Manchester Township School Board Election 2023: Gina Georgiano

MANCHESTER, NJ — Election Day 2023 is near, and Manchester Township voters will be going to the polls to cast their ballots for candidates at the local, county and state levels.

The three, three-year terms on the Manchester Township Board of Education are the only contested races in Manchester, and there are six candidates seeking the three seats. School board seats are volunteer positions and are supposed to be nonpartisan entities.

Patch sent a questionnaire to all of the candidates seeking their responses. Here are the replies from Gina Georgiano.

Your Name: Gina Georgiano

Age (as of Election Day): 60

Campaign Website: Better for Manchester School Board Team

Family: Married for 36 years, two children.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for. No.

Education: I have lived on my own since I was 18 years old which is when I entered the workforce and worked my way up to have a successful career through hard work and determination.

Occupation: 40 years of retail management.

Previous or current elected or appointed office: I was elected to the board of education for a 1-year unexpired term. I have also been appointed to the zoning board.

Why are you seeking elective office?

I feel it is important to be a voice for children and parents alike. I feel it is imperative that all children receive the absolute best education available while feeling valued, safe, and supported enabling them to become successful adults. I enjoy serving my community and want to give back in a meaningful way.

What do you see as the role of the Board of Education?

To ensure all students have a firm foundation of education that they can build on to succeed in life. To make sure the curriculum supports the basic needs of our children. We need to be transparent with our parents and include them in all decisions of their children. We must enact policies that will ensure all children are equally protected. We must also be community-minded and not spend money frivolously.

The Manchester Township Schools are predicted to see an increase in enrollment over the next 5 years. What steps do you think the district should take to prepare for that?

If the enrollment increases we should be prepared to put a plan in place to increase the staffing of teachers, paras, and transportation in a way that would not put a burden on our taxpayers.

What do you believe is the most important issue for students and families in the Manchester Township Schools?

That we stay focused on our core curriculum to provide our children the best education they deserve and to continue to raise test scores. Also that the district is transparent with the parents and ensures they have a voice in their child’s education.