Watchung School Candidate: George Colonias

WATCHUNG, NJ — George Colonias is one of the six candidates running for election in the contested 2018 Watchung School Board election being held on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

There are three, three-year seats up for grabs on the board. Candidates include: Dorie Harvey, Margo Langer, George Colonias, Jessica Ingrassia, Richard Buccarelli and Rhea Qualls Williams.

George Colonias

"I am up for re-election this year, and I need to be clear that this letter is reflective of my perspective and is not a statement on behalf of the Board.

I have lived in Watchung for almost 15 years, participating in various volunteer activities for the town and am proud to have raised my family here. My values are to focus on family, community, and education. I appreciate this forum to share my thoughts.

I am proud of our current school board and, despite the rhetoric being published and espoused by some of the public, I have been thoughtful and considerate of our fiscal responsibility to our community, of our desire to be inclusive and to provide excellence to all students. Not a few students, not a sector of them, not those with the loudest advocates; all of them.

I realize that our schools as well as our competitive tax rates are critical drivers of our real estate values. I have never advocated to raise taxes beyond what was necessary to fulfill the needs of the district as the teachers and administration have proposed, and in accordance with proper state budgeting and school governance protocol. It has been suggested by some that we should always raise taxes by the maximum amount allowed then find ways to spend it. I do not believe that to be a responsible use of your money.

Many have heard the rhetoric that we need a ‘new vision’ or ‘path forward.’ I have already helped to initiate a new vision by hiring a new administration that has proven experience in creating positive change and instilling excellence and high standards. I continue to support this new path for our district by listening to our highly talented administrators and working to find ways to implement the recommendations and requests of this new leadership in our schools.

I have always been committed to excellence while being fiscally responsible and my goal is to continue in improving our district. To be clear: Our schools are not broken. Like any organization, problems arise and need to be handled. The difficult work that I have collaborated to implement has had many legal and regulatory constraints, yet I have worked to ensure that we have balanced many competing interests and continue to steer the district on a purposeful path. I have the experience to continue this work.

I regret the divisiveness that has overtaken our town over various topics and I do not wish to add to it. I simply offer my continued and experienced service. If you appreciate someone who is experienced in the challenges involved in a school district while advocating in a fair, independent, deliberate and fiscally responsible drive to excellence with your tax dollars and keeping our real estate values in mind, please support me.”

— (If you are a candidate and would like to participate in the profile, please email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com)

(Image provided: George Colonias)

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.