Meet James Dobis, Running For Election To Middletown School Board

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Nov. 4 will be an election for Middletown Township Committee and school board.

There are seven candidates running for three seats on the Middletown school board:

James Cody, Chris Aveta and Sara Weinstein (running together on the Students, Parents, Taxpayers slate), James Dobis, Erin Torres and current Board members Leonora Lacqua-Caminiti and Joe Fitzgerald.

Patch asked them all the same series of questions, and all seven got back to us. We will be publishing their candidate profiles. Here are Dobis' answers:

Your name, age and office you are running for. Do you currently hold this office?

My name is James Dobis, I’m 42 years old, and I’m running for the Middletown Township Board of Education. This is my first campaign for elected office.

What is your occupation?

I’m a criminal investigator with the U.S. Department of Justice.

What part of Middletown do you live in? How long have you lived in town?

I live in the Leonardo section of Middletown and have been a resident for nearly nine years.

Do you have children in the district?

I have one child at Leonardo Grade School and another who will enroll in 2027.

What specific skills or accomplishments can you cite that would compel voters to elect you to the Board of Education?

My background in federal law enforcement and public administration has prepared me to bring accountability, transparency and sound oversight to the Board of Education.

In my current role, I investigate fraud, waste and abuse, and have received awards for the quality and impact of my investigative work. I’ve also served as a U.S. Army officer, assistant professor of military science at Rutgers University, and have been certified as an instructor via the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.

I hold a Master of Science in Public Administration and serve on the board of directors for a veterans nonprofit dedicated to preserving military history and providing opportunities for veterans to engage in talk therapy through storytelling.

For my service and leadership in my board role, I was awarded the Order of Saint Maurice by the National Infantry Association.

Please list the 3 biggest issues the Middletown school district is currently facing.

1. Misinformation about enrollment:

Some have cited declining student numbers to justify school closures or cuts. In reality, enrollment has remained relatively stable year over year. These narratives distract from the real issues: poor budgeting and lack of oversight.

2. Lack of transparency:

Too few people control key board committees, leaving the community in the dark about redevelopment discussions and long-term planning. We need consistent public communication, meeting minutes and community input before major decisions are made.

3. Fiscal and operational inefficiency:

The district could save millions by auditing administrative roles, evaluating transportation costs, and consolidating communication systems. Right now, teachers, students, and parents navigate multiple apps and platforms such as: Google Classroom, Genesis, DoJo, and more. Streamlining that process would reduce confusion and save time and money.

Joe and Leonora joined a majority Board vote earlier this year to increase the Middletown schools property tax by 10.1 percent. Many residents, notably seniors but also others, pleaded with the board not to increase the tax, and the district also warned it would not prevent the future closure or consolidation of some schools.

To the others not currently on the board: Would you have voted for the 10.1 percent tax increase or not? Please explain why or why not.

This issue is frustrating for many residents, and rightfully so. Unfortunately, that decision is already behind us, but the lessons must guide what comes next. The real failure was the lack of transparency around the increase and the rushed land deal between the district and township.

The alternative options presented to the Board lacked transparency and complete financial context. Aside from closing schools, the town’s offer fell short and was not fully aligned with the value the town had previously paid for other property, such as Mater Dei Prep. Without full access to supporting documentation and clear communication on the underlying vision, it would have been irresponsible to vote against the increase.

If elected, my first priorities will be to strengthen transparency, accountability, and communication across the district through the following actions:

• Restructure Board leadership at the January 6, 2026 reorganization meeting to restore proper checks and balances and ensure greater transparency in governance.
• Conduct an audit of all 22 administrative positions to assess accountability, performance, and the overall value each role provides to the district.
• Enhance public communication by implementing a unified, integrated digital platform that streamlines interaction between parents, students, faculty, and administrators.

Fiscal discipline must be a year-round practice, not a last-minute reaction.

In the past year, what mistakes has the Middletown BOE made? Or, asked another way: Where could the Board have done better?

Failing to publish ALL committee minutes consistently.

• Allowing the administration to operate without sufficient oversight.
• Not planning for incremental tax adjustments to avoid major spikes.
• Becoming entangled in lawsuits and political disputes unrelated to student outcomes.

What's your favorite thing about living in Middletown?

Middletown has always felt like a large town with a small-town heart. I value that sense of community deeply. But lately, I’ve seen how unchecked power has shifted that balance. While township officials claim they haven’t raised taxes, reassessments have quietly increased costs for residents. When housing prices eventually decline, what’s the plan to maintain stability? These are the conversations we need to have now, not after the next fiscal crisis.

Before closing, I want to recognize the people who make Middletown’s schools exceptional, our district’s teachers and staff.

While much of this conversation has focused on the “taxes and redistricting,” line of questions, we can’t overlook the district’s core achievement: a 99% graduation rate for the Class of 2025. That kind of success reflects the dedication, professionalism, and care of our educators at every level, a heartfelt area where I’d like to sustain efforts!

As a parent, I see their impact every day. My son comes home excited about learning and full of curiosity, a direct reflection of the passion and creativity of his teachers.

If elected, I’ll work to ensure fair pay, manageable class sizes, and modern classroom tools that allow teachers to focus on what matters most, their students. I also want to address teacher burnout by encouraging the maximum amount of flexibility and mobility within the district, giving educators space to grow without leaving the community they’ve helped build.

Empowered teachers make stronger schools, and stronger schools build a better Middletown.

I’m running for the Board of Education to ensure transparency, accountability, and to bring balance for our students, teachers, and taxpayers alike. We need leaders who are willing to ask tough questions, think long-term, and protect the quality of education that makes Middletown such a great place to raise a family.

Thank you for the opportunity to be part of your candidate profile. I’m happy to provide any additional information or discuss any areas further.

Early in-person voting starts Oct. 25.

Meet Joe Fitzgerald, Running For Re-Election To Middletown School Board

Meet Sara Weinstein, Running For Election To Middletown School Board