Millburn School Board Candidate Profile: Christian Germa

MILLBURN, NJ — Millburn residents have a big choice to make in November: who will serve on the board of education?

Millburn is among the New Jersey towns holding a school board contest as part of the 2026 general election. Seven candidates have filed to run for three open seats on the Millburn Board of Education, including Christian Germa.

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Germa, 56, recently shared some background about his qualifications and plans if elected with Patch. Learn more about his campaign here.

PATCH: What qualifications and background make you a good fit for the position?

CHRISTIAN GERMA:

Extensive experience with and knowledge of our public schools

I have lived in Millburn Township with my family for more than a decade, and all four of my sons have attended Millburn schools. Three have graduated from Millburn High School, and my youngest is currently a junior. That experience has given me a long-term parent's perspective on both the district's tremendous strengths and the areas where we can do better.

One of our sons needed a 504 plan, which gave me an additional perspective on the different needs of our students. It also helped me understand how Millburn's culture of high expectations and achievement—one of our greatest strengths—can sometimes unintentionally affect a student's confidence and well-being. It reinforced my belief that every student should be challenged, supported, and encouraged to develop their own strengths at their own pace.

More than 20 years of board experience and a data-driven mindset

I have served for more than 20 years as an independent board member of successful public and private companies. I understand what good governance and effective oversight require, including preparation, independence, ethics, accountability, and the willingness to ask difficult questions while working constructively with others.

I am also retired from a career in project finance and currently serve as the part-time CFO of a biotechnology company. My professional experience has taught me how to analyze complex issues, oversee budgets, make decisions based on facts and data, work with people who hold different views, and maintain a long-term perspective.

Strong community involvement

I have volunteered with the Rocktoberfest fundraiser, served as a church deacon, taught Sunday school for many years, and regularly chaperoned community service and mission trips. Most recently, I also participated in the district's strategic planning process. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to giving back to a community that has been home to my family for more than a decade.

A slate bringing fresh and complementary perspectives

I'm particularly excited to be running this year as a slate with Anna Ostrovsky and Prasoon Saurabh. We bring different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives - and I see that as a strength. What unites us is a shared vision for our schools and a commitment to listen, work collaboratively, and deliver results. Our Board of Education needs new members who will bring fresh perspectives, new ideas, and renewed energy.

PATCH: What are your plans if elected?

CHRISTIAN GERMA: Millburn has exceptional students, talented educators, supportive families and the resources to provide an outstanding education. We should aspire to provide one of the very best public-school experiences anywhere.

My first priority would be to put learning and educational excellence at the center of every decision we make. Millburn is fortunate to have outstanding students, talented educators, and tremendous resources. We should build on those strengths while being willing to look honestly at where we can do better.

I want our schools to give every student the opportunity and flexibility to reach their full potential - whether that student needs additional support, a different approach, or greater academic challenge. That means offering flexible pathways, maintaining high expectations, and recognizing that students learn and develop differently.

We also need to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. That includes thinking carefully about technology and AI: embracing them where they genuinely improve learning and prepare students for the future, while limiting their use where they become a distraction or a substitute for effective teaching, critical and creative thinking, and human interaction.

I would also work to improve trust through greater transparency and collaboration. Important decisions should be clearly explained and supported by data, and parents, teachers, and students should feel that their voices are genuinely heard before decisions are made. A strong school district should preserve what works while remaining open to responsible change and continuous improvement.

I also want to highlight two very concrete proposals that are particularly important to me. First, I believe students should be allowed to take assessments home so they can learn from their mistakes and, especially for younger students, parents can better understand their progress and help them improve. Second, I want to reduce subscription busing fees. Traffic and congestion around our schools have become a real quality-of-life issue, and making school transportation more affordable would encourage more families to use buses instead of driving. These are just two examples of the practical changes we want to pursue.

PATCH: What is one thing about the Millburn school district that always makes you smile?

CHRISTIAN GERMA: Having watched four sons grow up through the Millburn schools, seeing students discover what excites them - a subject, a sport, an activity, or simply a great teacher - always makes me smile. Those moments when a young person discovers something they truly love are ultimately what education is all about.

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