Newcomers Stephanie Cornelson and Amy Stapleton join incumbents Lou Petzinger, Gary Cortelyou and Ken Lessing on the ballot, each seeking one of three, three-year terms.
By: Donna Lukiw
A crowded field will be vying for the three, three-year terms on the Manville Board of Education on April 17.
Incumbents Lou Petzinger, Gary Cortelyou and Ken Lessing have filed for re-election, and will be joined on the ballots by newcomers Stephanie Cornelson and Amy Stapleton.
Former board member Mike Impellizeri is the lone candidate running for a one-year seat, currently held by Mr. Lessing.
Stephanie Cornelson, of Lincoln Avenue, has lived in Manville for five years and is currently Roosevelt Elementary School’s Parent and Teacher’s Association president.
"I’ve always enjoyed participating in school activities and during this time I’ve really enjoyed getting to know many of the students in our school system," Ms. Cornelson said. "I’m running for the school board because I want to have an active voice in my children’s education."
Incumbent Gary Cortelyou, of Persivoko Street, has been on the board for three years and is the chairman of finance and facilities and personnel. He also served on the curriculum and policy committee.
"I’ve got a few things I would like to continue doing like upgrading the sidewalks, facilities and continue getting the curriculum upgraded," he said.
Mr. Impellizeri, a former board member, is running for a one-year term and he says it’s his final year running on the Board of Education.
"I have completed four years on the board this will be my fifth and final year," Mr. Impellizeri said. "I think that board members should not wear out their welcome. Fresh ideas are better for everyone concerned."
He has served on the facilities and finance committee and the policy committee while he was a board member.
"I’m running because I want to help," Mr. Impellizeri said. "We should all take a turn at community involvement at one level or another."
Incumbent Ken Lessing, of Dukes Parkway, has served on the Board of Education for about eight years he was tapped to replace Dottie Bradley when she resigned last year after his bid re-election fell short in April.
Mr. Lessing has served on the policy, negotiations, finance and facilities and personnel committees.
"I see the school district stride ahead and I like to see that continue," Mr. Lessing said. "My goal would be to push the superintendent and staff to get our test scores to rise."
Lou Petzinger, of South Eighth Avenue, is finishing his sixth year on the board and is currently the board president.
"I’m running again to continue the work that has started since I’ve been on the board," Mr. Petzinger said. "I want to work to retain the great teachers we have and attract more equally proficient teachers. Also to continue our work with upgrading technology and curriculum to insure our student are prepared as they leave the school district."
Mr. Petzinger said if he is re-elected he’ll will continue to raise the bar for the students and staff, while maintaining a cost-effective budget.
Amy Stapleton, of Huff Avenue, has been a lifelong resident of Manville and graduated from the Manville school system.
"I decided to run for the Board of Education so I may be a contributor to providing a quality education, maintaining a high caliber of teachers as well as determining the most appropriate allocation of budget dollars, all for the benefit of our children," Ms. Stapleton said.
Mr. Impellizeri could not be reached for comment.
Residents will be voting for the school budget and the board members on April 17.

