​East Brunswick Board Of Education Election 2023: Mark Carangelo

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – Mark Carangelo is seeking another term on the East Brunswick Board of Education. A local business owner, Carangelo says he has the leadership skills to bring the community together and work for the betterment of all students.

He talks about the math program, expansion of elementary schools and more in a Q&A with Patch.

This year’s election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Early voting has already begun.

Name: Mark Carangelo

Age: 59

Town of residence: East Brunswick

Position sought: School Board Member

Family: Daughter

Occupation: Owner of the American Institute of Alternative Medicine

Previous or current elected appointed office: East Brunswick School Board Member

Why are you seeking to run for School Board?

Three years ago, my aspiration to be elected to the East Brunswick School Board came from my sincere desire to assist our children and parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a daughter in 9th grade at the time, I thought it was imperative that my skills as an educator and school owner could be of assistance to the district. I am an incumbent on the East Brunswick School Board and I aspire to be re-elected because our community and district need leaders who bring people together with love, honor and transparency.

What according to you is the biggest issue facing the school district currently? How do you plan to tackle it?

A major concern for our school district is the possibility of redistricting due to the number of apartments being built and the unknown of how many children will live in these apartments. While we need a new high school, it is imperative to think about a new elementary school as well. The administration needs to assure the stakeholders that we will not have an extravagant tax burden. I believe it is important for the community to have opportunities to voice their opinions and concerns directly to the administration and school board. East Brunswick has a very intelligent and caring community that can provide our district with valuable insights as to how to accomplish the implementation of a new high school and the possibility of redistricting.

The effects of COVID-19 are still seen in the form of student performances. What's your plan to help the most vulnerable students struggling in school right now?

As our district moves forward following the pandemic, our district needs to ensure our children have the ability to cope with being home for so long by way of programs concerning mental health. With that being said, our district does a great job regarding children's mental health, but it is always something we can improve upon.

Residents often speak about overcrowding of schools once new housing opens in the Township. Do you think the BOE is well-placed to tackle the issue?

At our "Meet the Candidates" evening, there was a question posed if we needed a new high school. My response was more importantly, "Do we need a new elementary school?" The reason why I approached this question in this way is because we may need a new elementary school with all the new families that may be coming into our district because of redevelopment. At a recent board meeting, there was a presentation regarding students per class. At this time, we are not at capacity. The East Brunswick district prides itself on not being at capacity and the administration works diligently to have quality of space for each student and each classroom. I am assured the BOE is well-placed to tackle this issue.

What issues do you feel are not being adequately tackled in the district?

In my three years on the board, I would like to see the administration tackle the implementation of new programs such as "enVision Math" with a pilot program, meaning utilizing a pilot program where the teachers, students and parents may locate some challenges prior to the programs being rolled out. In my opinion, teachers should have more instruction from the administration on how to implement new programs smoothly. The implementation of new programs needs to be thoroughly researched before implementation across the district.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

Being a 59-year resident and owning a business on Route 18 for many years, in addition to raising my child from first grade through high school, I am of the opinion that I know the pulse of the community that East Brunswick stands proud of. My business, the American Institute of Alternative Medicine, which is a federally funded manual therapy program, has built an inclusive, diverse community that fosters a sense of community. In my 32 years of education, I built a community that prides itself on acceptance, which translates into what our East Brunswick community prides itself on. Major businesses such as the New York Jets, TEST Football Academy, Seton Hall Basketball and others have all contracted me to coordinate their manual therapy programs. The reason why I am mentioning this is because they understand my leadership skills, in addition to, working well with all types of communities. These companies have sought me out to assure the growth of their programs with my ability to be a compassionate leader. In 2009, Governor Corzine formulated a NJ Massage Licensing Board, to which I was appointed as Vice President and the only school owner on the board. Again, the reason why I bring this up is because Governor Corzine and his staff understand the value I possess in establishing a new licensing board. With all this being said, my ability to lead and conduct my business in a positive manner is paramount on our school board. There is no room on any board for divisiveness and separation. It is our obligation as school board members to bring the community together.

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

I would like to add that I am not affiliated with any party and I am an Independent person who loves East Brunswick. I am an independent thinker, with the sole purpose of assisting our children to aspire to be productive citizens in our community and our society. I wish to build lifelong relationships with our community and establish prosperity.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com