Erik Jacobsen: Clark School Board Candidate

CLARK, NJ — The Clark Township School Board has seven candidates vying for three seats in the upcoming election on Nov. 2.

Erik Jacobsen is one of the candidates running for election. He is running with Diana Caamano Gonzalez and Corey McGuire under the slogan "Stand for Students." The other candidates include:

• Kristen Hickman
• Robert Smorol - incumbent
• Dino Bencivenga - incumbent
• Scott Bohm - incumbent
• Corey McGuire (Stand For Students)
• Diana Caamano Gonzalez (Stand For Students)

All of the candidates are running for the three, three-year seats on the board.

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

Erik Jacobsen

Name: Erik Jacobsen

Age: 46

Town of residence: Clark (15 years)

Position sought: Board of Education

Family: I have been married for 16 years and have 4 boys ages 13, 11, 7 and 5.

Education:

• Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Investments – Baruch College, City University of New York
• Bachelor of Nursing Science – New Jersey City University
• Master of Business Administration – University of North Alabama

Occupation: I am a financial analyst responsible for evaluating investment ideas at an asset management firm. I have worked as an analyst and portfolio manager for over 20 years serving both individual and institutional clients. In addition to finance, I have experience as a nurse working in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Previous or current elected appointed office: Clark Planning Board (since January 2021)

Why are you seeking to run for school board? I have four boys in the Clark school system and while the current Board has tried to serve our students, I am deeply disappointed with many of their decisions. Their lack of urgency and creativity to get the children back to school full-time last year is one of several factors that prompted me to run. Additionally, the Board needs to be more transparent with respect to its decision making while keeping the parents informed. Lastly, the academic success of our students should be the district’s first priority. Given the below average test scores at our high school, the Board of Education should focus its attention and resources on academics in lieu of non-academic endeavors.

What is your stance on masks in schools? Masks should be optional.

Should schools offer a virtual option? No.

What other issues do you feel must be tackled in the school district? Our “Stand For Students” ticket believes:

1. Schools need to be open for full-time instruction
2. The curriculum should be prioritized for real world success
3. There should be transparency with parents and teachers
4. Fiscal responsibility is important for maintaining a strong school district

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates? I am a plain spoken father of four boys. I have a vested interest in making sure that our children receive a proper education as all four of my children attend Clark schools. I intend to bring a fresh and different perspective to the Board. Furthermore, I believe in democracy. If the school Board is going to spend large sums of money on non-essential projects that will impact all of us, then it should be put to a referendum. The taxpayers of Clark deserve a say in how their money is spent.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign? I have a broad perspective when it comes to the schools in Clark given that my children have attended (or are attending) Valley, Hehnly and Kumpf. In addition, I am intimately familiar with the special education program as my son Max is in one of the self-contained Special Ed classes. Through school and coaching sports in our town, I have formed relationships with many families. I understand the needs and concerns of parents regarding their children. Given the opportunity to represent “us” on the Clark Board of Education, I will prioritize our children’s education.

I am running with Diana Caamano Gonzalez and Corey McGuire. We “Stand for Students.” You can read more about our team at facebook.com/ClarkStandforStudents.