Ocean City Board of Education Candidate Profile: Greg Donahue

Incumbent Gregory Donahue is running unopposed for a second three-year term on the Ocean City Board of Education.

BIO INFORMATION:

Name:  Gregory Donahue

Age: 63

Address: 500 block of Gardens Parkway

Education: B.S. from Millersville University; M.A. from Rowan University; 45 hours beyond master's level

No. of years lived in Ocean City: 30

Family in school system: Two daughters graduated from Ocean City High School and three grandchildren attend the Ocean City Primary School. 

Occupation: Retired principal of Ocean City Primary School with more than 35 years as in educator in the school system.

Public service: Four years on the Board of Education; starting 41st year with the Ocean City Athletic Association (president for 20 years).

BOARD SERVICE:

Any accomplishments you’re particularly proud of during your most recent term? I am proud that as a school district we are admired for the quality of our programs and the professionalism of our staff. Most importantly, our students are respectful and their achievements noteworthy. We foster a goal-directed learning environment, which is supportive of all our students' needs.

Any issues you see as critical during your next term? Most critical: Maintaining quality programs at an affordable price to taxpayers given the current economic conditions in our state and country.

HYPOTHETICAL QUESTION:

 In a hypothetical contract negotiation, do you:

 A) Recognize that Ocean City teachers are among the highest-paid in New Jersey with a median salary of more than $82,000, and hold the line on salary increases while pushing for more concessions from employees on benefits.

 or

 B) Recognize that Ocean City teachers are among the most experienced in New Jersey with a median tenure of 17 years and with 70 percent holding master’s degrees, and look for budget cuts elsewhere.

This is a question which is difficult to answer, since both A and B contain information which is true and certainly plays a role in the negotiating process. Since the board is in the process of negotiations, I don't want to make comments which could be considered prejudicial; however, I will only vote for agreements for any of our associations which are fair to the taxpayers, the association members and the education of our students.