Four candidates will vie for two, three-year term seats on the Shamong Township school board in the Nov. 4 election.
Incumbents Keith Hopson and Jeff Warner will face Michael Corney and Toby Martin.
Candidates were asked to complete a questionnaire. As of press time, Corney and Hopson had not responded. Answers are lightly edited for space.
Name: Toby Martin
Age: 50
How many years have you lived in Shamong? Since 2017
Family: Married to Robin, four kids.
Education: I have an undergraduate degree in elementary education and a masters in educational leadership
Profession: Teacher in primary and middle levels
Is this the first time you’ve run for a seat on the board? Yes.
Community involvement: My kids are involved in various sports and clubs in the Shamong/Seneca areas. I enjoy helping or volunteering where I can, as well as supporting fellow educators in their pursuit to be the best professional.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I am running because I can be an asset to the town and district utilizing my background in education, special education and leadership. We need to have people on the board that know what questions to ask so that we can create solutions that are thorough, thought out and comprehensive. Being a part of a team – each with different backgrounds, abilities and life experiences – allows for board members to see the issues through a different lens and ultimately come to a decision based on compromise and what is best for the students, educators and residents of Shamong.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
There are many areas that will need support in the coming year within the school district. However, my current focus is on the fiduciary responsibility of the board. At this point, the district is struggling with money management and is asking for a large sum of money that will impact every taxpayer through a referendum vote. I understand needing money for education but unfortunately, there has been no communication or transparency on how the money will be spent. We need to be forthright with our residents to create trust and a strong community.
Name: Jeff Warner
Age: 57
How many years have you lived in Shamong? 26
Family: Wife and two grown children
Education: Bachelor’s of science in aviation maintenance technology, Thomas Edison State University.
Profession: Aviation research program manager for the FAA
Community Involvement: Board of ed for nearly 13 years, Shamong Foundation.
Why are you running for reelection?
I want to help create a learning environment for the children that helps them thrive and achieve their full potential in a safe atmosphere.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if reelected?
Innovation, how to be better at being able to effectively improve our children’s educational future, and finding ways to help them succeed in their lives.
