Toms River School Board Election 2020: Ken Londregan

TOMS RIVER, NJ — When voters go to the polls Nov. 3, they will be asked to choose three people to serve on the Toms River Regional Board of Education.

There are nine people seeking those three seats, which are three-year terms on the board.

Patch asked each candidate to answer questions to give voters information about who they are and their stances on various issues. We are printing their responses in full, unedited except for spelling or punctuation.

Here are the answers from Ken Londregan, who is running under the Toms River 1st slogan. His running mates are Lisa Contessa and Ashley Palmiere.

Previous elective office, if any:

I have not previously served on an elected office. I have been appointed to serve on numerous committees in my capacity as a vice principal of Carl Sandburg Middle School (in Old Bridge). I know how to work with members of a committee for the betterment of a school district.

Does anyone in your family work for the school district or in politics?

I do not have any family members employed by the Toms River Board of Education or involved in politics. There are no conflicts of interest.

Education

Rowan University: Doctorate in Educational Leadership
Rutgers University: NJ Partnership for Excellence in Middle School Mathematics Fellowship
Saint Peter's University: Masters in Education with Administrative Internship
Richard Stockton University: B.A., Computer Information Technology

Occupation

Since August 2011, I have been the vice principal at Carl Sandburg Middle School, Old Bridge Township. Prior to that I have had eight years of experience teaching eighth-grade mathematics (Algebra, Pre-Algebra, and Problem Solving).

Why are you seeking a seat on the school board?

As a lifelong resident of Toms River, a parent of three children, an educator, and a taxpayer, I am deeply concerned about the direction of our school district and the increasing tax burden on our residents. I believe my experience as a public school vice principal gives me the understanding necessary to cut budgets and rein in taxes, while preserving a quality education for our students.

The single most pressing issue facing our school district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

One of the most pressing issues our school district is facing is unnecessary spending. We need to cut fiscal waste, not sports and programs for our kids. Toms River residents can not afford higher property taxes, and I believe my experience as a vice principal gives me the knowledge necessary to identify and cut the fat, without hurting our kids.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking to serve on the school board seat?

The critical differences between me and other candidates are that I have 17 years of experience as a public school administrator and math teacher. I have a great depth of knowledge with balancing budgets and identifying unnecessary expenses. I know what makes a school district successful. As a parent of three children who are enrolled in the Toms River School District — a first grader, a fifth grader, and an eighth grader — I want Toms River Schools to flourish.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

We need to cut waste and stop raising taxes, while continuing to provide a quality education for all of our students. We must preserve sports, the arts and all the programs that make for an excellent education. I believe our team can accomplish these goals, which is why I have decided to run with Lisa and Ashley to put "Toms River 1st."

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you will be effective on the school board?

I have 17 years of experience working in public schools. I have been a highly effective school leader for the past nine years. During this time, I have spearheaded numerous initiatives throughout my school and school community which have made a positive impact on the lives of countless students.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am a true believer in giving back to the community through sweat equity, and I have made every effort to instill these values in my children. I have been active in the GI Go Fund helping to raise money for returning veterans. In addition, I participated in a Habitat for Humanity partnership along with the GI GO Fund where we took part in a home-building project for a disabled veteran. For the past five years, I have been actively involved in the Macy's Believe campaign in conjunction with the Make-A-Wish foundation. During the last nine years, I have run a mentoring program for at-risk youth, volunteering countless hours after school to provide these students with a positive role model, while helping them to develop attainable life goals. I believe that I am the right person for the Toms River Board of Education and know that I will dedicate myself to doing the best job.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

My building principal is one of the most amazing school leaders I have ever had the honor of knowing. She consistently says that we are in the kid business. We are going to be faced with many difficult challenges and tough decisions as educational leaders. We can never lose sight on why we went into education as a career; to help make a positive impact on the lives of children. We should always make decisions that are in the best interest of our students and community.