April 20, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 17 Franklin Lakes Voters to select representatives to school board by Frank J. McMahon Three incumbent trustees and one new candidate will compete for the three, threeyear terms available on the Franklin Lakes K-8 Board of Education this year. Another new candidate will run unopposed for the single two-year unexpired term that is available in the April 27 election. Voters will also have the opportunity to cast their ballots on the $24,571,928 tax levy required to fund the school district’s 2011-12 budget. Newcomer Craig Urciuoli is challenging incumbents Larry Loprete, Susan McGowan, and Carolyn Reitz; while James P. “Jamie” Martino is running for the unexpired term. Loprete has lived in Franklin Lakes for nearly eight years. “Having an older son about to graduate Franklin Avenue Middle School and a younger son in fourth grade at Colonial Road School, I not only have firsthand knowledge of the many programs and teachers that make this such a great school district, but continue to have a vested interest in the future of our schools,” Loprete said. “I have made numerous positive contributions on the board during the past several months in various areas by serving on the Policy and Operations committees, yet there remain challenges ahead. There are many enriching programs currently in place that promote success for all students. We must strive for creative ways to enable the successful programs to continue, aid in the development of new innovative learning opportunities, while also being fiscally responsible for all residents, which must remain a paramount objective. “Our school district is strong due to the incredible teamwork we have; the PTAs, the parents, the education foundation, the principals and especially the teachers, all working together to strive for excellence and high levels of achievement. I believe the teachers continue to be our top resource and we must continue to foster good relations with them to ensure performance at the high level to which we have become accustomed. “The upcoming years may be challenging, not only for our school district, but for public education in general, I believe I can assist in the guidance of the educational direction the taxpayers of Franklin Lakes desire. I am passionate about the schools and the community and would be extremely honored if elected to serve the community as a representative on the board of education.” McGowan moved to Franklin Lakes six years ago. She has two daughters who attend High Mountain Road School. “I would be honored to continue serving on our board of education. My commitment to our district is strong. My reasons for running are simple. Our children are our future. It is our duty to provide the highest quality education to the next generation. Our students must always come first. “Accountability and ingenuity are needed now more than ever. I have worked hard to make a positive impact on our children’s education. I remain committed to preparing students for a bright future, attracting and retaining superior educators, and excellence and accountability to taxpayers. “The economic climate is challenging, but that is not an excuse for mediocrity. Our district must give our children the 21st century skills necessary to compete globally. I will ensure our students’ needs come first. I believe in the value of public education. I am not afraid to ask tough questions and make hard decisions. As a parent and a public servant, I humbly ask for your vote on Wednesday, April 27.” Reitz has one child attending the Franklin Avenue Middle School and one attending Indian Hills High School. “As a six-year member of the board, I am running for reelection because I am committed to the children of our district, who deserve the best educational experience possible,” Reitz stated. “Currently, I am the vice president of the board, chair of the Community Relations Committee, and serve on the Curriculum and Personnel committees. “Throughout my terms, I have worked hard, been diligent in my efforts, and devoted the necessary time to take our district to new heights. I am proud to say I am a respectful and collaborative board member with an excellent attendance record. As one who is not afraid to ask questions and voice an opinion, I am always mindful of the trust that the public puts in me to make decisions that affect all of our children. “I am the candidate who has the proven track record in moving our district forward over the last six years. I ask for your vote on April 27 so I may continue the hard work necessary to maintain the academic excellence in Franklin Lakes. New challenges and directives will shape the future of our schools and will require us to work together to ensure the success of all stakeholders… our community, our teachers and staff, and ultimately…the children of Franklin Lakes.” Urciuoli is married and has two children. He is a member of the Most Blessed Sacrament parish. He moved to Franklin Lakes in November 2006, and his oldest son is currently in first grade at the Colonial Road School. 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