Wayne Teachers Union Announces School Board Endorsements

WAYNE, N.J. — The Wayne Education Association is endorsing incumbents Michael Bubba and Mitch Badiner and challengers Suzanne Pudup and Stacy Scher for election to the Board of Education.

The Community for Academic Excellence (CAE), the union's political action committee, formally announced the endorsements at their Representative Council meeting Oct. 19. The committee issued a statement regarding the endorsements Friday.

Badiner is seeking another three-year term on the board. He was first elected in 2007. Bubba was elected to a three-year term in 2012. He lost a re-election bid in 2015, but was appointed to fill a seat after challenger James Petrecca declined to accept the seat he was elected to, citing personal obligations.

“We look forward to supporting the reelection of the two board members that have a proven track record of supporting thoughtful and common sense approaches to difficult educational matters,” union Vice President Dennis Carroll said in a statement.

Suzanne Pudup and Stacy Scher have never held public office. Pudup unsuccessfully ran on the Democratic ticket for a council in 2011. Scher is running for an unexpired two-year term.

"In Suzanne Pudup we have a candidate that has dedicated her life to the children of Wayne and Stacy Scher has a special understanding of the current challenges facing parents, schools and educators," Carroll said.

The CAE interviewed each candidate running for office. The candidates shared their views on several educational issues and answered questions.

"We are confident that these candidates represent the best choices for our children and for the district’s continued progress," Carroll said.

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