How I Live United, Dr. Carol Roche, Ph.D

Interview with Dr. Carol Roche, Ph.D

Q.  How do you LIVE UNITED? (LIVING UNITED means being a part of the change)

A.  First, I strive to know and understand what’s happening. Being well informed helps me
understand issues and people better, and is fundamental to being part of any change. I want
to know what’s happening in my community and on the larger scale, the pressing issues at the
state, national and global levels. This knowledge forms my opinions, decisions, and actions.

Next, I try to “Live United” by working with my friends and neighbors to create new
opportunities that benefit all. I know and appreciate the work that the United Way of Monmouth
County does and am proud to be part of the change by serving on their Education Community
Impact Committee.

Q.  You are a member of the Education subcommittee for Community Impact, please tell our
readers a little about your background?

A.  I am a longtime educator with a passion for all things school-related. After retiring from the
Hopewell Valley Regional School District in Mercer County, having served there as assistant
superintendent and interim superintendent, I worked in interim administrative positions in
Colts Neck and continue to work part time as a consultant for Educational Testing Services in
Princeton.

My experience crosses different kinds of school districts and schools, urban and suburban,
large and small, high achieving and struggling to achieve. I have worked in a variety of
positions including teacher, guidance counselor, school psychologist, elementary and middle
school principal, deputy superintendent, assistant superintendent, interim superintendent, and
adjunct instructor at several different universities.

As a volunteer, I am a tutor and President of the Board of Directors with Literacy Volunteers of
Monmouth County and work with the Acelero Head Start program in Neptune.

Q.  Why is education such a critical issue in Monmouth County?

A. Monmouth County reflects the critical issues in education nationwide. In the school districts
of Monmouth County, there are wide differences in poverty rates, academic achievement,
high school graduation rates, dropout rates, and young adults who are ready to transition
successfully from school to work. Although there are some excellent high achieving districts,
there are also a large number of low achieving ones, for the most part consistent with the
disparity in socio-economic levels from one community to the next.

Q. What are the key components of the Education Committee’s strategy to address these critical
issues?

A. The Education Committee has targeted three issues: early childhood development, after
school programs and high school achievement. The committee has also targeted ten
Monmouth County districts identified as having the greatest needs in these areas. By focusing
its resources on these specific issues and by creating new strategic partnerships within the
community, the committee seeks to have a deep and lasting community impact.

Q.  How will this strategy impact this issue and what will be the outcomes for students and
families?

A. By targeting specific areas within education and those districts/communities with the greatest
needs, this strategy aims to focus its funding and volunteer resources to have the greatest
impact. Also, the specificity of the objectives will enable a more accurate assessment of the
outcomes to be measured. As a result of this strategy, the committee hopes that in those
targeted towns, the new opportunities available will enable more young children to come to
school with the readiness skills and attitudes needed to learn; more middle school students to
have enriching afterschool experiences that will increase their overall academic achievement,
and more high school students to find success in school and graduate ready for work or
college.

Q.  You have been a loyal volunteer for a few years. If you had the opportunity to get others to
support United Way, what would you say are the most compelling reasons to do so?

A.  The United Way works hard to allocate its resources fairly and equitably to “get the most for its
buck.” It has amassed extensive information about the demographics and needs of Monmouth
County residents and has a close relationship with the numerous non-profit agencies operating
in the county. It consists of people, your neighbors, who care about our community and want to
make it better place to live and work - for all. With your help, we can do an even better job.