Board of Education Election, Three Seats, Three Candidates

The League of Ocean Township invited candidates to send a brief biography, and posed three questions:

Candidates were asked to limit their answers to 50 words for the bio, and 100 words for each question. Responses exceeding the limit were truncated.

In order by last name, here are the candidates' responses.

Robert Acerra

Q: What motivated you to run for the Board? and what differences do you hope to make?
A: Having served on the Board since May 2011, I have Extensive Experience, Proven Leadership, and Fiscal Responsibility. I have worked closely with my fellow colleagues to creatively deliver:

When elected, I plan to continue improving the overall environment in Ocean schools.

Q: What do you see as the biggest opportunity for improvement in the district?
A: As an Ocean resident for 25 years and having had three boys enjoy the benefits of Ocean schools the biggest opportunity I see for improvement is educating our kids on the dangers of drugs. The drastic increase in prescription painkiller consumption in NJ over the past decade has led to a statewide heroin epidemic. We need to improve drug prevention programs in the schools to educate our students and parents. The fact is that schools do not have it in their power to stop drug abuse, but we are able to improve student knowledge about their dangers.

Q: How would you stimulate innovation in the district's approaches and practices
A: As the Chairman of the Board’s newly formed Technology Committee I have promoted the use of education in the classroom. Our goal needs to be getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is key. But it is not only about the technology; it’s about sharing knowledge and information, communicating efficiently, building learning communities and creating a culture of professionalism in schools. I view this as one of my key responsibilities. If we can’t relate, if we don’t get it, we won’t be able to make our schools relevant to the current and future needs of our students.
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Joseph Hadden

Bio information: My name is Joseph Hadden. I'm 47 years old and have lived in Ocean Township for over 20 years. I have five children, four of whom have graduated from the Ocean Township schools. I've served on the Board of Education for over four years and am proud of our accomplishments.

Q: What motivated you to run for the Board? and what differences do you hope to make?
A: Four years ago, friends who were serving on the Board asked me if I would be interested in serving with them. I had five children who were in school at the time who benefited from Ocean's great school system. I wanted to contribute. I spent a lot of time listening and asking questions. Now, I'm one of the senior members of the Board. I think I've made a positive difference on the Board. As the Chair of the Planning and Construction Committee, I'm proud of the work our Committee has done toward putting together a responsible and forward thinking referendum.

Q: What do you see as the biggest opportunity for improvement in the district?
A: The biggest opportunity for improvement in our district lies with parents and their children. Students who come to school with a supportive family and a positive attitude toward learning make the most of every effort put forth by the District. I believe our school district provides the means for any student to excel, but for the student to excel, he or she must come to us prepared for excellence and that starts at home. We can have the best curriculum, teachers and facilities, but it would mean nothing without kids who want to take advantage of what our district offers.

Q: How would you stimulate innovation in the district's approaches and practices?
A: I don't feel the Board's role is to encourage innovation. The stimulation must come from our Faculty and Administrators. It is our job to hire a Superintendent with vision and support his or her efforts to realize that vision. All ideas must come to the Board through the Superintendent. Our Superintendent must foster a spirit of innovation throughout the district. Our role is to understand the impact ideas have on our district and try to get them implemented.
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Richard Long

Bio information: EDUCATION: Ocean Township High School Glassboro State College (Rowan University), B.A. - English Kean University, M.A., - Education
COMMUNITY SERVICE IN OCEAN TOWNSHIP: Member, Human Services Council (Drug & Alcohol Alliance) Member, Board of Education (appointed 2010;elected 2011) Member, Board of Directors, Community Hope Fund

Q: What motivated you to run for the Board?
A: I was motivated to serve on the township's Board because I believe, and still do, that I had the intelligence, experience, and commitment necessary to be a valuable member and to make a concrete contribution to the overall welfare of the school district. I hope to continue to make a difference on the Board, knowing quite well that my primary function is to develop policies, procedures, and regulations to help the five schools run smoothly, realizing that it is not my function to run those schools.

Q: What do you see as the biggest opportunity for improvement in the district?
A: The biggest opportunity for improvement in the district involves four main objectives: 1) To increase student academic performance and foster the acquisition of the skills and knowledge necessary for success in college and at work. 2) To improve and upgrade the physical plant of the district's five schools, so all pupils can prosper in the best possible learning environments. 3) To ensure the safety and security of the pupils and staff members at the district's five schools. 4) To monitor the impact on the township's taxpayers of the financial costs to support the district's entire educational enterprise.

Q: How would you stimulate innovation in the district's approaches and practices?
A: I hope to continue to stimulate innovation in the district's approaches and practices by working with the Superintendent, Central Office Administrators, and School Administrators as they develop and refine cutting-edge instructional strategies. As a member of the Board, it will be my responsibility to ensure that workshops, seminars, and other forms of professional development are available, so the staff members can be more informed about and proficient in such approaches and practices. To that end, I must help to provide the financial means for such professional development.
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