Phil Ross-Mahwah Board of Education
Candidate Spotlight
Kristen’s Pick: Phil Ross for Mahwah Board of Education
Renaissance Man. One of my all-time favorite Danny DeVito movies. “This above all, to thine own self be true”. I recall the scene where the short, disorganized Professor DeVito sought to impart a love for Shakespeare among under-educated Army recruits. He learned from them, as much as they did from him. One of those movies that you just never forget, and you hope to find educators and leaders as compassionate, ingenious and inspiring as Danny proved to be for his class of misfits.
As you will learn, Phil is an all-around success story, with the confidence, experience, and personal connection to the Mahwah education system that exemplifies my ideal candidate for a Board of Education member, and clearly, future leader. A renaissance man.
Phil maintains physical strength through his disciplined training, evident from a cursory glance at his personal business venture site. However, what stood out to me about this candidate was his detailed organizational and leadership skills, and his desire to solve, rather than simply bemoan the problems plaguing the public education system.
I choose Phil. His own words ring true.
Kristen: Who are you?
Phil: I’m Phil Ross, a Mahwah resident for over 23 years, a father, husband, educator, business owner and coach. My diverse background provides me with a unique perspective on the issues of today facing our children, schools and communities.
As a Professor at a Community College, my experience as a coach in a multitude of sports and my involvement with the youth of New Jersey has afforded me firsthand knowledge of the available training and challenges to be met. My goal in life is to help other people live better. Whether it’s through the academic or physical classes that I conduct or the books and articles that I write, my goal has always been to make a positive impact.
As a fighter, competitor and entrepreneur, the tenets of hard work, persistence, freedom, self-reliance and meritocracy course throughout my veins. Asking “Why” should never be considered a wrong course of action. I ask why and challenge rules and philosophies that I consider to be unjust and impractical.
Kristen: Why are you running?
Phil: My two older children were products of the Mahwah School System and one is in pursuit of her PhD in Microbiology, while my son is an Ivy League graduate and a record holding athlete. My children, their friends as well as the many athletes that I coached in Mahwah have done very well in the system. I want the same opportunities for academic excellence an achievement for my youngest and her friends.
After the Parkland Shooting, I took to social media and applied a great deal of pressure on the school system to address the lack of security in our schools. I conducted a study and presented my findings and recommendations. This prompted the then Police Chief to ask for a meeting with me. Together we forged a plan that was implemented, thus providing a safer haven for our most precious asset.
COVID hit in March of 2020 and in August of that year, I met with the superintendent and a group of school administrators. It was then that I decided to get involved and leverage my skill set to help the students and the school system by thinking outside the box and providing my insight to provide solutions in these challenging times.
Kristen: What is your stance on parental choice for medical freedom in schools?
Phil: Parental choice is critical for us to maintain our freedoms. Our children, Our choices.
The transmission rate of COVID among children or from children to educator is statistically insignificant and efficacy of masks, especially how they are being used by children, is questionable at best. The use of mask should be a decision made by the parents.
The vaccinations are available and purported to be effective. Anyone who wants the vaccine can get it easily. Those that don’t want it, should have the ability to exercise their free choice. Their decision should have no bearing on others.
Kristen: What is your favorite amendment?
Phil: The First Amendment has the poll position for a reason. Without freedom of speech we cannot have the free exchange of ideas and opinions. Once that happens, communications break down and we all move backward. We cannot permit this to happen. Our Constitutional Rights need protection.
Kristen: Give me your best pitch on why and how we can support your campaign?
Phil: I will fight for the rights of our children and our parent’s rights for choice. Our worldwide educational ranking has dropped precipitously in the past 30 years, we need to get back to the basics of academics and life skills being taught in schools.
To Help:
Like and share my FB Group
Send any donations to “Phil Ross for BOE”, 1 Manor Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430.
Look out for my video commercial to be broadcast on Facebook and Instagram within the next week or so.
We are excited to see how Phil Ross’ personal brand of strength will translate into a new leadership path for Mahwah. Best of luck with your run! We support your candidacy and hope to hear of your success in this critical election.
Freedom Speaking LLC and Shielding Liberty LLC have partnered with the Child Advocate Coalition LLC to highlight candidates for office all across NJ, from local Board of Education candidates through the gubernatorial candidates. Views expressed by the candidates may or may not represent the views of the entities referenced above, however the entities are proud to provide a platform for free speech. Featured candidates are invited to submit responses to our interview questions, link their candidate and fundraising sites, and showcase their chosen photographs.