Gearing up for the first Bayonne Board of Education Trustees election in 35 years, candidates pleaded their cases for votes and discussed their visions for the school district at a Rotary Club of Bayonne forum.
Their speeches touched on a number of topics, including the millions of dollars in allegedly missing capital reimbursement money, how to bring Bayonne back to the upper tier of school districts in the county and state, and charges of alleged favoritism at the Bayonne Board of Education.
The forum was held on Thursday, Oct. 1 in the Bayonne High School Auditorium, and 18 of the 20 candidates running, attended.
Rotary Club of Bayonne President Chester Banks said the forum was held to give the public a chance to see the candidates in person and hear what they stand for.
Forum moderator Rev. Dorothy Patterson quoted Nelson Mandela to explain the need for the event, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Patterson is a member of the Rotary Club of Bayonne and a past president.
Those who attended and spoke were: Three-year Race: Joseph Broderick, John Cupo, Mary Jane Desmond, Ava Finnerty, Barry Kushnir, Patrick McManus, Chris Piechocki, and Nancy Solis; Two-year Race: Christos Genes, Thomas Howard Jr., Gina Irizarry, Christopher Munoz, and Frank Pellitteri; One year Race: Rafael Augusto, John Butchko, Deb Peveler Segura, David Solari, and Denis Wilbeck.
Leonard Kantor, running in the three-year race, and Michael Alonso, running for a two-year seat, did not attend.
Broderick, a 40-year educator, with 35 of those at Bayonne High, said he wanted to give back to the city in his retirement. Cupo said he would keep politics off of the school board. Desmond promised to fight for the optimal education for every child. Retired teacher Finnerty said the school board needs members “who are cognizant and passionate.” Kushnir said his master’s degree in labor and employment would serve him well on the board if elected.
McManus said coming in with a neutral point of view would help him keep an open mind while on the board. Board incumbent and former teacher Piechocki cited voting against the contract extension for Schools Superintendent Patricia McGeehan as proof of his independence while on the board. Solis said she would work for the introduction of more programs to address Bayonne’s growing diversity.
Genes said he is against PILOT (payments in lieu of taxes) programs where a decreased amount, only 10 percent, goes to the city’s school system. Howard said the key to the district’s success would be the creation of an education blueprint that covers from now until 2025. Irizarry, a teacher who has served on regional educational associations, said she has the skill set needed to be a successful board trustee. Munoz said he would push to secure further funding from Trenton. Pellitteri, who owns and operates a pre-kindergarten in Bayonne with his wife, said if elected he would make sure board meetings start on time with the proper information furnished.
Augusto, who works for the Jersey City School System, said he would keep a balance while advocating for both teachers and taxpayers. Butchko said he would use his lifetime of political experience to seek out new sources of funding for the district. Peveler said she would be a part of a more transparent board. Solari promised to sit down with Board President William Lawson to audit school spending. Wilbeck, an educator for 26 years, said he would help students in any way to help them be successful.
Until a referendum changed the process last year, the mayor had appointed all school board members.
This year, five board members will be chosen. There will be three three-year seats that are up for the first time. There are also a single one-year seat and a single two-year seat because of early resignations by board members this year, Board Secretary Dr. Gary Maita said.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
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Patrick O’Donnell and Michael Masone, whose appointed three-year terms expire at the end of the year, decided against running in the election. Piechocki and Desmond, two of the three current trustees appointed to seats in the last year after resignations, are running again in November. The third, Raymond Greaves, is not.
The other current board members are Lawson, Vice President Ava Mitchell, Ted Garelick, and Mikel Lawandy.
No questions were asked of the candidates due to the large number running. Each candidate was allotted five minutes to state her or his qualifications, why they sought the position, and what they hope to accomplish by being a school board member.
The school board elections will take place along with the regular general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The Rotary Club, an international service organization, sponsors many community events and forums. The forums are held to give the public a chance to learn about those running for public office. Last year, the club sponsored a political debate which featured the three candidates for mayor; Mark Smith, James Davis, and Anthony Zanowic.
Joseph Passantino may be reached at JoePass@hudsonreporter.com.