Watchung Hills School Board Election 2022: James Angelo Giacchi

WARREN, NJ — Watchung Hills Regional Board of Education general election on Nov. 8 has seven candidates running for three open seats.

James Angelo Giacchi is running for one of the three, three-year full-term seats on the school board. Opposing candidates include Robert B. Morrison, Frank Dwyer, Lisa A. DiMaggio, Dominic DiBarri, William Mayerchak, and Peter Z. Holczinger.

All of the candidates are vying for seats representing Warren Township on the Board.

Are you running for office in Warren? Contact Alexis Tarrazi at alexis.tarrazi@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Warren Patch.

(All of the candidates were given the same questions)

James Angelo Giacchi

Age: 38

Town of residence: Warren

Position sought: Watchung Hills Regional High School Board of Education (Warren Seat)

Family: Married to wife Jessica currently raising my 14-month-old son Patrick, Horses; Zoey, and Piggy, Daphne the pony, and Frankie the terrier dog.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Occupation: Mechanical Engineer with the United States Army and Cavalry Officer (Major) with the New Jersey Army National Guard

Previous or current elected appointed office: None

Campaign website: None

Why are you seeking to run for School Board?

I am seeking election to the School Board because I have spent the last 23 years involved in the Watchung Hills High School Robotics Program as both a student (1999-2003) and as a program mentor (2003 - Present). As a mentor with the robotics team I have seen areas within the system for efficiency improvements. This year a school bond is up for approval that will be renovating the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) facilities and I would like to be involved in the design and implementation of it. I would also like to expand my awareness of the various programs and curriculum on the high school and assist in streamlining and improving not just the STEM portions, but the effectiveness of the entire educational experience.

How do you feel about the current sex-ed curriculum in the district?

I do not have enough information to make an informed opinion on WHRHS’ current program. As a general statement, I believe that students within our school system should be given the sexual education necessary to make informed decisions, understand risk, consequences, understand biological function, and responsibility as a member of society.

Would you be in favor of a later school start time for students?

I think this question would need to take into consideration the entire school district as a system. Adjusting start times for the high school would have an effect on the other two levels of education and after school activities. I do not believe that there is a compelling enough reason to alter the start times considering the second and third order effects it would cause and I do not believe the start times are unreasonable as they are.

What other issues do you feel need to be tackled in the school district?

I feel like there has been a lot of uncertainty and distractions the last few years that has hindered the teachers ability to focus on the teaching and for the students to focus on the learning. It is my goal to be a productive responsive and efficient member of the board, creating and approving policies that allow our students to focus on learning and our teachers to focus on teaching.

As an engineer I have a tendency to optimize everything. I’ve been known to spend large portions of time working to get things just right and working to make things as efficient as possible. I take that same professionalism and attention to detail to every task that I attempt and will do so with the position on the board if I am priveleged enough to earn your vote.

What sets you apart from the other challenging candidates?

As an engineer I find that I usually bring a unique perspective to problem solving that would be beneficial to the board.

I have direct student involvement with Watchung Hills Regional High School for the past 23 years through the Robotics program.

I have design, fabrication experience, practical problem solving experience.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign?

N/A