Frankford seat up for grabs on High Point BOE

Three, three-year terms representing the municipalities of Frankford, Branchville and Lafayette, respectively — and a fourth unexpired term of one year representing Wantage — will be on the November ballot for the High Point Regional High School Board of Education.

Only the Frankford seat is contested, with challenger Gayle Tidona and incumbent Michael Voitcu both facing off for that seat.

In Branchville, incumbent Deborah Anderson is running unopposed for re-election to another three-year term.

In Lafayette, incumbent Todd Miller also is unopposed for re-election to another three-year term.

In Wantage, newcomer Anthony Marangi is running unopposed to fill the one year remaining on John Notaro’s seat. Notaro was appointed on an interim basis last year to replace Christine Keller, who had resigned, but has declined to run for the final year remaining on the seat.

Biographical information on the two Frankford candidates, and the unopposed candidate from Wantage appears below. The other candidates did not submit information.

(i) denotes incumbent

 

One, three-year seat representing Frankford

 

Gayle (Hehn) Tidona

Age: 48

 

Hometown: Frankford Township, since 2005; lifetime resident of Sussex County.

 

Family: Husband, Paul Tidona. Two children, ages 9 and 11.

 

Education: 1993, Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, English, Kutztown University, summa cum laude; 2008, Master of Arts in School Counseling, Montclair State University.

 

Occupation: Teacher of English, 25 years. Taught at Kittatinny Regional High School for the past 24 years and previously at Hillside School District for one year.

 

Experience: I am a knowledgeable team player because I have been an educator in a secondary district for 25 years. My career has exposed me to the proper planning practices of an effective school. I also have a master’s degree in counseling that trained me to listen to people.

 

List your top 3 issues and what you would do regarding each issue.

As a board member, I will support student success. I want the school to address diverse interests and prepare kids for citizenship, career, and continued education. Additionally, I will maintain High Point’s pride and sense of community by supporting the school’s activities, sports, and valuable faculty that add to a positive school environment. Finally, school budgets seem impossible when they are faced with continuous federal and state cuts in aid. This is where fiscal responsibility and creative budgeting must be combined. I can analyze and evaluate financial choices that best serve the success of students while keeping the interests of the taxpayer in mind.

 

What else should we know?

My son and daughter attend Frankford Township School, and I look forward to them entering High Point Regional High School in a few years. My interest in running for the board is to ensure that our taxes are being utilized in the most fiscally responsible way for our children.

 

Michael Voitcu (i)

Age: 50

 

Hometown: Frankford Township, 19 years

 

Family: Married with 2 kids — 1 in college, 1 in high school

 

Education: Associate’s degree in Business Administration, County College of Morris

 

Occupation: Police Officer

 

Experience: I have been a member of the BOE for the last three years, performing my duties of ensuring the school is being properly run.  I have been personally involved in contract negotiations, grant writing and applying for grants, and I have managed budgets with fiscal responsibility.

 

List your top 3 issues and what you would do regarding each issue.

1. School Security — In the wake of many catastrophic events throughout our country, I have worked with the High Point BOE to have advanced security training implemented at the school as well as armed security personnel. We have also worked with the State Police and County Sheriff to ensure their officers conduct walks through the school and familiarize themselves with the layout should the need ever arise for them to respond in an emergency.

2. Education — Ensure our students receive the best education available by keeping teachers up to date with the latest data-driven methods of education. Updating technology used at the school ensuring our students are prepared for the future.

3. Budget — Ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent with fiscal responsibility. We have cut both the budget and the tax levy during my term while maintaining staffing and programs that ensure our students receive the education that prepares them for the future, even with the loss of financial aid due to the Governor’s Budget. We will always be fair and reasonable with our staff but must also consider the high tax burden placed on the residents, with the amount of foreclosed homes and lower enrollment.

 

 

One, one-year unexpired term representing Wantage

Anthony Marangi

Age: 39

 

Hometown: Wantage, 12 years

 

Family: Married 18 years with a daughter, 14, and a son, 12

Education: James Caldwell High School Class of 1996, West Caldwell; Essex County Vocational School Auto Mechanics Class of 96

 

Occupation: General manager, Jefferson Recycling/Tomco Landscape Supply

 

Experience: As part of my work, I oversee daily operations and budgets, and deal with regulatory agencies.

 

List your top 3 issues and what you would do regarding each issue.

Students first. Help prepare them for tomorrow, Listen to their input to better help with their educational and social needs. When I went to the freshman orientation I was very impressed with the STEM program at High Point. I would like to help get more resources to continue the growth and success of these programs.

Teachers are our most valuable tool to further our youths’ education. I understand the teachers have been working without a contract. I would like to try and help get this corrected in a way that can fit within the district’s budget.

 

What else should we know?

I am the president of a youth wrestling league for recreation teams. Youth wrestling, football, and softball coach. I love working with today’s youth and help mold them into future leaders.