Brick Candidate Profile: Victor Finamore

Profiles of the candidates for the Brick Township Board of Education are being presented for informational purposes.

Responses are unedited.

Candidate’s Name: Victor Finamore

Employer/Job: Project Management, Hurricane Sandy Relief - Housing Advisor. Prior: Health Care Benefits Administrator [ Teachers,Unions,Employee services, Pensions]; Financial Services [ Mortgages, planning, collaborative]; Research and Development [ Gov. Lab Environment].

How long have you lived in Brick? Since 2002.

Have you ever held elected office or served as an appointee to any government board (where and when)?

I have never held a public board position. Community Service:

• Superstorm Sandy I volunteered in a number of activities to help in the recovery process; documented almost 260 hours of log time for public service starting from the evening of the storm.

• The purchase and donated two refurbished Utility Trailers to the Visitation Relief center in Brick.
  

• Local advocate for insurance processing regarding FEMA programs in addition to various public meetings post Sandy 2012 - 2013.

• My campaign was self funded; without any financial support or help from others.

1. With all the concerns that Brick students are not keeping pace academically with their peers, what do you feel is the best course of action to help them improve?

Where to begin?

This problem is not only in Brick NJ; anyone can research for themselves that this is on a national Level. many towns across the U.S., are beginning to see difficulties within their communities as our society is ever changing. Recognizing the difficulties and where to make ongoing improvements along the way is the key. Know what works, and what is not working - you don’t need to spend thousands of [ tax payors ] dollars on a audit study to figure it out?

As to any program. there has to be both, a Structure and it’s Core - including it’s dynamic layers of departments and it’s procedures including policy with objectives; without both parts - they can not coexist.

One person can not make changes over night; however can make suggestions before it’s Board President, Business Administrator and Superintendent as a collaborative along side other Board members for the best solution possible.

One of the effective tools that Brick has in it’s school system to link children, teachers and parents is: Check My Child’s Grades; which is a strong tool for active parents to become more involved with their children - quickly recognize any difficulties. where the parent can look and research for ways to develop personal improvement ( see attached *). In addition to having a strong Administration and Teachers to help educate and process the children through the school system as-well alternative outside programs.

The primary goal: is to ensure that every student, in every school and in every neighborhood graduates from high school prepared for college and career. Students not only need to know; but need to understand why - in order for them to succeed in college and career. Including what are the benefits of college prep program before selecting schools. Even by introducing guest speakers to engage the students [ inter actively ], to comprehend opportunities to begin the process of directing in learning. Most important - keeping the line of communication open.

School is not only a place where children learn education skills. It is also a place where they learn to get along with other people and develop social skills.

A lot of this has an effect upon our environment around us, in our neighborhood, on our streets, from what is published, Social Influences in both Social media + what they see in the media. Parents can directly teach social skills by modeling, role-playing and providing opportunities for their child to rehearse and practice new skills. Parents should encourage and praise the child for successfully using a new skills and ideas for encouragement as well disciplined. To help understand what it is to overcome certainties and boundaries to keep focused and look a head in their own vision.

While teachers don’t have to teach a class in social skills, they can take advantage of every opportunity to help children improve their social skills. With both Teachers and Parents understanding and working together - may help off set any difficulties. It’s important for the parent be alert to teasing and bullying [ trending now ] and aware of children that are rejected or ignored by their peers. Rather than to take action against - however, learn to take action for a direction and encouragement. While at the same time it’s apart of culture; as we clearly see with many transient new people arrive - so will the adaptation of constant changes be a part of it - peer pressure; with new focus and direction must take priority. Perhaps something simple as -introduce career opportunity and volunteering programs to keep children focused on what’s happening now, around our community.

* Related information:
Can Teachers Reach Every kid?
http://www.macalester.edu/courses/educ59/PIE/Johnson-PIE.htm
NEA Adivce and Support
http://www.nea.org/tools/AdviceAndSupport.html
Academic Behavior
https://www.pbis.org/common/cms/files/Newsletter/Volume3%20Issue1.pdf
http://www.yourlifecounts.org/blog/20-ways-avoid-peer-pressure
https://www.kidshelpline.com.au/teens/get-info/hot-topics/peer-pressure.php
http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=243&id=2184&np=295

2. Governor Christie has said he wants to drop the state’s support of Common Core. Do you feel this will help or hurt the goal of improving students’ preparation for college and the working world?

When we take a look back on a few things before moving forward: “It’s now been five years since Common Core was adopted and the truth is that it’s simply not working.” following up with: “We must test our children because federal law requires it and because it is the only way to objectively judge our progress [PARCC, testing].” ” ~ as quoted.

Just by researching, not only in NJ but across the States - there are dynamic changes to follow.. you will find pros and cons- from both Common Core and PARCC testing; however the direction is moving deeper in to PARCC testing; which requires both Teacher and Children new ways of teaching, understanding, logic and achieving individual abilities.

The most common complaint is that the test questions and test format are too confusing, especially for younger students. Other opponents don’t like how much time kids spend testing and in test-prep during the school year
It’s supposed to be more rigorous than New Jersey’s previous state tests. PARCC tests are aligned to the Common Core standards, which stress reading comprehension and critical thinking.

[as an example]: think back what technology it took to launch the Apollo rocket in comparison today - the iPhone is 32,600 times faster than Apollo on board computer - the technology in the processor of a cell phone today could have launched that rocket from yesterday ]~ this gives you a though of how far we have come with technology, Science, Math, English and critical thinking and how it’s applied and all comes together - Where as; “we still have very far to yet achieve.”
Once our society as a whole learns to adapt, learn how to and develop that process of understanding and resolving challenges; It would become easier to understand, ascertain and achieve.

It’s no different than anything around us is constantly changing and redeveloping [ Cell Phones, Computers,Cars, electronics,programs- soon to be space and in-depth medical exploration ] - like our technology, we have to learn to adapt, learn new ways of thinking to become more advanced to grow in ways we have not thought of from our own past.
As a human, we are constantly changing and adapting and growing. - “If we are to succeed, we have to learn to develop in ways different that we were once taught may years ago.”

Others also argue that the test is too long, too difficult, too confusing; that the test’s focus on math and reading leaves less time for science, art, and other valuable subjects that aren’t part of the new testing regime; and that the pressure to perform leaves kids stressed-out and miserable.

To have an example of what these new challenges are like - see for yourself.
Links attached: Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers - PARCC

• http://www.parcconline.org/
• http://www.parcconline.org/assessments
• http://parcc.pearson.com/practice-tests/
• http://parcc.pearson.com/practice-tests/math/

Advocates believe more rigorous tests will help students become college and career ready. Like the Common Core standards, the tests are designed to make sure students understand how to solve problems rather than simply memorizing answers.

• NEA Common Core

http://www.nea.org/home/46653.htm

• An Article written Nov 2014 released new numbers on how students performed in their 2013-2014 standardized tests New Jersey school test results: How did your school score?

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2014/11/new_jersey_school_test_results_how_did_your_school_score_interactive.html

• More information regarding: NJ Department of Education:

http://www.state.nj.us/education/

• DOE Data & Reports: http://www.state.nj.us/education/data/

To answer the question: I’ve shared a few quotes, demonstrated the possibilities and provided information supporting the changes yet to come; that we have to prepare for. To understand the why: with understanding the causes and long term effects, as this process becomes more and more. I believe that PARCC testing - in the long run, in the years to follow this would be improving students’ preparation for college and the working world.

“- preparation for college and the working world?”

Majority of staffing agencies today [ I have a list of them ] look to see the levels of education and internships upon recruiting a potential first time applicant. I believe that it’s important as well a great opportunity that teenagers learn what it is to volunteer, become active in a community, give back, setting personal goals and achievements, to understand what type of education are out there and to what roles that they play in; as to the skill set level needed.

Graduating students before heading off to college should review what the current market place is today and learn to watch for those patterns of changes to understand further about the choices they take and the careers they choose.
To be a growing child with a world of opportunities, direction and the vision to see it; the achievements are endless today.
However - “it’s starts by placing that person on the right track; that begins with education and family - that becomes the career and opportunity.”

The career world [ just a snap shot - in what direction in the return of what good education may provide -see links: ]
http://thehiringsite.careerbuilder.com/2014/11/04/get-best-talent-for-your-staffing-firm/
http://www.gradstaff.com/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2014/11/12/top-degrees-for-getting-hired-in-2015/
For families looking for college Grants:
http://www.collegescholarships.org/grants/states/new-jersey.htm
HESAA
http://www.hesaa.org/Pages/NJGrantsHome.aspx

3. It’s no secret that residents of Brick (like so many towns) believe we are spending too much in taxes to support the schools. How do you propose to balance the voters’ desire for no increases with the needs of students and the buildings and grounds where they are educated? What is your top priority?

~ buildings and grounds “
The Board previously approved a budget and has recently completed $5.7 million construction project this summer, the latest portion of an overall $11 million improvement plan for the school. The project includes the installation of two new boilers, new ventilators in every classroom that will provide both heat and air conditioning, including a complete electrical upgrade and a new control system that will help the district save on the cost of energy. The budget also included windows replaced for both security and energy saving purposes. The good news, the slight increase proposed, increased by 1.8 percent or raised taxes by about $50 for the average Brick homeowner.”
“That’s a manageable increase, the public can work with that.” [ as feed back from the public ].

~ Top Priority - the public”: “Holding and maintaining the Budget is a must!” for the public, the working class, those families married or single, and seniors who make up a big part of the town. As the population grows in Brick [est. 400+ units coming by 2017 ] the educational system may have challenging times ahead with the potential influx of transient renters moving in.

“I am a single homeowner myself - I agree with the pubic and completely understand!”

Planning:
We need to keep the Budget a priority for every resident in Brick and find other resources if necessary.
I’ve met with many families over the past few months; all over Brick - saying the same:
[ there’s over 1300 active properties in Brick - between pending -foreclosure and for sale ].
~ they can’t afford it - they are quite concerned about future impacts”

Back to the Basics: if a single parent, couples or married couples - Who has to work 2-3 jobs to up-keep with the cost of living [ rent, mortgage ]. leaves parents with making hard choices; leaving kids home alone for a few hours to make possible bad choices [Statistics with the recent epidemic in the area].
When something tragic is reported what’s the common response- often head in the media - “Where are the parents?” - out working 2 jobs trying to get by?
When a parent is able to come home to sit with family every-night to share dinner- those children have a strong chance to succeed in life- because the core values are still implemented, a structure and quality time is shared - offering balance, which often leads to a success. reducing the risk of unforeseen possibilities.
I’ve heard it all along - “for the children” - family and education go hand in hand for the children in the growing years. “the cost of living was manageable for almost the past 10 years. The job market had it’s moments; but today it’s just not that simple.“

Looking back on the budget reports over the past 4 years - the Board did the best they could on this current 2015 - 2016 reporting. The board and it’s current members have made great progress, accomplishments, improvements and implementations - it’s a start and by working together by maintaining a budget affordable for everyone - was an achievement in it’s self. - Thank you”

The possible solutions- There are ideas- there are grants, there are programs, that can be helpful to the School system. we need to continue to work together and find a way to be approved for it. We have to learn to utilize the resources in and around the town and constantly keep looking for new ones to help off set the cost and Budget.

As an example, there are local banking institutions around Brick who can help college bound students learn what it is to save money,balance a check book, invest in life time opportunities- while those banks can give back to the school system. I’ve brought up advertisement programs that can be a financial resource - JCPL often has incentives, there are programs out there - I can research and submit my suggestion to the Superintendent, Business Administrator, legal department, committee, President and Board members for review.

Examples of Grants:
NEA Grants and Awards
http://www.nea.org/grants/grantsawardsandmore.html
NJDOE Grants
http://www.nj.gov/cgi-bin/education/grants/gropps2.pl?string=recnum=01685&maxhits=1
Vocational
http://www.nj.gov/cgi-bin/education/grants/gropps2.pl?string=recnum=01686&maxhits=1
NJEA programs
https://www.njea.org/resources/grants

Bottom line: The budget is the budget, it’s not going down, Operate not just one but 12 schools and the entire staff - in fact those numbers may increase as the population continues to exceed in Brick.
I can only hope that other departments outside of the BOE can offer financial incentives that will help offset the current and future cost [ including any expansion ] budget to stabilize it for everyone - including both the Municipal and Educational side.

Transparency - that’s a big word these days, the public wants to know. If your trying to bring a community together - then you are going to have to show them why?- it’s that simple. We need a stronger communication and alliance between the Township - The Planning Board and our Council - to work together. The future of Brick - I hope to see it as: “Brick, keeping it Affordable- while growing.” - that’s what will keep people here, want to grow, to build a lifestyle and expand a quality of life - while Brick does.

4. Why (in 75 words or fewer) are you the best candidate for the school board?

• I’m am not going to promise you anything but to try.
• “I am not going to pretend, to tell you what you think you want to hear; I’m going to tell it like it is”.
• Keeping politics and favoritism out;Transparency.”
• Will listen to, address and evaluate public concerns when making decisions as part of a collaborative with The Board and it’s members.
• “It’s the public’s money - not mine or anyone else.”
• In closing, I leave it up to you to decide; I ask upon the public - for my vote.

Thank you and good luck to everyone.