MILLSTONE — The Monmouth County Board of Elections has confirmed the winners in the race for four seats on the Millstone Township K-8 School District Board of Education.
The winners of three three-year terms are John Saxton, 1,220 votes; Melissa Riviello, 1,256 votes; and Cynthia Bailey, 1,231 votes. Saxton and Riviello are incumbents. The race was uncontested.
The winner of a one-year term is Ramon Recalde. No resident filed a nominating petition to seek that seat, and Recalde won with 54 write-in votes on Nov. 4.
Incumbent Salvatore Casale received 39 write-in votes, according to the Board of Elections. The board confirmed the winners on Nov. 14.
Bailey and her husband, Richard, moved to Millstone in 2008. They have two children, Ethan, 7; and Ryan, 6. Bailey is employed in the billing department of a local law practice.
She served on the Strategic Planning Committee in the Millstone school district and became inspired to want to serve on the board. She said her goal is to help make Millstone one of the top school districts in the state.
“I know there will be many goals and changes in the upcoming years for our district,” Bailey said. “With two little ones in the schools, I felt compelled to be a part of the process to help make a difference for the betterment of all students.”
Recalde said, “I have been involved for quite a while and look forward to working with the board. Most important, I would love to see more residents get involved and contribute their ideas.”
Recalde owns Arriba Noir Chocolate, Millstone Township, He and his wife, Colette Visser, are the parents to Andres, 21; Daniel, 19; Gabby, 16; and Nicolas, 7.
Riviello said she feels privileged to have been re-elected. Since her term began in January, she has served on many of the board’s committees. Riviello is the board’s representative to the Math Review Committee and to the Millstone Performing Arts Center Committee.
“I am eager and honored to be a part of Millstone’s educational community in a time that is so dynamic and formative for our district,” she said. “There are so many innovative ideas being brought to life for our students in our classrooms that would not be possible without our talented and dedicated administrators, teachers and support staff.”
Saxton said he was moved regarding his victory, as it will allow him to be able to continue his work on the board. His goals for his next term include working to have board support in policies and identifying funding to expand the range of advanced classes.
“I am humbled and appreciative that so many Millstone residents would cast a vote for me,” Saxton said. “It is a lot of work to serve on the board, but I look forward to the challenge and I will try my absolute best to earn the votes that have been cast for me.
“I am particularly proud of our strategic plan. The plan is the result of a lot of time and work and input from residents, students, staff, administration and the board. We are executing pieces of the plan, and I believe that [Superintendent of Schools] Scott Feder will be providing a midyear update at the Dec. 15 meeting.”
School board members in New Jersey are not paid for their service to the community.