To the Editor:
In an overwhelming decision in 2015, the voters of Bayonne chose to move from an appointed to an elected school board model, ending 35 years of Board Trustees being appointed by the mayor. The people had spoken. The message was clear: politics had no place in the educational arena.
On November 8, the voters will have the opportunity to speak again by casting their votes for four new School Board Trustees: three who will fill terms for three years and one who will serve for a two-year term. The results of this election will have lasting effects on students, teachers, parents, and the community at large.
Chief among the decisions to be made by the Board are the selection of a new Superintendent of Schools and the successful resolution of the teachers’ contract. This type of decision making requires both the knowledge to draw on past experience and the integrity to do what’s right.
My name is Charles Ryan. I am running for two-year Trustee. I have a BA in History and hold a NJ State Standard Teaching Certificate. I began my career as a high school history teacher. My decision to leave teaching was a difficult one as I truly enjoyed the classroom. However, I was drawn to a long family tradition of public safety following in the footsteps of my grandfather, Charles Ryan, Bayonne Police Department and my father, Jack Ryan, who served as a firefighter, Captain, and Deputy Chief of the Bayonne Fire Department. During my own tenure as part of the Bayonne Police Department, I rose through the ranks from Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain to Deputy Chief. At each level I demonstrated the KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) to take the promotional test to attain the next rank. Because of my education background, I was placed in charge of the DARE program, Cops in Schools/Community Oriented Police Units where I worked closely with the school district. As Deputy Chief, I commanded the Patrol Division during Hurricane Sandy, demonstrating my ability to make sound decisions in an emergency situation.
I have been married to the former Alana Meadus for 30 years. We are the proud parents of three children: Ariane, Anissa, and Anthony. My wife and I are well aware of programs, resources, and policies that range from special needs to gifted students.
If elected, I will combine my background in education, my experiences as a parent of a special needs child, my knowledge of school safety and security, and my skills as a manager to offer my insight to serve the needs of the Bayonne School District.
There is much that needs to be done. I am up to the challenge. I ask for your vote. Let me be your voice.
CHARLES RYAN
Two-year Trustee- Vote Row 12J