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2006 School Board Candidates The information below was provided by the candidates themselves and it is included on this website for use by the voters. All candidates have been given up to 350 words to explain their candidacy. All candidates have the opportunity to make changes at any time, so check back often. Inclusion here in no way implies that readingtonparents.org approves or disapproves of any single candidate, nor does it imply that the individual candidates approve or disapprove of the other content on this site. Jump directly to each candidate:
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Steve Grumbach
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Candidate Statement: UPDATE Hi, my name is Steve Grumbach and I was just appointed to fill a vacant expiring term on the Board of Ed after serving on various committees for the past 10 years, I am running for a full 3 year term. Remember, you can vote for three 3 year positions this year! Issues We are in now searching for a Superintendent to take the District to the next level. We need the right person with the solid background and forward thinking attitude that we will need to guide us to reach even higher. We need board members who can screen for that type of candidate. Our District needs to be sure that a strong relationship is forged between the town council, Administration/teachers, students/ parents and the rest of the townspeople. In addition, with funding from State and Federal Government getting to be an ever smaller percentage of the budget, we need to look at creative, innovative ways to deliver the quality education we all are looking for. Innovative uses of technology, rather than technology for technologies sake, can help us get there. The time is right to look for different sources for funding outside of the norm. The board needs to be creative in spearheading this kind of thinking. Key Traits
Manager - AT&T over 25 years in Sales, Sales Management, Product Management and Marketing, Customer Service, Internet Services and Program/Project Management.
Fairleigh Dickinson University: Alumni Board -serving as VP.
Married with 2 Boys currently in the District in first and sixth grade. I would be honored if you would give me the opportunity to help this community by formally electing me to the board. As they say---I have not yet begun to serve... Thanks, Steve.
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Denise Kenney
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Candidate Statement: My name is Denise Kenney. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your school board representative for the past six years. I am very proud of the many accomplishments that we, as a district, have made. I also recognize that there is more work ahead of us. In addition to preparing our children for a world that is becoming increasingly more dynamic, I am quite sensitive to the cost of education born at the local level. Going forward, I will continue to set high standards for our children’s education, while continuing to advocate for property tax reform. I would be honored to continue to serve and would appreciate your vote in this upcoming election. Going forward, the district needs to…
Other involvement:
Readington Board Committees include:
Background:
Thank you for your consideration.
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Richard J. Kilpatrick
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Candidate Statement: Below are excerpts from the material I sent in to various independent news reporting entities: Hunterdon Review An editorial in the April 5th edition states “Our choices are Grumbach, Kenney and Kilpatrick”. The editorial states “Both Kenney and Kilpatrick have solid experience on the board and would be able to help guide the board in the important decision it faces.” (The decision referenced is the hiring of a Superintendent). “Kilpatrick not only has experience on this school board, but also works in the educational field as a school business administrator in another district. We think he would be an asset as it [the board] searches for a new superintendent, and agree with him that a good superintendent must be a good manager in addition to a good educator.” Readington News “My experience, knowledge and common sense approach are the tools I use in helping build consensus between the members of your Board of Education when we deliberate on important decisions.” Hunterdon Democrat Richard J. Kilpatrick represents the voters in an honest, responsible, and unbiased manner always looking out for the interests of the children in our Township. Courier News: I am running to help make the Readington Township Schools the best they can be so that every child in the Township is given the opportunity to learn in the manner they learn best! For Board members, the process starts by hiring the very best person to serve the District as Superintendent. It continues with the Board approving the policies that provide the Superintendent, School Leaders and the Community with the guidance they need to fulfill their responsibilities. It ends with the Board approving the necessary resources to allow every student the means to develop a foundation of knowledge and an understanding that they are responsible, honest, and hard working lifetime learners in our society. Profession: Prior to becoming an SBA/BS, I spent a 20 year career as a Certified Internal Auditor managing internal audits in the Financial Services and Higher Education industries. Education: Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting IONA College MBA in Finance and Information Systems Pace University
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Margie Marcucci
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Candidate Statement: As the election draws near, here is my update: On the budget: Cuts in the Early Intervention program presented in this budget concern me. I feel we must KEEP a Kindergarten Intervention professional at the helm and the “small first grade” in both elementary schools. An overdeveloped intervention program is not productive for a heterogeneous classroom but EARLY intervention definitely helps students and teachers alike by providing a vital resource when an issue is promptly identified and addressed at an early age. Taking action early makes a positive difference for our children! When planning a school budget, I believe this must be a consideration. On the new superintendent: I believe the superintendent of a district should have the proper credentials but must also be a people person. Previous boards have made mistakes in choosing this key administrator and we must not take that path again. Our new superintendent must be responsive to the board members whose responsibility it is, in turn, to be attentive to the needs of the families in our district. On general issues: I do not believe that “doing what is best for the children of our district” eliminates their families! We heard much rhetoric over the past few years from board members on that policy. I do not understand how “what is best for the children” in our district got separated from what is best for their families. I will be sure not to fall into that trap. On “signs” and campaigning: “Signs, signs, everywhere a sign…” I believe a school board election is about values and integrity. I like the slogan “Good to Great” and can foresee several of the new candidates having that effect on the board. The voters, for the most part, know who is running, who is dependable and who is not known for getting the job done in the best interest of our families. I trust the voters realize they are not obliged to vote for all names that appear on a single sign. I hope everyone comes out to vote on April 18th!
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Annette Marsh
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Candidate Statement: AS A REMINDER, APRIL 18 IS ELECTION DAY. THE POLES ARE OPEN FROM 7 A.M. TO 9 P.M.. AS YOU MAKE YOUR DECISION, PLEASE REMEMBER THAT EXPERIENCE IS ONLY POSITIVE WHEN IT'S GOOD EXPERIENCE. WHEN EXPERIENCE HAS LED TO REDUCED COMMUNICATIONS, REPEATEDLY DEFEATED BUDGETS, A DICTATORIAL SUPERINTENDENT AND A TREMENDOUS TEACHER TURNOVER, IT IS AN ANCHOR TO THE PAST AND NOT A PATH TO THE FUTURE. I am seeking a seat on the Readington Township Board of Education to help drive changes for continued improvement of our school district. The most critical issue facing the Board today is hiring a new Superintendent. This should be a top priority for the Board as it is this individual who will lead our school system into the future. We so know too well that, without the proper leadership, our schools will flounder. Lines of communication between the board and community need to be broadened, creating a better understanding of the budget process for all. The search for top quality teachers must also continue. Their long term retention within the school system is vital to providing the best education for our children. That is, in the end, our real goal-providing the best education for our children. 7 years ago, I became involved in Readington Township’s school district by becoming a volunteer with the Home School Association (HSA). I then became the Vice President of HSA for 2 years at Whitehouse School (WHS). I am also a member of two Board of Education committees: Transition and Transportation. Most recently, I helped found and am co-chairperson of P.A.S.S. – a grassroots organization composed of Readington parents and those citizens interested in improving the quality of our school system. I feel my business experience combined with my vast community involvement over the past 7 years has provided me with the insight to bring our schools to a higher level of excellence. New ideas and new energy are needed to bring Readington Township’s school district from Good to Great! I would like to represent you as an active board member in driving this change needed for our school district.
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Jennifer McGowan
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Candidate Statement: I have lived in Readington Township for four years. I am married and have a daughter attending kindergarten at the Three Bridges Elementary School. I have a BA in Communication from Rutgers University. After graduating with Honors I began a career as a Technical Recruiter. I recruited talent for Fortune 500 companies from both the United States and abroad for several years. I was involved in the entire process from finding the talent to salary negotiations. When my daughter was born I decided to be a stay at home mom. While at home with my daughter, I joined the Three Bridges Mom's Club which has allowed me to become very active in our community. I have enjoyed volunteering for many township events and causes. I have volunteered for such events as the Readington Spring Festival as well as for such causes as DYFS. I am one of the writers that cover the Board of Education news for the Three Bridges Mom's Club newsletter and I currently serve on the Board of the Mom's Club. When my daughter entered kindergarten last September I also became involved with the school by becoming a homeroom representative. I am running for a seat on Readington Township's Board of Education. The Board is continuously faced with many challenges. A major challenge is recruiting a new Superintendent. My community involvement has given me a good sense of the many concerns our residents have about this and other issues. My professional recruiting background will allow me to be instrumental in the search for our new Superintendent. Presently, the Board of Education has stated that their number one goal is to improve communication between the Board and the community. According to the Board, "The district will provide accurate and timely information that encourages and facilitates communication within the district and community. Whenever appropriate opportunities will be provided for community involvement." My degree in communication will help me to improve communication between the Board and Readington's residents. I am a very driven and dedicated individual who will work hard for our community, and to keep our schools exceptional.
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Marlene Orlandi
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Candidate Statement: I am running for the one-year position on the BOE and this is what I believe:
My background has prepared me to promote active involvement and effective communication:
Some examples of my involvement in the Readington School System over the past eight years:
My promise: If elected I will work hard, be a team player, remain open to new ideas, and never forget that our main job is to make sure that our schools are the best that they can be. Thank you -- and please be sure to vote!
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Joe Rosenfeld
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Candidate Statement: I am running for the board of education because I believe someone needs to be an honest voice for the district. I am retired now and I have the time to spend on fighting for what is right. In my career I have worked as a shop steward for McDonalds Corporation and I have worked in our school system. I may not have a fancy degree and I don't even own a computer, but I do have the common sense that is needed for our school board. A vote for me is not a vote for a phony or for a yes-man. I make my own decisions based on what I think is right, and I have no hidden agenda. |
