Five make their case for open school board seat

Interviews to continue at South Brunswick public meeting Oct. 17

BY CHRIS GAETANO Staff Writer

BY CHRIS GAETANO
Staff Writer

SOUTH BRUNSWICK — The Board of Education began interviews Monday to fill the vacant seat left behind by Michael Mahan.

Since announcing the need for a new board member to serve until April, when general elections for the board will take place, eight individuals have expressed an interest in filling the vacancy. On Monday, the board conducted interviews with five of them. The remaining three will be interviewed during an open public meeting on the Oct. 17.

The board asked each candidate four questions: why do you want to be on the South Brunswick Board of Education; what is your greatest personal quality; why should the board choose you over all others; and finally, whether the candidate had any comments of his own for the board.

Al Kady, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars among other community organizations, was the first person interviewed. He said he was a suitable candidate because of his heavy involvement with the community, citing many of the organizations he volunteered with as proof of his strong volunteer ethic. He also said he would improve efficiency, citing as an example that some of the bus routes can be consolidated in order to save gas.

Ed Birch, who has worked in the public sector since 1974 and ran for the school board in April 2004, was the next person interviewed. He stated that his experience of working in government allows him to see where problems may come up and solve them.

Arthur Robinson, who entered the room in full Naval dress uniform, was the third person interviewed.

“I am wearing this uniform so you can see what a product of education looks like,” said Robinson.

Having also run for the board in April 2004, he said that he wants to be a role model for the children and he’d like to add more emphasis on children with special needs. Also, one of his priorities was to reinstate the School Resource Officer program for the elementary schools.

Next was Brian Wojaczyk, a project manager by trade and a newcomer to the board who wants to eventually run in April. He feels the fact that he is a newcomer will make him a valuable member of the board.

“A lot of other school districts seem old school, old blood, and it seems to be some sort of closed caste system and I want to avoid that. It’s good to bring some new people in.”

Wojaczyk also said he’ll bring the eye for efficiency of a project manager to the educational system in South Brunswick. He said that he has a personal stake as well, as he has two children in the school system already with a third on the way.

The final candidate interviewed was Dr. Stephen Parker. Coming from a family of educators, he said he knows how important education is. He also cited his familiarity with the board as a reason he should be chosen out of others, as well as the fact that since his children are grown, he has more time to dedicate to the job.

Response to the candidates from the board seemed to be positive.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but I’m thrilled we had so many [volunteers]. It really shows the volunteering ethic of the community,” said board President Bryan Laurita.