Manalapan-Englishtown Board Of Education Election 2024: Mirsad Capric

MANALAPAN, NJ — Manalapan’s general election on Nov. 5 has three candidates running for two open seats on the Manalapan-Englishtown Board of Education.

Candidate Mirsad Capric is running for one of two seats on the board. Opposing candidates include David Ferber and Serena Wallace.

Are you running for the Board of Education in Manalapan? Contact Sara Winick at sara.winick@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Manalapan Patch.

Mirsad Capric

Age: 40
Town of residence: Manalapan
Education: Pace University, BS in Computer Science
Occupation: Digital Marketing & Communications Consultant

What drove you to seek public office?
I decided to run for the school board because I’m deeply passionate about maintaining high educational standards and ensuring that our schools continue to be a source of pride for the community. Growing up as a public school student in Queens, NY, I’ve experienced firsthand the impact that a strong public education can have in shaping a child’s future.

With one child already in the district, another starting next year, and a baby due next month, I have a personal stake in the long-term success of our schools. This personal investment motivates me to focus on both immediate challenges and long-term solutions that bring stability, consistency, and success for our schools.

As a candidate for the Manalapan-Englishtown Board of Education, I believe in transparency around how I will prioritize my efforts and make decisions if elected. Here are the guiding principles that will shape my work:

• Commitment to High-Quality Education: Every decision I make will be rooted in ensuring that each MERS student receives the best education possible.
• Community Engagement and Parental Involvement: I will always listen to the voices of parents, teachers, and community members. Your input will shape the policies and decisions that affect our children.
• Building a Strong Future for Our Schools: I’m committed to making decisions that will ensure long-term success—balancing quality education with responsible financial planning.
• Integrity and Transparency: You deserve to know how decisions are made. I will always operate with honesty, ensuring all stakeholders have a clear understanding of board actions and policies.
• Focus on the Needs of Our Community: My priority is to address the specific challenges our schools face, without being distracted by outside issues. Our community’s needs come first.

Ultimately, I’m committed to bringing a pragmatic, thoughtful, and non-political approach to the board. Being a board member is not about pushing any political or ideological agenda, but about providing every child the opportunity to succeed.

My focus will always be on clear communication, long-term success, and ensuring that our schools remain strong for generations to come.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?
Since announcing my candidacy in July, I’ve been fortunate to meet many neighbors in our community, and one of the most common questions I receive is, “What makes you different?”

My answer is straightforward: I bring a pragmatic leadership style, focusing on what matters most to our children and community while avoiding unnecessary distractions.

As a parent with one child already in the district, another starting soon, and a baby on the way, I’m in it for the long haul. I’m committed to bringing stability and consistency to the board for years to come. Whether at school events at Wemrock, on the soccer field at Milford Brook, or at the Rec. Center playgrounds, I understand the day-to-day challenges we face as a community because I’m living them alongside you.

I believe in providing every child with a high-quality education that is focused on their success, and I’m dedicated to ensuring our schools continue to be a cornerstone for our community.

What do you see as the biggest issue facing Manalapan, and how will you resolve it?
Our district faces several significant challenges, starting with the budget, which has been strained by state funding cuts. Since 2019, we’ve lost nearly $50 million, forcing tough decisions like deferring critical capital improvement projects and reallocating resources.

Despite these financial hurdles, the district remains dedicated to maintaining high-quality education. My experience managing budgets and driving innovative solutions will be key to addressing these issues. By focusing on financial efficiency and seeking alternative funding sources, we can reduce the impact of these cuts without increasing taxes.

Maintaining educational excellence is a top priority, even amid financial strain. It’s essential to manage the budget carefully while identifying new revenue opportunities that don’t affect taxes. This approach will allow us to keep our academic programs strong and continue providing the best opportunities for our students.

Collaboration between parents and administration is also vital. Whether addressing bullying (such as HIB incidents), improving special needs programs, or tackling social issues, parents must have a voice. I’m committed to fostering open communication and collaboration so we can work together to develop solutions that best serve our students.

With a focus on transparency, financial responsibility, and community involvement, I’m ready to help our district overcome these challenges and continue to thrive.

What are past accomplishments or experiences that make you qualified for this position?
With nearly two decades of experience as a consultant, business owner, and corporate professional, I’ve developed key skills in managing significant budgets, leading cross-functional teams, and finding practical solutions to complex problems. These experiences have prepared me to immediately contribute value to the board.

In addition, my work with legal, compliance, and risk teams has equipped me to navigate policies and regulations, ensuring that we make sound, compliant decisions for the district. I’ve also worked extensively with diverse stakeholders, teaching me the importance of aligning goals with the needs of those I represent.

This experience will allow me to collaborate effectively with the administration while ensuring that the voices of parents, students, and the broader community guide our decision-making.

Name one thing about Manalapan that always makes you smile.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this campaign has been the opportunity to meet neighbors from all over Manalapan and learn about their priorities and concerns. The kindness and support I’ve received from our community during these conversations has been truly heartwarming.

On a personal note, walking the neighborhoods with my children and seeing how welcoming people have been is a reminder of what makes this town special—it’s the community spirit. It’s moments like these that reinforce why I’m so proud to call Manalapan home.