COLTS NECK – The Colts Neck K-8 School District Board of Education is expected to name a new members to fill a vacant seat on the panel.
Two residents applied to fill a seat previously held by Joseph Cammarata, who resigned on Aug. 10. The board has until Oct. 10 to fill the position, which expires in January 2017
The candidates for the position are Danielle Alpaugh and John Camera. Both were interviewed by the board in public on Sept. 16.
Alpaugh previously sought an appointment to the board in June, to fill a seat that opened when Sandy Freeman resigned. Alpaugh is a defense attorney and litigator in New York City. She has lived in Colts Neck for almost two years and has a 14-monthold son.
Camera retired as the borough administrator in Seaside Heights in December. He has lived in Colts Neck for three years and has four children in the district.
Camera said he has a record of working with personnel, budgets and maintenance issues. He said that during his time in Seaside Heights when a school budget was rejected by voters, he had experience working with the municipal government to review the school board’s spending plan.
Alpaugh said that as an attorney, she has gained experience drafting and negotiating contracts. She described herself as a hardworking and dedicated individual.
The candidates were asked what they believe is the most important issue facing the district.
Alpaugh said a presentation at the meeting regarding proper protocol during an incident such as a school shooting became an issue for her. She said that is the type of issue about which she wants to become more informed and more involved in when it comes to instituting policies in the school district.
Camera said he wants to make certain that students are provided with a good education and he wants the district to be as responsive as possible to children and parents.
“I care about the community and I want to help my children,” he said.
Alpaugh said she has a clean slate and can provide an outside perspective.
“NotonlyamIaColtsNeckresident, but I am an interested party who wants to keep her finger on the pulse of what is going on and somebody who wants to be a part of the discussion,” Alpaugh said.
Board President Dr. Kimberly Raymond reminded the candidates that being a board member requires a significant commitment of time.
In other business, the board projects that enrollment for the 2015-16 school year is 956 pupils. The enrollment for the 2014-15 school year was 950 pupils.