Brick School Board 2019: Melita Gagliardi

BRICK, NJ — As Election Day 2019 nears, Patch is sharing profiles of the candidates for local office.

The Brick Township Board of Education has two, three-year terms on the ballot for 2019. Six candidates are vying for the two seats, which are unpaid, volunteer positions. Those candidates are Joseph Aulisi Jr., John Barton, Cassidy Busa, Robert Canfield, Melita Gagliardi and Daisy Haffner.

Patch asked each candidate the same questions. Here are Melita Gagliardi's answers.

Name: Melita Gagliardi

Age: 38

Employment: Special education literacy teacher at the Christa McAuliffe Middle School, Jackson.

Tell us about your public service (township boards, committees you sit on): Currently I am the PTA president of the Emma Havens Young Elementary School.

Any previous elected office (council, school board, etc)? How many years have you served? I'm on my third year of my three-year term on the Brick Township Board of Education. I have proudly served on the Brick Board of Education since my election since 2017. I was the PTA vice president of the Emma Havens Young Elementary School from 2018-2019 and active member of the Emma Havens PTA since 2015. Currently, I am the vice president of the Brick Board of Education and chair of Curriculum and Instruction Committee.

What conflicts would you have (what won't you be able to vote on) if elected? I am the president of the Emma Havens Young PTA therefore, I cannot vote on board matters directly affecting Emma Havens Young ES, PTA. Also, as a public school teacher (NJEA affiliate) I cannot participate in BTEA contract negotiation, as per memorandum of agreement .

Tell us about the most important thing you do that has nothing to do with politics or your employment: This question is difficult to answer because my employment and public office positions all encompass my life’s passion, advocating for students. I am an enthusiastic and passionate advocate for all children who believes in educating the total child. I believe educators have an important task of educating the emotional, social as well as the academic needs of each child. Our children need individuals in their life that will be their champion and be their advocate. Being an advocate for all children is something that I value deeply.

What will you do if you are elected to the school board? If elected I hope to continue to advocate for ALL the students of the Brick Public Schools in ensuring that they are provided a safe school environment where they can receive a quality education.

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