Westwood BOE: Three Vying For Two Seats

WESTWOOD, NJ – In Westwood, three candidates will vie for two open terms on the regional school board on Nov. 5.

Incumbent Roberta Hanlon, Michelle Sembler and Michael Pontillo are all seeking 3-year-seats.

The board's Washington Township term up for election is uncontested and being sought by Matthew Perrapato.

Each candidate was asked to fill out a profile in advance of Election Day for publication. See below for their answers.

Roberta Hanlon

• Age: 61
• Years in town: Lifelong resident
• Occupation: Retired banker, currently a crossing guard at Third Avenue and Mill Street
• Public offices held: Has served on the Westwood Regional school board for the past 15 years, including as president and vice president. Previously served on Westwood Council from 2000-2002.
• Family: Married for 32 years to John, a retiree and paramedic at local hospitals. Two sons, Brian and Robert, both graduates of Westwood Regional School District.
• Community activities: Has volunteered for the Westwood Ambulance Corps, PTO, Parents Music Group, Westwood Municipal Alliance, Westwood Teen Center, Boy Scouts
• Why are you running: I am running for the Westwood Regional Board of Education because I believe deeply in the value a quality education affords to our children and our community as a whole. I believe my personal and professional experience, my strong work ethic as well as my ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with others to achieve a common goal provide unique abilities that will serve the children and our community well. I take great pride in the accomplishments we have made in the District since becoming a trustee and would be honored and privileged to continue this invaluable work.

Michael Pontillo

• Age: 44
• Years in town: Lifelong resident
• Occupation: Westwood police chief
• Public offices held: None
• Family: Married with three children, ages 8, 10 and 12.
• Community activities: Vice president of the Westwood Softball Association, Westwood softball coach for 3 years.
• Why are you running: As a lifelong Westwood resident with three daughters in the school system, I am fully invested in the safety of our children and the future of the district. I will work to facilitate clear and effective inter-district communication and maintain the highest level of safety for our students, parents and district staff. I am dedicated to continuing top quality education, long-term infrastructure planning and fiscal responsibility for the benefit of all Westwood families.

Michelle Sembler

• Age: 40
• Years in town: Over 30 years
• Occupation: Vice president of local electrical contracting company, previously a Westwood Regional substitute teacher and 3rd/7thgrade teacher
• Public offices held: None
• Family: Married with three children, 2 children in district schools and one graduate
• Community activities: Co-secretary for the middle school PSO, served as a Berkeley Elementary Class parent fir 8 years, founder/coordinator of WRMS multi-sport program
• Why are you running: As a mother who has gone through the Westwood school district, my goal is to enhance communication, foster transparency, and facilitate a community where excellence in education is a priority. I will work tirelessly to give all district employees the tools they need to succeed. Westwood is my home and I am dedicated to making WWRSD be the best educational experience for your children and mine.