Manasquan Board of Education Candidates Speak

On April 27, voters in Manasquan will be asked to elect three people to the Board of Education.

Sitting board members Christine Haley and Cynthia O'Connell, who have served since 2006 and 2005, respectively, will not seek re-election.

Linda DiPalma of Virginia Avenue, who is finishing her first term on the board, will run against Donna Bossone of North Main Street, John Campbell of Old Squan Road, Michelle LaSala of Parker Avenue and Kristine Shea of Parker Avenue.

In March, candidates were sent an identical set of questions by mail to the address on their official candidate filing.

The questions:

1. In 250 words or less, introduce yourself to the voters.
2. What relevant experience would you bring to the Manasquan Board of Education if elected?
3. What is the most important issue that Manasquan schools will face in the coming three years?
4. What must the Manasquan Board of Education do to ensure the success of its students in the future?

Of the five candidates, two sent responses by the April 7 deadline they were provided. Their responses to the questions appear below, verbatim:

Michele LaSala, Parker Avenue

1. In 250 words or less, introduce yourself to voters.

My name is Michelle LaSala and I live at 44 Parker Avenue with my husband of 26 years, Michael.  We have two children, both graduates of the Manasquan Elementary and High School.  Our daughter  Ashley, 23, graduated from St. Joseph’s University in 2010 with a B.S. in Psychology  and is currently in graduate school  pursuing a degree in school psychology.  Our son Mike, 20, is a sophomore business major at Kean University and a member of the college football team.  I am also a Manasquan Elementary and High School graduate.  I attended Wesley College in Dover, Delaware.   I have been the Chief Operating Officer of Barbizon of Red Bank, LLC, a private vocational center, for the past 23 years.  I am also a Communications Consultant for Airbornesun, an international marketing company located in Savannah, Georgia.  I am a parishioner of St. Denis Church.

2. What relevant experience would you bring to the Manasquan Board of Education if elected?

In my professional life, I am responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations as well as short and long-term goal setting and financial planning. Working with my staff and colleagues has taught me the importance of communicating and respecting the views of the people I work with to succeed in achieving common goals.   I know the importance of scrutinizing every expenditure and spending money wisely.  I know the importance of due diligence when it comes to making decisions.  I am not afraid to ask the tough questions nor am I afraid to express my concerns. I am fortunate to be able to work from my home which allows me to dedicate the time necessary to fulfill my obligations as a member of the Manasquan Board of Education.

3. What is the most important issue that Manasquan schools will face in the coming three years?

I think the most important issue that Manasquan, and all schools in New Jersey, will face over the next three years is dealing with the drastic reduction in state aid.  I think it is imperative that we realize that this is our new reality.  Although it was always important to be cognizant of how we spend the taxpayer’s hard earned money, limited funds demand that we be able to think “outside of the box” and make sure that our decisions are fiscally responsible so that we can continue to provide our students with a high quality education.

4. What must the Manasquan Board of Education do to ensure the success of its students in the future?

The role of the Board of Education is to work with the school’s administration to make the decisions necessary to operate a school district that provides its students with a quality education while exercising fiscal responsibility.  However, I think it is vital that we do not lose sight of the fact that it is our responsibility to work for the best interest of our students, taxpayers, and community. We have wonderful people resources in our community. I believe that in order to ensure our students’ success in the future we need to become better at listening to the public’s concerns, encourage their participation, and truly welcome their input.

Kristine Shea, Parker Avenue

1. In 250 words or less, introduce yourself to voters.

My name is Kristy Shea. My husband, Tim, and I moved to Manasquan thirteen years ago from Texas. We have three sons in grammar school. I would like to serve on the Manasquan Board of Education to advocate for Manasquan taxpayers and students. I have attended Manasquan BOE meetings consistently for nearly three years and I understand the issues facing our district.  In Manasquan, the state, and across the country, we face difficult economic times, changing views on how to best educate children, and challenges to public employee labor agreements. To navigate these dynamic issues our district needs strong, accountable, representative leadership and innovative thinking. It is my sincere hope that the voters of Manasquan give me the opportunity to serve the community in this important role.

2. What relevant experience would you bring to the Manasquan Board of Education if elected?

My experience as a CPA will help me to serve on the Board of Education if elected. My background in accounting has provided me with the skills necessary to analyze budgets, negotiate contracts, solve problems, and most importantly, to work with other people. It is critical that a Board of Education be able to navigate all of its responsibilities in a fashion that respects different points of view. I don’t have all the answers, but I am a good listener and would welcome hearing the different viewpoints of the public, teachers, administrators, and fellow board members.

3. What is the most important issue that Manasquan schools will face in the coming three years?

The biggest challenge facing the district is how to meet the district’s primary responsibility of educating every child in a positive, safe environment, while, at the same time, ensuring that goal is accomplished in a manner that is fair to taxpayers. The board of education has an obligation to be fiscally responsible at all times, not just in times of economic trouble. Federal and state mandates drive the vast majority of the school budget, making it crucial that budgetary items left to the discretion of the board be handled responsibly and without negative impact on student instruction. Labor contracts must be negotiated wisely. Sending districts should continue to work together to share resources, whether in the form of personnel or equipment. I would like to see the district implement more energy and materials conservation measures via the use of solar panels and electronic communications.

While our district does many things well, there is always room for improvement. We face tough choices as a nation and a community. I would work with fellow board members and the administration to challenge the status quo when necessary, yet preserve the traditions that make Manasquan so special. I hope to help lead our district in providing our children with a sound education that prepares them for life beyond high school.

4. What must the Manasquan Board of Education do to ensure the success of its students in the future?

While the success of Manasquan’s students ultimately rests with the students themselves, the Manasquan Board of Education can strive to provide the district with strong leadership, motivated teachers, and involved parents.  The Board of Education can foster a dialogue between the parties and set a tone of transparency and accountability as the district sets out to provide a sound education in a fiscally responsible matter.