Five candidates, including three incumbents, are running for three open seats on the Mantua school district board of education on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5. Each term is three years. The candidates are incumbents Stephanie DiAntonio, Karen Vick and Michele Leach and newcomers Tyler Grant and John “Jack” Steen.
All candidates were contacted by The Sun. As of deadline, Vick, Leach and Steen had not returned election questionnaires.
Name: Stephanie DiAntonio
How long have you lived in Mantua? 20 years.
Married? Children? Married with two daughters, ages 8 and 14.
School and degree: Graduate of Rowan University, with undergraduate degree and certification in elementary education and a master’s in learning disabilities with a Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant Certification (LDT/C).
Profession: This is my 26th year in education, as I was a classroom teacher for 17 years
teaching fourth, fifth and sixth grade.
How long have you been on the Mantua board? I have been proudly serving the Mantua school district since 2019, as I was appointed that year, and in 2021, I was elected to serve a three-year term.
What is your involvement in the community? I worked as an LDT/C on the Child Study Team advocating for students with disabilities for eight years and I am currently a child study-team coordinator.
Why are you running for an elected seat? Serving the children of Mantua provides
me with the opportunity to discuss and approve policies and practices that affect our students
and teachers. With my background experience, I continue to advocate for equitable resources,
quality education and programs that meet the diverse needs of all students. I support the
development and implementation of policies and procedures that improve educational practices
and encourage innovation within our schools.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? As a small-business owner, I have experience with finances and creating budgets that provides me with knowledge to ensure money is
allocated properly and utilized effectively to support education. One of my many passions as an
educator and parent is student learning. I would like to concentrate on ensuring our students’
diverse learning needs are met and providing innovative teaching practices to continue with
creating effective learning environments for all students.
Name: Tyler Grant
Age: 24
How many years have you lived in Mantua? I have lived in Mantua Township basically my whole life, and much of my family lives in the township as well.
School and degree: I am a product of the Mantua school district and attended Clearview Regional for middle and high school. I then attended then-Rowan College of Gloucester County, where I obtained my associate’s degree in history. Then I graduated from Rowan University in 2022 with my bachelor’s degree in political science. From January to December of 2023, I attended Liberty University and achieved my master’s degree in curriculum and instruction for history.
Profession: I am a legislative aide and policy advisor.
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for the Mantua board? Yes, this is my first time running for any elected position.
Why are you running for an elected seat? I’m running for the Mantua Township Board of Education because I am committed to being an advocate for our students, parents and taxpayers who deserve a meaningful voice in how our schools are governed. Education has played a foundational role in my life, and my background in pursuing teaching reinforces my belief in the importance of investing in both our students and our schools. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Mantua is already a great district, and I am eager to contribute to maintaining and enhancing the high standards that benefit our community.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? If elected, I would concentrate on fostering transparent communication between the school administration and the community. Specifically, I will focus on ensuring that our schools are run efficiently while advocating for our taxpayers and parents. It is essential that they have a meaningful voice in the governance of our schools, as their input and involvement are crucial to shaping policies that best serve the needs of our students.
