Martianne Degliuomini, Howell Board of Education: Election 2023

HOWELL, NJ — Martianne Degliuomini is one of four candidates seeking three full-term seats on the Howell Board of Education in the Nov. 7 election.

This would be her first try at election to the school board, and she is facing three incumbents, current board President Albert Miller and members Denise M. Lowe and Ira Thor.

In these profiles, candidates provide voters with background about themselves and their positions on the issues, as they see them.

Degliuomini of Danella Way says she supports more communication with parents from the school district.

Read more from Martianne Degliuomini:

Background:

Candidates were asked to provide their professional or volunteer information, school board experience, campaign links, and personal background.

I have lived in Howell for over 14 years, where my husband and I are raising our two beautiful children. I am a parent that cares about all Howell students and I feel that the time has come to put them first.

I am confident in my ability to tackle the tough issues and work together with other board members, educators and families to create a brighter future for our children.

I have been to numerous Board of Education meetings and have been a part of the Community Interaction Committee for almost two years. I’ve been listening to concerns from the community for three years, and now is the time to help make a difference for the students and families.

Top issues:

Candidates were asked about the important issues in their district, and how the school board can address them.

As at any school district, there are always issues, however, I moved to Howell 14 years ago so that I could provide a wonderful education and school community for my children. That still stands true today.

Are there some things that could be improved? Absolutely. There is always room for improvement.

A lot of the issues are due to the lack of communication with the parents. Howell school board needs more parents with children in the school system to represent them. As a mom in Howell, that will my main goal. I want to be the voice of the parents of Howell, whether you agree or disagree with me, I want to be able to express the concerns of all the parents.

If the administration could hear more from the parents, I think, that will help tackle the issues of Howell, which are transportation, choice of curriculum, staffing concerns, reconfiguration concerns, etc.

Policy 5756:

Candidates were asked if they wanted to comment on state Policy 5756, which provides guidance regarding transgender students, including communication with parents. Some districts in the state are repealing or amending the policy.

I feel that this policy shouldn’t even be up for debate. No school should be allowed to take away parental rights. I am for all children. And the way to do that is by keeping parents informed on what’s happening in our schools with their children. If we eliminate the parents, the school system will fail. I am happy that at this past school board meeting on Sept. 20, the board voted against Policy 5756, and we are awaiting the second vote at October's meeting.

Candidates for Howell Board of Education: (Full term, vote for three)

• Ira Thor: Experienced. Parent. Advocate.
• Martianne Degliuomini: Putting Children First
• Denise M. Lowe
• Albert "Al" Miller

There are no open spots for the Freehold Regional Board of Education from Howell this election year.

Note: Candidates who have not received their request for profile information from Patch should check their spam folders or can contact Pat McDaniel at patricia.mcdaniel@patch.com for the email with candidate questions.