District Families First School Board Slate In Washington Twp.

NEW JERSEY - In a few short weeks what is expected to be one of the most charged elections in modern history is set to take place and Patch has asked local candidates to share their thoughts before the Nov. 3 election.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the county clerk. The responses received will be published between now and the general election. Candidates who would like to participate but did not receive one (for whatever reason) can contact Russ.Crespolini@patch.com.

Jill Mucerino, Bryan Nesfeder, and Joe Coladarci are running together and supporting each other as Board of Education hopefuls for Washington Township Schools. They were sent the same list of questions sent to all candidates:

1. Why are you seeking a seat on the school board?
2. The single most pressing issue facing our school district and what you intend to do about it:
3. That are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking to serve on the school board? If unopposed, describe the issues that define your campaign platform.
4. What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you will be effective on the school board?
5. Recovering from COVID-19 is going to put a significant financial strain on the schools. With so much of our tax dollars going to support them. But cuts will still be needed. Where do you see room for budget improvement? What things will you go to the mat to defend?
6. The COVID-19 pandemic has put into focus the issue of mandatory vaccinations. If such a movement gains traction, where do you stand on the issue for your community?

This was the response received:

"Jill Mucerino is a married mother of four children, ages 2, 4, 5 and 7, including her daughter who is a pre-K student in district, with an individualized learning plan (IEP). She and her husband moved to Long Valley ten years ago. Jill works full time as a civil litigation attorney. She is a natural leader and will be a great asset to our Board of Education. Jill is driven, innovative, outspoken, and decisive, yet prides herself on her ability to listen, learn, and compromise.

Bryan Nesfeder is a father of two young children, ages 3 and 5. Bryan will be leveraging his leadership experiences gained through multiple combat deployments as a United States Marine and applying them to the Board of Education. Bryan believes in accountability, transparency and communication for the purpose of understanding.

Joe Coladarci is a father of two six-year old students at Kossmann School. Joe started his career as an elementary education teacher and presently serves as an elementary school Assistant Principal and as a Supervisor of Special Services. Joe also is an enlisted member of the New Jersey Air National Guard, with plans to retire in the coming months. Joe is loyal and dedicated husband, parent, educator and leader who plans to bring his experience to the Board of Education.

We run on behalf of our community and for our community. We run because we have strong voices that will not be silenced. We run to make sure our children are getting the school experience they deserve and that which we, as a community, want for our children.

Our commitment and passion for the cause sets us apart from the other candidates. We are paying attention and we are not satisfied with what we are seeing - the lack of transparency and communication regarding district actions and decisions being made by the Board of Ed and the Superintendent’s office. We know change is needed and we are ready to be the change.

We recognize that recovering from COVID-19 is going to put a significant financial strain on the schools, which are supported by our tax dollars. We will go to the mat to allocate funds to getting our children in the classroom. Right now is a crucial time for our children - they are losing invaluable in-classroom time and virtual teaching is not comparable. We will look for the reallocation of school funds to be dedicated to bringing our kids back in the classrooms, making the school environment safe for students and staff, while reallocating funds directly to core curriculum and to ensuring that children with special needs are getting equivalent education.

We expect also to be faced with the issue of mandatory vaccinations. While we do not believe that this is an issue to be decided by a Board of Education, we stand against mandatory vaccinations. While we do not doubt the benefits of the vaccine, with what we know about COVID-19, to date, we believe that the decision to vaccinate a child against the virus belongs to that child’s parents or legal guardians, who are most equipped to evaluate the risk for their family. Similarly, we would expect that teachers and staff would each make their own decision based upon their perceived risk.

The candidates can be contacted at their e-mail address: MNCforBOE@gmail.com."

Since the change to this year's election was announced by Murphy, there have been many questions about how the process will work. Below is some further reading on the Nov. 3 election process:

• Here's How NJ's Mail-In General Election Will Work: What To Know

A primarily vote-by-mail election means a lot of changes to election day. See what you can expect this November.

• What's A NJ Provisional Ballot? How Does It Work? Patch Found Out

Those not needing an ADA compliant booth will need a provisional ballot to vote in-person. Here is what that will look like.

• Do Mail-In Ballots Force NJ Voters To Lie? Here's The Answer

There was language on the primary ballots asked voters certify they requested the ballot, even if they didn't.

• How Are Election Signatures Verified In NJ? Patch Found Out

Voters wondering how their signatures are checked before the upcoming election can see the process for themselves.

• How To Register, Track Your General Election Vote Online In NJ

Need to register for the upcoming election? Want to track your vote once you do? Read on to learn how.

• Key 2020 Voting Deadlines In New Jersey

Here is a recap of important dates to remember with upcoming election, all in one place.

• NJ: Get A Wrong Or Duplicate Ballot? It Is Probably Your Fault

Confusion and concern has reigned as ballots arrive, here Patch got some answers from a county clerk.

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