Timothy Salmon: Bernards Township School Board Candidate

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The Bernards Township School Board has seven candidates vying for three seats in the upcoming election on Nov. 2.

Timothy Salmon, an incumbent, is one of the candidates running for one of the three-year seats. The other candidates include:

• Robin McKeon - incumbent and current Board Vice President
• Kirsten Light
• Carl Bird
• Herpreet "Guddia" Singh - incumbent

Those running for the unexpired seat include:

• Ruchika Hira - incumbent
• Lawrence J. Nastro

Are you running for office in Basking Ridge? Contact Alexis Tarrazi at alexis.tarrazi@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Basking Ridge Patch.

Timothy Salmon

Name: Timothy Salmon

Age: 42

Town of residence: Basking Ridge

Position sought: Board of Education

Family: Wife and 3 children

Education: BS in Biomedical Engineering from University of Rochester; JD from St. John's University School of Law

Occupation: Consultant.

Previous or current elected appointed office: I have been on the BOE for the past 4 years.

Why are you seeking to run for school board? First and foremost, I want the children of Basking Ridge to have an enjoyable and rewarding school experience. I'm so excited that kids and staff are back in school, in-person, full-time. Even with masking and social distancing, I really believe most kids and staff are happiest when everyone is in school. Secondly, I feel that I am a reasonable and practical person that can examine an issue, hear input from multiple perspectives, and make a decision that is in the best interest of the kids in our town. I especially love hearing feedback from students! Finally, since I've been on the Board for 4 years, I've really enjoyed working with all the Board members and everyone in the district, and I am excited to continue that work. We are really lucky to have the professional, respectful and engaged administration and staff that we do.

What is your stance on masks in schools? Honestly, I'm sick of masks, and I really wish that we didn't need them. It's really difficult for me to think about little kids that only know the school experience involving masks on themselves, their friends and their teachers. However, all schools are currently under an Executive Order from the Governor that mandates mask-wearing in schools, and the school district must follow the law.

Should schools offer a virtual option? Each student should be in an environment where he/she/they feel safe — physically, mentally and emotionally — and that fosters academic success. However, I don't think a public school district should be required to offer a virtual option. I think this is an issue that is better handled on a county-wide or state-wide level.

What other issues do you feel must be tackled in the school district? The biggest issue facing the school district is getting kids back to in-person, full-time school, and to feel good and safe about going to school. The last two school years were really difficult for everyone — students, parents, and staff — and understandably, there is some fear and frustration about coming back into the buildings. But, this year is off to a really good start. I hope it keeps improving and kids start to really enjoy themselves, their friends and teachers again. Other issues facing the district relate to the pandemic's impact on the labor force. Our district, like many others, is facing shortages on bus drivers, aides, substitutes, and food service personnel. Unfortunately, there are no overnight solutions to these problems. But, our administration has been coordinating existing personnel to cover any gaps in service and actively working with vendors to source and retain personnel.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates? All the candidates have the same goal — do the best we can for all of the kids in our community. I am very passionate about elementary education and early intervention. I genuinely believe that we can make a better, more inclusive experience in schools if we help kids build confidence and continually reinforce social-emotional learning, starting at the elementary level.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign? All the families who live in Basking Ridge likely moved here because the schools are truly amazing. It's certainly why my family did. I can honestly say that after every school function I attend, from Back to School night to sporting events to committee meetings to musical performances and everything in-between, I come away more impressed with what the students and staff are accomplishing. I want to do everything I can to continue to provide an environment where the kids of Basking Ridge can succeed. Please vote on November 2!

For more information visit hira-mckeon-salmon-singh.com.