Election 2022: Michael Lilonsky, Marlboro Board of Educati0n

MARLBORO, NJ — Michael Lilonsky, a former Board of Education member, is one of six candidates seeking three full-term seats on the Marlboro Board of Education in the Nov. 8 general election.

In these profiles, based on questions provided, the candidates give voters background about themselves and their positions on the issues. Patch is publishing individual profiles leading up to the election.

Lilonsky, who says he now has a grandchild in the Marlboro school system, says school security is a top priority for him. He also wants to work collaboratively with the "board, administration, staff and community to develop and implement strategies that will improve student achievement."

Read more from candidate Michael Lilonsky:

Name: Michael Lilonsky

Residence: Marlboro

Age: 66

Position sought: I am currently running for a three-year position on the Marlboro Township Board of Education.

Are you running on a slate of candidates? While not running as a slate, I am running with two other like-minded individuals under the slogan Parenting Over Politics, our website is parentingoverpolitics.com.

Previous township service: In the past, I have served on the Marlboro Township Board of Education from April 2007 through January 2017. I was also vice president in 2010 and president of the board from 2011 through 2016. I have been a member of the Marlboro community since 1989.

Education: Bachelor of science degree from Hunter College, New York.

Occupation: I have been involved in the transportation industry for over 45 years and am currently a part owner of Allied Brothers Intermodal, Inc. My experience includes employee relations, safety, business finance and business administration.

Family: All three of our children have attended the Marlboro Township Schools and have
moved on to very successful careers. I now have two granddaughters, one of whom
currently attends Marlboro schools.

Why do you want to run for the school board and what in your experience or background prepares you for election?:

As a father and grandfather, the safety, security and education of all our children is my priority.

After the Sandy Hook tragedy in December of 2012, as Marlboro Board of Education president, I knew our board had to quickly work with our local police, government, administration and teachers to build out immediate additional security measures to protect our children, while looking at building additional infrastructure, policies and procedures for the long term.

Within a matter of weeks, before schools reopened after 2012 Christmas break, we were able to negotiate with the township of Marlboro to have an armed police officer in each of our schools.

Many of the safety policies and procedures that you currently see implemented at our schools were created under my leadership and guidance with support from the Safety/Security Committee, Marlboro Police Department and our mayor. I do not openly speak of the safety measures in place, so I will not list them here.

What are the top issues facing the Marlboro school district:

As I see it, the top issues facing the Marlboro Board of Education would be:

• Enhancing school safety and security.
• Reducing the achievement gap.
• Improving student achievement.
• Addressing the district's financial challenges.

I plan to address these issues by:

• Working collaboratively with the Board, administration, staff and community to develop and implement strategies that will improve student achievement.
• Supporting programs and initiatives that are designed to reduce the achievement gap.
• Continuing to work with the board, administration, staff, police department and community to review and enhance school safety and security measures.
• Working with the administration and the board to develop a long-term financial plan that will address the district's current and future needs.

I am running for us all, our voices, and as a former Marlboro Board of Education president, the opinions from my fellow board members and community members were always welcomed with open arms.

If elected once again, I will continue to do so from any seat I sit in. I would like to once again serve the community that has given so much to me and my family. I would like to continue to work with all the stakeholders in our community to provide the best education and environment for all our children.

Candidates for Marlboro Township Board of Education:

Full Term - Vote for Three

• Annette Siewert, Parenting Over Politics
• Anu Shanbhag, Hearts And Minds
• Valentina Mendez, Parenting Over Politics
• Randy Heller, Building On Experience
• Jennifer Silacci, Building On Experience
• Michael Lilonsky, Parenting Over Politics