Rust, Gross, Hanlon seek
2 seats on Jackson board
JERRY WOLKOWITZ Howell High School goalkeeper Bryanne Godfrey blocks a shot attempt by Freehold Township’s Brittany Scott during a lacrosse scrimmage on March 22 at Freehold Township High School. The spring season opens next week.
JACKSON — The three candidates running for two seats on the Board of Education came face to face last week in a forum designed to discuss the issues. Before an audience of about 30 people, incumbents Twila Rust and Michael Han-lon and newcomer Daniel Gross had a chance to introduce themselves and to discuss their campaign platforms.
Rust, who is running for her fourth three-year term, spoke about her accomplishments over the last nine years.
"I was instrumental in helping to bring a communications department to this district," she said. "I went to the superintendent and suggested that we hire a public relations person. The communications department now sends out over 4,000 pieces of communication a year. I care deeply about this district and feel that the way to continue to prosper is to build on the good programs that we already have."
Hanlon, who is running for his second term, has lived in Jackson since 1979.
"All of my children have gone through the school system, so I know the system from the bottom up," said Hanlon. "Many people say that serving on the board is a thankless job, but I disagree. I have enjoyed every minute of it and I have learned many, many things."
Hanlon said his involvement in the special needs program this past year was his proudest accomplishment.
Gross is running for his first term on the board. He and his family have lived in Jackson for three years.
"I wanted to run for the board because I have been disturbed by many of the things I have seen at recent board meetings," he said. "Essentially there are five issues in which I would work for change: fiscal accountability, academic performance, communications, safety, and relieving the tax burden on residents."
Audience members were invited to write questions on index cards and give them to the moderator. The first question asked the candidates to discuss why they would like to be a member of the board.
"I have three children in the district and I am concerned for their academic welfare," said Gross. "It is wonderful to have a high ranking football team, but it is more important that we focus on academics."
Gross said his career in project management will be an asset to the board.
"I work for a large company that handles million-dollar projects every day," he said. "I feel this will help me when dealing with large projects like the budget."
Hanlon said his experience serving on numerous committees has helped him get a better understanding of the district’s needs.
"I have served on the finance, personnel and negotiations committees and feel that I have picked up on what this district needs," Hanlon said. "I am a great listener, and I am dedicated to putting in the energy and hours it takes to do this job. Additionally, many of the people who live here know both my work and home telephone number and know they can call me at any time. I feel that my accessibility is an asset."
Rust told the audience that serving nine years on the board has taught her what programs are effective and which are not.
"We set a good standard here years ago, and we a following through on those programs," she said. "I have put in a lot of time to make sure this district goes as well as it does."
The candidates also discussed their ideas on the best way to use a new high school. Residents recently approved a $100 million referendum that will include the construction of Jackson’s second high school. The school will be built off North Hope Chapel Road.
Jackson Memorial High School, the district’s first high school, is on Don Connor Boulevard.
It was noted that there has been talk about having one high school concentrate on science and math, and the other concentrate on arts and humanities.
"The best way to determine how to use the new high school is to gather individuals who know the most about the needs of the student: the administrators, teachers, parents, the board members and the students themselves," Hanlon said. "While I am considering the possibilities of two different curriculums at the high schools, nothing is set in stone, and we have the next two years to gather more information."
Rust said she agreed with Hanlon and was looking forward to learning more about the idea.
"While we do need to investigate this idea further, it does suggest a very specific way of dealing with two high schools in one district," said Rust. "Students would have a chance to choose where they wanted to go depending on what they feel are their strengths."
While all three candidates agreed that more research was needed, Gross questioned the advantages of the specialized high schools.
"Selecting between a science-oriented or art-focused high school as a freshman may be too big of a decision for some students," said Gross. "Thoughts and ideas change as kids mature; that is something we must take into account. I am leaning toward keeping both high schools general as opposed to specific."
One question posed by a member of the audience asked the candidates to discuss how they will go about finding a new superintendent for the district. Margaret Hengel has announced that she will be leaving the position.
Hanlon suggested that the first place to start is with the public.
"This board has always tried to listen and be open to suggestions from the public," he said. "We want to look for someone who knows the district, who is a good listener and who has leadership qualities. We would also be looking for someone who has experience in every facet of running a district."
Hanlon said while it would be helpful to find somebody who knows the district, it is not mandatory to have the candidate come from within the district.
Rust agreed with Hanlon, saying the candidate must be an effective communicator and have a firm background in central office skills and curriculum.
"We need a leader in this district and we will have to look beyond the candidate’s resume to see how they work with the public," said Hanlon.
Gross said the best candidate would have a clear vision of how the Jackson district would thrive; someone who can "thrill and enthuse the board with their vision."
"That person may not necessarily be in the district at this point in time," said Gross. "It may be a good idea to consider candidates from outside the district."
Residents will elect two of the three candidates to the board in the April 16 school election.
— Cindy Tietjen