Mahwah Board Of Education Candidate Profile: John Dinice

MAHWAH, NJ — Candidates are set for the Mahwah Board of Education race on the Nov. 8 ballot.

In anticipation, Patch sent questionnaires to each of the four candidates vying for the three open seats on the Board of Education, asking them to share facts about themselves and why voters should choose them to represent the township's school district.

John Dinice looks to hold onto his seat against two other incumbents and one newcomer.

Here are Dinice's responses:

Name:

John Dinice

Age:

61

Town of Residence:

Mahwah

Position sought:

Mahwah Board of Education Trustee

Party affiliation:

Non-partisan

Family:

33-year Mahwah resident with wife and three children, two children who currently attend Mahwah schools and one who graduated from Mahwah High School in 2020.

Education:

Attended Montana State University and William Paterson University earning a degree in Environmental Studies.

Occupation:

Environmental Manager for utility company

Why are you running for this office?

I care very deeply in public education, that’s why I decided to run for Board of Education in the first place. I believe that strong schools make strong communities and enhance everyone’s quality of life. I would like to continue working with our talented administration and outstanding teachers in continuing our reputation as a high performing school district and among the best in New Jersey.

What do you feel is the most important issue facing constituents, and what do you intend to do to repair or resolve it?

There are many challenges facing public education. Funding is always a challenge, especially here in New Jersey with the State mandated 2% cap. The biggest expense facing our district, now and in the future, is rising healthcare costs. Developing an employee education program during the open enrollment period to help the staff choose a healthcare plan that meets their family needs while also providing significant cost savings to both the employee and the school district could result in substantial savings. In addition, there are other cost saving measures that can be explored such as alternative energy sources and when the timing is right with tax incentives and renewable energy credits, the school district will be prepared to take advantage of this opportunity. Another challenge is a trend towards payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) development projects which essentially increases enrollment while circumventing the funding source for our schools. Practicing fiscal responsibility is a primary responsibility of Board of Education trustees and as a member of the Mahwah Board of Education we produced a budget that balanced prudent spending of taxpayer money with our goal of maintaining and enhancing a high performing school district. Another problem that is facing American education today is the lack of parental involvement in a positive and meaningful way. Successful students at all ability levels have families who stay informed and involved in their children’s education. It is our responsibility as Board trustees to try to involve parents in their child’s education; that is why we initiated the Thunderbird Parent Academy.

What differentiates you from other candidates?

I’m completing my 6th year on the BOE and believe my experience and knowledge of the school district provides the necessary leadership to enhance the educational needs of our students. I currently Chair the Policy Committee and serve on the Negotiations Committee and NJ School Boards Legislative Liaison. Previously I served on the Executive/Planning Committee as the 2nd Vice President, Finance and Facilities Committee, Community Relations Committee, Bergen County School Boards Liaison, and Mahwah Access for All Liaison.

What other issues or ideas do you feel deserve attention?

I would like to see an aviation program added to our career pathways program. There’s a pilot shortage in this country because the airlines relied too heavily on the military as a feeder program and since there are less kids going into the military they are now offering scholarships and incentives to students who want to become pilots. I would also like to see a more robust vocational program. College is not for everyone and there are many students who don’t excel in academics. You can make a good living by learning a trade. What we are seeing however is when a student shows interest in a vocational trade often times there is push back from the parents. We have been conditioned to think that to become successful you need to go to college after high school and often times that’s not the case. Another obstacle is the concept of a “rite of passage” that the student will somehow miss out if they don’t go to college. We have to do a better job of educating parents and students of the benefits of vocational training for students who are interested in learning a trade or who have no interest in going to college.

What accomplishments in your past demonstrates that you are the best candidate for this job?

A few of my accomplishments during my six years on the BOE include: Full day kindergarten, laptop computer initiative, the construction of a state-of-the-art STEAM building at Mahwah High School, and successful search and hiring of an interim and permanent superintendents.

Do you want to tell voters anything else about you or your positions?

I have no ties to local politics or any special interest group, I am motivated only by what is best for the success our students and staff. I believe that strong schools make strong communities and in turn enhance everyone’s quality of life. I respectfully request your vote on November 8th Column 2 so that I may continue to work with our dedicated administration and our outstanding teachers in continuing our reputation as a high performing school district.