Election Profile: Christy Minetello For Manalapan-Englishtown BOE

MANALAPAN, NJ — Two seats are open in the Manalapan-Englishtown Board of Education representing Manalapan and five candidates are in the run.

Stacey Einziger, David Ferber, Brian Graime, Christy Minetello and Joanne A. Schechter are all vying for a seat.

Minetello, 46, is a business owner who operates an assisted living facility in Matawan. She has a degree in nursing and business.

She is also a current board member at the Manalapan Soccer Club and previous PTA president.

Are you running for local office in 2021? Contact Catarina Moura at catarina.moura@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate profile and submitting campaign announcements to Patch.

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking elective office into this blue-ribbon district for all children and their families. I want to assist in setting goals and a vision for our schools and to find a way to improve our annual budgets for the losses we incurred over the past few years. My professional but passionate personality allows me to have an open mind to new agendas and ideas.

Why should you be elected over other candidates?

There are two open seats currently. Choosing me would be beneficial for the future of our district. My children are in the K-8 classrooms for the next five years where there will be drastic changes in funding, mental health concerns and overall questions from parents that are in the same environment. Those parents are the future as am I. Our children are the world's most valuable resource. We need to engage in their daily activities even as board members as they serve as trustees to our community. Having a complete understanding of what is taking place on a daily basis allows me to implement changes if needed to fit the current situations — as state regulations will allow. I will always advocate for our children. I believe a school board needs to be responsive and receptive to parents.

What is the most important issue facing the school community and what are you planning to do about it?

Our entire country knows that every school community is facing budget cuts, mask and vaccination concerns, along with mental health issues that will concur due to these important factors. When I am asked what I am planning on doing about it.. my simple answer is I am not able to do this alone. One person will never be able to. A school board that works together and is able to collaborate ideas and formulate a process to try to change laws to district ability is my answer. Mental health is a core role in education and will continue to be. Our district offers community and parent resources for children with disabilities, BCBA/RBT services and consultative services. We as a district need to continue to transform new programs and keep existing ones that are making a difference.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My accomplishments include volunteering my time before even becoming a parent. For years I was a team leader for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, member of the Alzheimer's Association to raise funds every year to hopefully find some type of cure. Current Matawan Chamber of Commerce member as an Event Committee coordinator. My business is located in that town. I am a current board member at the Manalapan Soccer Club and previous PTA president at one of our local schools. I wholeheartedly give my all to my community and will continue to do so with passion. My decisions are always planned out accordingly and not on impulse which makes me the perfect candidate. My expertise in budget planning and collaborating with board members is what my career entails on a daily basis.

I ask for your support because I can help provide the necessary leadership to keep this wonderful district successful.