MIDDLETOWN — Five candidates are seeking the lone one-year, unexpired term at the annual school elections on April 16.
The vacancy was created when sitting board member Judi Arendt passed away after complications from pneumonia and a short struggle with cancer earlier this year.
In addition to the one-year term, three full three-year terms on the board are also up for election this year.
At a candidate’s night held last week at Lincroft School, candidates for all four terms faced off on the issues.
All present said that a signed settlement between the Board of Education and the Middletown Township Education Association (MTEA) was an issue of critical importance to the district, and that they would support the terms for settlement the district agreed to that were set by the report issued by mediator Ronald J. Riccio earlier this year.
Nancy J. Billyer, 44 Dogwood Road, is studying for her master’s degree in education at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, and is running on the "New Beginnings" slate with three-year candidates Anthony Strangia and Leonard L. Inzerillo.
Billyer, who was not present at the candidate’s night, sent a statement which was read by the moderator that said she was in favor of a signed teacher’s contract, in support of the budget, and that "the kids should always come first."
John McGowan, 188 Tenth St., owns a small business in Port Monmouth where he works as a barber and has been involved in coaching youth sports in the township.
McGowan said that he is "not a politician, just a regular person."
McGowan said that the district "needs a fresh start" and that it should be "about the kids, not politics."
McGowan does not support the budget.
Joseph McGrath, 21 Clinton St., who is employed as a home inspector, is a former township committeeman who served as the liaison to the school board and is involved in numerous citizens’ organizations around town.
McGrath said that voters should think about who would have the most "impact" in one year and that he managed to work effectively with a split Township Committee and Planning Board while serving in those capacities.
McGrath said that he "is not running for or against the budget."
Joan Minnuies, 628 Bray Ave., is employed in the school district as a para-professional, a post she is willing to give up if elected. In addition, she is an outspoken fixture at school board meetings and has spent 14 years in the schools through leadership roles in various PTOs.
Minnuies, who supports the budget, said that the "district needs to move forward" after the labor strife.
Minnuies said she has not missed a board meeting in 10 years.
Charles Serbe, 169 Monmouth Ave., is a lifelong Middletown resident.
Serbe said that the "system is broken" and that the district needs to address taxes, the issues with the construction referendum, and settle the teachers’ contract.
Serbe refused to take a position on the budget.