future
Every child deserves access to an excellent education and strong mental-health supports. I will continue working to ensure our schools, teachers, and families have the resources they need to help every student thrive, in the classroom and beyond.