Adam Dubeck Mendham Township School Board Candidate

MENDHAM, NJ — The Mendham Township Board of Education has a contested election this fall, with three candidates who filed to run for two available, three-year seats; and two for one, two-year unexpired term.

Adam P. Dubeck is one of the candidates for the three-year seat.

The other candidates on the ballot for the three-year seat include:

• Peter Dumovic
• Jubin Pejman

Dumovic is the only incumbent to put his hat back into the ring, for a three-year seat.

The candidates for the two-year unexpired term are:

• Richard Gondek
• Thomas Keeling

Editor's Note: Are you a candidate on the ballot? Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the office of the clerk. The responses received will be published between now and the General Election. Candidates who would like to participate but did not receive one (for whatever reason) may contact jennifer.miller@patch.com.

Dubeck’s responses to the questions are below:

Name: Adam P. Dubeck

Town of residence: Mendham Township

Position sought: Board of Education

Family: My wife Jennifer is a middle school math teacher. My son is a 6th grader at Mendham Twp Middle School and my daughter is a 2nd grader at Mendham Twp Elementary School

Education: B.A. from the Univ. of Maryland, Major: Government & Politics and Minor in American History/Studies, J.D. from Rutgers School of Law - Camden

Occupation: Attorney at Law, have a small firm in Morristown where I focus on Wills, Estates and Trusts (www.dmlawgroup.com)

Previous or current elected appointed office: This is my first time running for office. However, I served on the Mendham Twp Recreation Committee that I eventually chaired and on the Twp’s Finance Committee

Why are you seeking to run for school board? I have a strong belief in community service and have a passion for education. Aside from my volunteering in our local community, in 2019 I was one of 10 attorneys across the State to receive recognition by the NJ Judiciary for pro bono service to the community. I am a “self-made” person and everything I achieved in my life was made possible from education. Education can open any door. Thus, at this time I feel the best way I can serve my community is by obtaining a seat on our Board of Education.

What is your stance on masks in schools? Unfortunately masks in school are still necessary to combat this virus. You can see in other areas of the country where masks are not required, higher infections occur. With the possibility of the approval of the vaccine for younger people, this issue could be re-examined in the near future; however, the mask mandate is currently directed by the State rather than local Boards of Education

Should schools offer a virtual option? Schools do not only teach academics, they are usually a child’s first experience with socialization. This socialization is crucial in personal development. Additionally, most teachers will state that a hybrid teaching setting makes their jobs even more difficult, to the detriment of both the onsite and offsite students. Thus, with very limited exceptions, students should be in school.

What other issues do you feel must be tackled in the school district? The communication from our schools regarding the pandemic has been excellent. However, I think there can be improvements made in communication regarding other issues, especially those related to the budget. Formulating the budget is a complicated and multi-layered process. The BOE should attempt to educate the public more on the process as well as give greater detailed explanations as to certain expenditures. The BOE could also help the public understand some of the “hot topics” in education. For example I have been contacted by several people regarding my stance on Critical Race Theory. However, CRT is concept meant to be taught at the graduate/law school level. Rather, earlier this year NJ enacted into law that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) be part of public school’s curriculum. All NJ public school curriculums are set by the State’s Board of Education. Generally, DEI seeks the student to understand issues from a variety of points of view and factors, including their own, while encouraging a safe and inclusive teaching environment. It would assist all involved, parents, teachers, administrators and the students, to have a mutual understanding of these topics.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates? Since settling in Mendham Twp at the beginning of 2016, I have a history of helping my community. When the Ralston Playground closed, I started an independent fundraising campaign that acted as a catalyst in the eventual replacement of all equipment and the playground’s reopening. That led to my serving and chairing the Recreation Committee through the Playground’s restoration process. I then looked for a different avenue to assist when I requested an appointment to the Township’s Finance Committee. There I gained a more detailed understanding of municipal finances that I hope to utilize if elected to the BOE. I also enjoy direct interaction with our community’s kids in volunteering to coach youth sports and coming in for lunch duty at the elementary school when needed. Although my wife is a teacher at a prominent private school where my children could attend at a significantly reduced rate, we have never wavered in our commitment to our children’s’ education at our local public schools. I also believe in science and listen to bona fide experts when it comes to professional recommendations.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign? Great schools benefit everyone in the community, whether you have children as students or not (property values being one of the biggest examples). My wife and I chose to settle in Mendham Township for its small community feel but mainly for its schools. Having both our schools achieve Blue Ribbon designations is no small feat nor is it just luck that U.S. News & World Report recently ranked them both as top 5 in the State. Our district’s handling of the pandemic was second to none. A major shakeup of things is not warranted or necessary. But, of course nothing is perfect and things can always be improved. I have a demeanor of listening and considering all sides and points of view of an issue and then collaborate to formulate a solution that can work for most all. Everyone might not be happy with the final outcome but they will know that their views were considered and every effort was made for acceptable compromises. I know first-hand how important it is for our schools to work great for not only the “best” students, but for all types of students facing a variety of challenges. Those challenges will most likely increase in the future and our schools must be forward thinking and ready to face them head on, both academically and financially.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.