Theresa J. Fowler

By Theresa J "Terry" Fowler

Biography

I moved to Hawthorne in 1969 and quickly became involved in community activities. I believe in giving back to the community in which I live and volunteered in the schools that my children attended in various capacities for years. I began driving a bus for the school district almost 30 years ago. I was also a member of the Woman's Auxiliary for the Hawthorne Fire Department for four years, an assistant Girl Scout Leader for several years, a chaperone for teen events at Holy Rosary Catholic Youth Organization and a member of the Mount Pleasant Parent-Teachers Association. In addition, I am a founding community member of the Community Advisory Board of Hawthorne Cedar Knolls (HCK). Community board members provide a voice for the people in the public arena in order to maintain and preserve the integrity of our neighborhoods and safety of our children and community members that might be compromised by the goals of powerful institutions.

During the course of my career, I was a National Operations and Parts Manager at Technical Support Services, Inc. I worked for TSSI for 10 years. TSSI was a national computer repair company responsible for servicing all the major banks across the country. I gained management and supervisory experience by leading a staff of close to 100 employees. I graduated from the Dale Carnegie Institute in 1983 and attended numerous seminars, workshops and retreats all geared to increasing skills and confidence to lead a large staff.

My experience at TSSI has served me well. After leaving TSSI, I returned to the bus company as a driver joining Royal Coach Bus Lines, Inc. in 1992. I used my skills and abilities to organize union membership in Teamster Local 456. The benefits to the drivers of this company meant a more stable work environment, increased accountability and safety for the children of the Mount Pleasant School district, and increased benefits and compensation for each driver.

I am skilled at:

• Contract negotiations
• Crisis intervention
• Human resource management
• Public relations and public speaking
• Knowledgeable in identifying and implementing transferable skills

Dedicated to community service, I feel that it is the responsibility of the Board of Education to supply the students with the leadership and tools necessary for them to become productive citizens and to meet all the challenges that life holds. Obtaining these tools is the focus of educating our students. Providing the leadership and mentorship to our students is crucial to their ultimate success. Raising and maintaining school standards in a fiscally responsible manner are a challenge in these economically troubled times. However, I believe that given the means currently available under the current leadership in the school district, this goal is achievable. I would like the opportunity to apply my skills and abilities to support these goals.