Meet The Middletown School Board Candidates: Donald 'DJ' Hager

MIDDLETOWN, NJ-- This is the fourth of a six part series introducing the Middletown Board of Education School Board candidates, in their own words. The six candidates running are Leonora Caminiti, Donald "DJ" Hager, Frank Higgins, John Little Jr, Vincent Brand and Michael Donlon.

MEET DONALD 'DJ' HAGAR

The sense of pride is overwhelming when you see Middletown’s students’ accomplishments and how they express themselves in the arts, on the field, through technology and many other creative means. We’re so fortunate to live in this unique place where we have the resources to give young people the tools to succeed.

As a recent graduate of Middletown South, I hope to bring a different perspective to the Board of Education where my experiences will be helpful in making decisions that affect our students as well as give insight to the budget process. Some may ask “Why would a high school graduate want to sit on the Board of Education?”

Here is what I plan to accomplish:

• A more inclusive environment that surrounds the Board of Education – the governing body of Middletown’s great public school system needs to represent itself better to the community.
• That important issues such as student safety, facilities, budget and curriculum benefit from detailed analysis and decision making with full participation from the community.
• Most important of all, that Middletown provides a first class education for all of Middletown’s students.

I began attending Board of Education meetings my junior year and have consistently attended now for more than a year in order to stay up to speed with the happenings of our district. I’m currently a member of the Facilities & Long Term Planning committee in which we’re currently analyzing all of our schools facility needs and concerns to optimize the quality of education for our students.

I want to serve Middletown to the best of my ability, which means promoting our great schools, administrative team, teachers, superintendent and most importantly our students, which will take more commitment than just showing up to two monthly Board of Education meetings.

As a recent graduate and for the sake of current students, I ask you to please make an educated vote this November and elect members who will serve you and your children best.

Image via DJ Hagar