2025 SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION

RENEW

REVITALIZE

REIMAGINE

EDGEMONT EXCELLENCE

WHY WE'RE RUNNING

The Edgemont School District stands at a crossroads. The decisions made by the School Board in the coming years will determine whether we uphold the tradition of Edgemont Excellence that drew families to this community — and that keeps many of us here today.As shifts in technology, politics, and culture transform the job market and society, the Edgemont School District must adapt now. The Board and Administration must thoughtfully guide policies, curriculum, and investments to prepare students for a new, radically-different future.To meet this moment, School Board members must bring fresh perspectives and prioritize deep engagement with the community. School Board members must also engage in collaborative yet independent governance - deferring to the school administration’s expertise yet ensuring real accountability and nimble decision-making.Resting on our school district’s long-standing reputation while maintaining the status quo is not an option — we need proactive and creative leadership. We believe the three of us have the experience, judgment, and dedication to help build a new era of Edgemont Excellence!

HOW WE'RE CAMPAIGNING

We're running our campaign with respect, positivity, and a deep commitment to listening to the community. Our focus remains unwavering on the issues that truly will shape the future of Edgemont Excellence.Through listening sessions, backyard meetings, living room chats, and one-on-one conversations, we pledge to engage openly and respectfully with every neighbor—regardless of whether we agree on every issue or whether we ultimately earn their vote.For too long, our community has been disconnected from School Board elections. This year, we’re changing that. By prioritizing conversation, collaboration, and cooperation, we aim not only to run a different kind of campaign but also to inspire a more inclusive and transparent approach to decision-making on the School Board itself.Together, let’s build Edgemont Excellence for a new era!

WHO WE ARE

NAREEN JABBOUR

Current School Board Member

I'm Nareen Jabbour, a proud 12-year Edgemont resident and the parent of three children spanning every level of our schools. Like so many of you, I chose Edgemont because of its outstanding educational reputation—and now I’m seeking a second term on the Board of Education to help ensure that excellence continues for every family.Professionally, I bring over 15 years of leadership experience in public health, scientific research, and education. I earned a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology and a Master of Public Health from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and I’ve managed major initiatives and $400 million budgets for the U.S. Department of State. In Edgemont, I’ve served on the district’s finance, curriculum, and HR sub-committees, where I focus on balancing educational innovation with responsible budgeting.But what truly drives me is my personal journey. As the first in my immigrant family to earn graduate degrees, I know the power of opportunity—and the importance of creating schools where every child feels seen, supported, and challenged to grow. I’m passionate about fostering not just academic excellence, but also resilience, character, and a global perspective in every student.Edgemont is a special community. I’m committed to making sure every voice is heard and every decision puts students first. I would be honored to serve you and to work together to keep Edgemont’s future strong.

JEFFREY BLANK

Edgemont Alum, Class of 1999

I'm Jeff Blank, a seasoned public sector attorney with more than fifteen years of experience leading legal and regulatory operations at high levels of New York City and State government. Most recently, I served as Managing Director of Legal Operations for the NYS Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery, where I led a cross-functional legal team managing $4.4 billion in federal disaster recovery funding. Prior to that, I held senior leadership roles at the NYC Department of Health and NYC Housing Preservation Development, enforcing major public health efforts, overseeing regulatory initiatives, and fighting for tenants' rights. Now, as an Edgemont alumnus and parent, I’m ready to apply my legal expertise, operational insight, and deep commitment to public service to the Edgemont Board of Education. I believe in thoughtful, community-driven leadership and open communication, and I’m ready to give back to the district that gave me so much.

LUCAS CIOFFI

Edgemont Alum, Class of 1997

I’m Lucas Cioffi, a software engineer, public engagement professional, and military veteran. Edgemont opened many doors for me, and I’m running for school board to keep those doors open for the next generation.Edgemont helped me get accepted into Princeton, but I chose public service and attended West Point, where the teamwork and leadership lessons were intense. I then served five years as an infantry officer, with one year in a combat zone. I graduated from the US Army Ranger School and earned the Meritorious Service Medal.Later, I co-founded two tech companies and served three years on the board of the National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation. I co-founded the Open Government Community Summit Series in Washington, D.C. in partnership with the Obama Administration. I put these skills to work here in Edgemont, leading a team of 15 residents, engaging hundreds more, and collaborating with the ECC president in Edgemont’s largest public engagement effort in years. We secured a $3M grant for the upcoming Old Army Road sidewalk and created momentum for many other traffic safety upgrades.If chosen to be a member of the board, I would also be able to offer my experience as a senior software engineer. I have a deep understanding of AI, and having someone on the board with these skills will be crucial to help ensure Edgemont students are ready for the dramatic changes to both education and employment which are already underway.

OUR F.I.R.S.T. COMMITMENTS

We are parents, professionals, and community members—running to ensure Edgemont’s future reflects the best of its past: strong academics, clear leadership, and a deep partnership between schools and families. We will balance educational excellence with responsible stewardship of community resources.

FINANCIAL DISCIPLINE
✓ Clear, accessible budgetINDEPENDENT THINKING
✓ Thoughtful oversight of policy, curriculum, and leadershipRESPONSIVENESS
✓ Timely, two-way communication with familiesSTUDENT-CENTERED FOCUS
✓ High standards supported by a rigorous, well-rounded curriculum
✓ Smarter class size policies to preserve individualized attention
✓ Expanded pathways: AP, STEM, arts, technical education, and more
✓ Inclusive athletics and wellness programs that serve all studentsTRANSPARENCY THROUGH COLLABORATIVE COMMUNICATION
✓ Public rationales and supporting data for key policies

LISTENING SESSIONS AT GREENVILLE COMMUNITY CHURCH

We will be hosting two listening sessions for the community as an opportunity to meet the candidates. Everyone is welcome to join. We will have light refreshments and an experienced facilitator guiding the conversations to focus on what the community wants to discuss directly with Nareen, Jeff, and Lucas.

• RSVP Wed, 5/7 @ 7pm

• RSVP Fri, 5/9 @ 1pm

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