Manchester Township School Board Election 2023: Samuel M. Carollo

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 Samuel M. Carollo.

Your Name: Samuel M. Carollo

Age (as of Election Day): 73

Campaign Website: Better for Manchester School Board Team

Family: Michele Carollo, spouse; Dr. Michael A. Carollo, son; Samantha Carollo, MA, daughter

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for. My wife, Michele, is retired as an administrative assistant at the County of Essex Workman’s Comp and works part-time presently as a consultant to the County of Essex Workman’s Comp office.

Education: Bachelor's degree, St. Peter's College; master's degree in urban education, Jersey City State College; teacher of the handicapped certification, Montclair State College; principal/supervisor certification, Jersey City State College.

Occupation: Teacher of English and history, teacher of the handicapped, vocational evaluator for the child study team, principal in the Essex County Vocational Schools, assistant principal in the Freehold Regional High School District, during a 39-year career.

Previous or current elected or appointed office: Freehold Regional High School District Board of Education, six years.

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have always been the type of person who wanted to help others. I have spent 39 years teaching and advising students and my retirement years as a volunteer at CentraState Hospital as a transporter assisting elderly and disabled patients to get to their appointed test sites. I am not done helping and felt that as a Board of Education member I could serve my community and do what I have loved my entire adult life.

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

Board of Education members must ensure that every student receives the best education possible. Members must protect students’ and parents’ rights. They must absolutely make sure schools are safe and must help the most efficient education available.

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?

The district should look towards possible expansion if possible. If expansion is a problem and the enrollment exceeds capacity adjustments to the schedule need to occur. These are unpopular topics but can be a distinct possibility. Staffing in NJ has become a problem. A recruitment program needs to be established. The district should reach out to NJ colleges and host a district job fair.

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

My running mates and I believe that a back-to-basics approach is necessary. Also vocational programs should be explored. Additional classes designed to raise test scores need to be included for at-risk students. Finally the district must be totally transparent and parents’ rights need to be protected and not removed.