Herman Brunn and Andrew Zangara also win seats.
By: Donna Lukiw
Incumbent Board of Education member Ned Panfile was the top vote-getter Tuesday, picking up 528 votes to easily outdistance the other candidates.
Mr. Panfile will be joined on the board by Herman Brunn, who received 336 votes, and Andrew Zangara, who received 311.
The other candidates’ vote totals were: Frances Brunn, 269; Mary Brunn, 254; Joe Burris, 127; Ken Lessing, 293; and Alex Tomari, 275.
"I applaud all the candidates who sought a board term and encourage them, no matter what side of the board table they sit on, to be a voice for our children as we continue to work for our students and their education," board member Dottie Bradley said.
Mr. Brunn of Brooks Boulevard taught in Manville public schools for 41 years, retiring in 1995, and said he is mostly concerned with helping the special needs students.
"I would like to know what programs are currently available to them and how effective they have been within the district," Mr. Brunn said. "Additionally, since money is tight, fiscal prudence would be important to monitor."
Mr. Panfile retired from the Manville school system after 41 years, teaching for 13 years and being a vice principal for 28 years.
In the community, Mr. Panfile volunteers for the Board of Health, Emergency Management, Facade Committee, Manville Education Foundation, Manville Booster Club and the Manville Rescue Squad Auxiliary.
"My energy will be focused on making sure every student receives a thorough and efficient education, increasing the student scores while keeping the taxpayer in mind," Mr. Panfile said. "I would like to continue to provide a safe environment for the teachers and students so that the flow of the learning process is not interrupted."
Mr. Zangara, who served on the Board of Education from 1999-2001, was again elected for another three-year term.
"While on the Manville Board of Education, I was on various committees including Personnel, Policy, Finance and Facilities," Mr. Zangara said in an earlier interview. "I have had input in redeveloping Roosevelt School and consolidating our BOE and superintendent’s offices into one building. I have been involved in the finances of several fraternal and civic organizations. I have participated in building, cutting, and overseeing million dollar budgets including developing two as a board member."
Mr. Zangara has been the president of the Somerville Elks twice, Bound Brook Moose Family Center, and vice president of the Manville BOE.
"I was asked by residents to come back and run for the board again," Mr. Zangara said. "They valued my opinions and trusted my decisions regarding the children in the district. I will always have our students’ best interest in mind when dealing with staff and our administration without any hidden agendas. I want our students and graduates to be proud to be from Manville."
Mr. Zangara is currently a supervisor of mechanics for Somerset County’s Vehicle Maintenance Division and has been working for the county for the past 13 years. He is responsible for repairing county vehicles and equipment.
For 25 years, Mr. Zangara has been a recreation T-ball and soccer coach, member of the Weston and ABIS PTAs, a Cub Scout Pack 193 volunteer and a member of Sacred Heart Church.