Election 2023: Dora Zanet, Marlboro Board of Education

MARLBORO, NJ — Dora Zanet is one of seven candidates seeking three full-term seats on the Marlboro Board of Education in the Nov. 7 school election.

She and Cheryl Scuorzo are running under the designation "Education Not Indoctrination," and are joined by candidate Craig Marshall, a former school board member, running under the designation "Advocating Family Values." Zanet is seeking her first term on the board.

Zanet, a resident of Marlboro for 26 years, has a link to more campaign information at https://2023boe.com/.

Other candidates in the election are listed below, with links to more information.

No current incumbents filed to run for re-election to the school board.

In these profiles, candidates provide voters with background about themselves and their positions on the issues, as they see them.

Zanet said she hopes to join the Board of Education to offer "a commitment to quality education, and an opportunity to address community concerns, ensuring that our schools remain free of politics."

Read more from Dora Zanet:

Background:

Candidates were asked to provide their professional or volunteer information, school board experience and personal background.

I have three sons who have successfully graduated from the Marlboro school district and continued to higher education, two of which returned to live in Marlboro, now with families of their own.

I have been an active part of this community, volunteering in the schools my sons attended as well as Saint Gabriel’s Church. I have taught religious education grades 2-8 and then 1st grade for seven years, including online instruction during COVID. I am still an active volunteer instructing the children’s Liturgy on Sunday.

I have developed and instructed a Mommy and Me at Busy Bear Nursery School (currently called Little Leapers) as well as Ivy League. I volunteered to develop and instructed a Mommy and Me for Saint Gabriel’s Church (Jesus’ Tiny Disciples) that was active until COVID restrictions were instituted. In earlier years I coordinated the children’s First Communion, and coordinated Christmas pageants with my first-grade religious education students.

Top issues:

Candidates were asked about the important issues in their district, and how the school board can address them.

I would like to continue to serve my community by joining the Marlboro Board of Education. With commitment to quality education, and an opportunity to address community concerns, ensuring that our schools remain free of politics.

I am hopeful that together with the present members - whose dedication is second to none - that the needs of our community are met, and most importantly our students will have the best educational experience.

Policy 5756:

Candidates were asked if they wanted to comment on state Policy 5756, which provides guidance regarding transgender students, including communication with parents. Some districts in the state are repealing or amending the policy.

Policy 5756 is currently a topic of high priority at the present time, with parents on both ends concerned for what is in the best interest of the children.

No child should feel unsafe, inept, and awkward in their school environment, and teachers should not be obligated to keep separate files for a child who chooses a gender identity that does not conform with their birth record.

Keeping in mind we are a K-8 school district, a child must be 18 to vote, 18 to have a tattoo without parental consent, and 21 to drink. I feel safe to say that those same children are incapable of making such a life altering decision without parental knowledge and involvement.

There are protocols in place for children with bullying issues, failing grades and a host of other issues. Our teachers, administrators and staff are well informed on how to proceed should such issues arise. The welfare of a child is always first and foremost and is delicately handled by the proper channels to insure the best out come for the family.

A gender crisis would be given the same attention and treatment and follow the same protocols. As our needs develop, we will prepare by continuing to educate the teachers, administrators and staff accordingly.

The duties and functions of the Board of Education go beyond the scope of this one policy; all policy, budget management, pressing issues and concerns of Marlboro stakeholders will be priorities to be addressed with the utmost diligence to ensure the continued excellence Marlboro schools offer.

Marlboro Township Board of Education (Full term; vote for three):

• Dora Zanet: Education Not Indoctrination
• Shamoon Siddiqui: Keeping Parents Involved
• Chad Hyett: Focus on Education
• Craig Marshall: Advocating Family Values
• Aditi Gandhi: Focus on Education
• Cheryl Scuorzo: Education Not Indoctrination
• Susanne P. Miskiewicz: Focus on Education

Freehold Regional High School District:

Representing Marlboro: Michael Messinger (vote for one, no contest)