Zaccaria Seeks Fairfield Seat on School Board

The West Essex Board of Education has three open seats in this spring’s election. Dawn M. Smith will run unopposed for a three-year term representing the sending district of Roseland. Three candidates will vie for two Fairfield seats, that held by incumbent Frank Antonucci and the seat being vacated by Council President Phyllis Helmstetter. Anthony Rubinich and David Zaccaria are both first time candidates vying for the two seats representing the sending district of Fairfield.

Zaccaria, 42, has lived in Fairfield for more than 5 years. He has three sons currently enrolled in Fairfield public schools, one of which will be attending West Essex Middle School in the fall.

Voters will go to the polls on Wednesday, April 27 for a chance to vote for Zaccaria. The public will also vote on the district's proposed $34.5 million school budget.

Patch recently posed some questions to the candidate: 

Please describe what qualifications you feel you have to serve on the school board. Why should a resident vote for you?

I feel I bring a financial perspective to the board because of my diverse financial background which exposes me to many facets that the district will have to face during these lean financial times. My financial expertise and my experience with dealing with clients on a daily basis will benefit the board when dealing with people and financial matters with its fiscal challenges and as we continue to further develop educational excellence within our community. I am very proud to be actively involved in my community. I volunteer as a recreational coach for our local programs and with the West Essex Junior wrestling program. Being an active parent within the community gives me great personal satisfaction.

What do you think are the top three issues facing the district?

With the recent announcement of the current West Essex superintendent’s resignation I feel that the board needs to focus on what goals it wishes to achieve and then find the candidate that can best achieve those goals. Of course, being fiscally responsible with the taxpayers’ monies is always a top issue that any board needs focus on. Lastly, the board needs to work with the administration and staff to make sure the education and the experience students receive at West Essex is of the highest caliber.

What do you think makes the district unique/special?

I feel the district is unique in the way it is so diverse, socioeconomically. No matter how diverse, the board needs to work together for the best of the district and not the individual town they represent. No single student’s education is more important than the next, no matter what their background or township they reside in. Our diversity can help West Essex and the four sending districts achieve a better experience for every student, as we prepare them for post high school education.

What is your current occupation? 

Owner of my own company – Diversified Financial Resources. Financial Planning and investments, various insurance products and mortgage consultation.

Describe your education.

• Glen Ridge High School, Glen Ridge NJ (1987 graduate)
• Undergraduate – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy NY (1991 BS Biomedical Engineering)
• Graduate - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy NY (1993 Masters - Biomedical Engineering)