Hillsborough School Board Election 2022: Thomas J. Zobele

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough Township Board of Education general election on Nov. 8 has six candidates running for four open seats.

Thomas J. Zobele is running for one of the three, three-year full-term seats on the school board. Opposing candidates include Jean Trujillo, Danny Lee, Joshua Gamse, and Joel E. Davis.

There is also one, two-year unexpired seat up for grabs with Jane M. Staats running as the lone candidate.

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

(All of the candidates were given the same questions)

Thomas J. Zobele

Age: 29

Town of residence: Hillsborough

Position sought: Three Year Term for the Hillsborough Board of Education

Family: Single

Education: Rutgers University, School of Arts & Sciences, 2016; BA in Political Science, Minor in History; Graduated Magna Cum Laude; Raritan Valley Community College, 2014; AA Liberal Arts/Social Science

Occupation: Program Specialist

Previous or current elected appointed office: N/A

Campaign website: N/A

Why are you seeking to run for School Board?

I am seeking a position on the Hillsborough Board of Education because I believe parents and guardians have the right to freely express themselves on what is being taught in the classroom. I also believe in being an advocate for the taxpayer ensuring the board is a good steward of the tax dollar.

School finances have been an issue raised recently. Do you feel the Board and administration are handling this properly? And why?

As an outsider looking in, I believe the board has begun the process of taking the right steps. Case in point would be the selection of a new superintendent. However, depending on future findings of the Somerset Counties Prosecutor’s Office and others on the school’s financing practices, the board may or may not need to take further action.

How do you feel about the current sex-ed curriculum in the district?

I am concerned with the direction Hillsborough is going regarding the sex-ed curriculum. Back on Aug. 22 the board overwhelmingly voted to expand the sex-ed curriculum and if I were an elected board member, I would have voted no. Overall I believe we as a society need to get back to focusing on the basics of reading, writing arithmetic and civics as other countries continue to outpace us in this very competitive world in which we live.

Would you be in favor of a later school start time for students?

From my understanding the focus of a later start time has focused on high school students. With that being my understanding, I can appreciate the challenges high schoolers face; however, I do not favor a later start time. As young adults these students need to learn the principles and values of personal responsibility and discipline. Whether a student goes to college, trade school, work or joins the military they in many instances will have an early morning class, shift or exercise drill. It is never too early to learn these principles and values.

What other issues do you feel need to be tackled in the school district?

Of the many issues to choose from the two that stand out are continuing to improve communication with the public and educational staff along with serious discussions on how to keep kids safe in the wake of school shootings.

What sets you apart from the other challenging candidates?

I can’t speak for the other candidates but as an Eagle Scout I do my best to live by the Scout Law. Of its many principles the three that stand out the most for me is being trustworthy, courteous and thrifty.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign?

As stated previously I am an Eagle Scout and one of the ways I give back is I am a merit badge counselor for all three Citizenship Badges which are Eagle required. I am also an active member of my church and Knights of Columbus Council where we raise funds to give back to those in need.