TEANECK, N.J.: Liza Fernandez says Teaneck cannot prepare students for the future with classroom materials that may date back decades, and she wants the school board to focus on what children and teachers need to succeed.

Fernandez made the case at the Sept. 24 candidates forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Teaneck. A first-grade teacher and longtime Teaneck resident, she is running alongside Eric Rhea and Marcelo Venegas-Pizarro as part of Team EFG.

In her written answers to the League, Fernandez identified outdated textbooks and instructional resources as one of the board’s shortcomings. She also raised concerns among some residents about whether the district is fully meeting its obligations under New Jersey’s Amistad legislation, which addresses the teaching of African-American history.

“Our students deserve instructional materials that are current, engaging, culturally responsible, and aligned with the education and skills they need for tomorrow’s world,” she wrote.

At the forum, Fernandez said students need books that reflect their backgrounds and identities and that they can understand and enjoy. Teachers, she argued, need the resources and preparation to help children develop strong reading skills.

Fernandez also said the district should look for savings without harming students. She proposed reviewing contracts for outdated terms, examining the budget line by line to identify duplicated spending and ensuring the district meets its obligations to avoid costly litigation.

On the superintendent search, Fernandez said the board should first establish clear criteria and choose someone with a record of dedication to students and families. The next leader should be forward-thinking, transparent and trusted by parents and community members, she wrote.

At the forum, she added that the superintendent should be approachable to teachers and staff and work within the district’s five-year plan.

Fernandez also defended the importance of services for students who attend private schools. During a discussion about transportation and strained relations with nonpublic-school parents, she said families should not have to worry that needed services would be taken away. She argued that savings should be found elsewhere.

She pointed to the district’s associate degree program with Bergen Community College as a success. In her written response, Fernandez said seeing the program’s effect on her own high-school-aged son helped him reconsider his plans for college.

Her background includes teaching, substitute teaching and tutoring students who could not afford private help. She has also served in leadership roles with the Teaneck Community Charter School Organization and worked in medical office management.

Fernandez said her connection to Teaneck runs deep. She grew up in town, attended its schools and is raising three sons there.

“I would be new to the board, but I’m not new to education,” she said in her closing remarks.

Fernandez is running on Column A in the Nov. 3 election.