Five File for Three Available Seats on Central Regional School Board

There will be two contested races for the three, three-year terms up on the Central Regional Board of Education this year.

One contest will be for the Ocean Gate seat, currently held by Francis L. Clayton. Clayton announced at a recent board meeting he would not seek re-election to a third term because of health problems. Michael Passeri, Red Bank Avenue, is challenging Stephanie Jensen, East Averne Avenue.

Clayton was appointed to the board in 2004 to fill out an unexpired term. He went on to win two full terms on the board, according to board records.

Incumbent Frances Little, Franklin Avenue, is running against Michael Graichen, Carteret Avenue, for the Seaside Heights seat.

Tracy Mianulli, 8th Avenue, is running unopposed for the Seaside Park seat. Incumbent Gail Coleman did not file to run for another term.

The Central Regional school district has five sending districts - Berkeley Township, Ocean Gate, Island Heights, Seaside Height and Seaside Park. None of the five Berkeley Township seats or the Island Heights seat are up this year.

Boards of Education adopt school policies, oversee the budget, approve curriculum, hire and evaluate the superintendent, represent the public during contract negotiations and establish goals for the district, according to the New Jersey School Boards Association.

"The function of the school board is not to run the schools, but to see that they are run effectively," the NJSBA's website states.

Voters will chose the candidates and decide on the proposed tax levy in the April 27 election. The polls will be open from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.