Charles Ryan is the new trustee on the block at the Bayonne Board of Education (BBOED). Barry Kushnir’s sudden resignation in July left an open seat, which Ryan won with 42 percent of the more than 9,000 votes cast. He won over Maria Valado by more than 500 votes, and John Cupo by slightly under 2,000.
Like many participants in democracy, Ryan stayed up until early morning Wednesday, Nov. 9, not getting to sleep until 3:30 a.m. Winning the race gave him a feeling he’s never had.
“Having so many people tell you they’re willing to trust you in a very important job is very humbling,” said Ryan two days after the election. “I’m still trying to process it.”
Being elected as a board trustee is something “exciting and different” for Ryan. A former educator and police officer, he is married to an educator and has three children in the education field.
Having filled an empty trustee seat, Ryan’s term started immediately, whereas normally a new term would not start until January.
His first taste of the job and the dynamics among his fellow trustees is promising. “They’re all motivated, intelligent people,” he said, likening the civil and constructive discussion to that of a college classroom. “They’re very serious about what they’re doing, and that makes me feel very confident,” he said.“It’s the right kind of atmosphere.”
Most surprising to him is how time “stretches” where short sessions adjourn to the conference room for extended periods of time. “I found out that 15 minutes can absolutely turn into an hour,” he joked. “Because an hour later my wife is texting me for the keys to the car.”
At full strength
Before Ryan’s election, the board was functioning with only eight members. With the potential for three newcomers (incumbents Carol Cruden and Mary Jane Desmond were re-elected to three-year terms), the board was at risk of losing the collective experience of its trustees, in addition to a new superintendent coming in next year. Ryan, however, sees a good balance in the current makeup, saying the board needed to “shift gears” to move forward.
“I bring a different set of experiences to go along with the experience on the board,” he said.
One of the biggest decisions this board will make this year is hiring a new superintendent after the board voted not to renew Superintendent Dr. Patricia McGeehan’s contract in June.
Ryan said the next superintendents should have a “clear, articulable vision on how to educate and care for students.” He pointed to the diversity of the student body, which requiresthat the next superintendent have experience in bringing disparate groups together.
“The board is accountable to the voters for the education of their children and the costs of that education,” said Ryan.“The superintendent is accountable to the board for the same.”
“Having so many people tell you they’re willing to trust you in a very important job is very humbling.” – Charles Ryan
____________
Cruden, Wilbeck, and Desmond hold their seats
Carol Cruden, who won her three-year term with 10 percent of the vote and 3,039 votes, said, “I am very happy about Charles Ryan. I think he is an excellent addition to the board, and I am looking forward to working with him.” Mary Jane Desmond and Dennis Wilbeck also won back their seats, Desmond coming in with 18 percent of the electorate and Wilbeck with 22 percent.
“I am very grateful to my friends for their support and their campaigning for me,” Cruden said, admitting that she did not do much campaigning, “except for word of mouth from friends and speaking to the seniors at their housing twice.” She said,“I will try to honor everyone’s faith in me and work very hard.”
Denis Wilbeck called his re-election “exhilarating” and is eager to address pressing issues, starting with the teacher’s contract, saying the teachers deserve a “fair and equitable contract.” He expressed frustration with the Teachers’ Union for cancelling the last two meetings. “It’s hard to reach an agreement when you only meet once a month,” he said.
Wilbeck was high on Ryan. “I’m thrilled to have him on the board,” he said. “He brought ideas to the table that we had been unaware of before, so his experience makes us stronger.”
Ryan commended Bayonne voters and local politicians for the way they carried out the election. “It’s a testament to the voters that they can sort through all these candidates,” he said. “They chose people who are thoughtful and who really want this to work.” Ryan also commended the diplomacy exhibited by Mayor James Davis for not endorsing anyone and respecting the political process. “That freedom given to the citizens is really encouraging,” said Ryan. “People out there in Bayonne paid attention. I hope we can keep this ball running for a long time.”
Rory Pasquariello may be reached at roryp@hudsonreporter.com.