Colts Neck Board Of Education Election 2024: Brenna Dillon

COLTS NECK, NJ — Colts Neck’s general election on Nov. 5 has seven candidates running for three open seats on the Board of Education.

Incumbent Brenna Dillon is running for one of three seats with Amy Dimes and Vanessa Dawson. Opposing candidates include Mark E. Chersevani, Robert P. Scales, Brian T. Scarpa and Sara Horowitz.

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

Brenna Dillon

• Age: 36
• Town of residence: Colts Neck
• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Finance from the University of Delaware
• Occupation: Stay-at-home mom

What drove you to seek public office?
Originally, I ran for this position in 2021 as a passionate advocate against state-wide mask mandates for children in schools. COVID-19 opened my eyes to the importance of local control.

I’m seeking re-election because the experience I have gained in my first term is invaluable, and I truly believe I am an asset to this Board. I am eager to maintain my influence on this District and to continue to advocate for the children and the parents of this town.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?
I am a proven advocate with three years of Board experience.

Once sworn into my first term, I pushed for a swift removal of plexiglass from the children’s desks and was successful. I founded and was chairperson of the Advocacy and Government Relations Committee, and formed and lead the Parent Advisory Committee.

My goal is to make sensible decisions based on children’s needs, parents’ concerns, and administrators’ expertise.

What do you see as the biggest issue facing Colts Neck, and how will you resolve it?
My biggest concern is ensuring that the Colts Neck Township Schools have local control over their decisions. Whether curriculum-related, health-related, or policy-related. The Advocacy Committee must stay diligent in its efforts to gather necessary information, speak with legislators, and stand up for what is right for our District.

What are past accomplishments or experiences that make you qualified for this position?
My initial career out of college was working on Wall Street as an interdealer bond broker. I then worked as a real estate agent and eventually transitioned to being a full-time mom.

In 2021, I wrote an editorial piece published by the Asbury Park Press advocating for an end to mask mandates in schools. It was the positive response from that article that led me to run for the Board of Education. I faced a number of challenges and controversial issues in my first term, but my focus on advocacy never wavered.

Name one thing about Colts Neck that always makes you smile.
This time of year always excites me for trick-or-treating in our beautiful neighborhood. There’s a wonderful sense of community in Colts Neck, and watching the packs of kids run from yard to yard brings back a nostalgic feeling of simpler times.