March 12, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 3 Midland Park Meeks challenges incumbents for school board seat Three Midland Park Board of Educa- tion members and a challenger have filed for the three seats available in this year’s school election, which is set for Wednes- day, April 23. Midland Park and Ramsey are the only two northwest Bergen County towns which chose to maintain the vote on the budget and the school election in April. Legislation adopted in 2012 gave school districts the option of dropping the vote on the budget if it came in under the cap and moving the vote on board members to the November general election. John Meeks, a five year member of the Midland Park Zoning Board of Adjust- ment and a member of the Midland Park Board of Recreation, has filed for one of the available seats now held by incum- bent trustees James Canellas, Maryalice Thomas Hagerty, and Peter Triolo. Canel- las is finishing his second three-year term. Thomas has been on the board for five years. Triolo, who was elected to fill Ray Moraski’s unexpired term, is seeking his first full term. “There is nothing more important to the success of a nation than a well edu- cated citizenry. I am running because I believe we can do better for our children, our parents, and our taxpayers,” Meeks said of his decision to enter the field. “I am running to improve the quality of educa- tion our students receive while maintain- ing budgetary integrity. My campaign will focus on the detriments of the one size fits all Common Core Standards being imple- mented in our schools and why the Mid- land Park Board of Education should opt out,” he said. Meeks also said he believes “the ‘send receive’ relationship with other districts needs further study and exploration. I plan to give it the due diligence it deserves. It has great potential for our students.” He added that he looks forward “to a spirited campaign, meeting as many voters as pos- sible, and earning their support.” Canellas said he believes in giving back to his community and welcomes the opportunity to continue serving Midland Park as a trustee. “During my tenure on the board, I have been an advocate for our students while balancing the concerns of the community. I believe that my professional background, objectivity, and ability to listen have bene- fitted the board, the community, and most of all the students of the district…Our stu- dents deserve the ‘best’ and I will do all I (continued on page 26) School opened despite broken pipe A steam pipe located on the ground floor of Highland School broke early on the morning of March 7, causing minor water damage in the music room and impacting the provision of heat throughout the build- ing. Administrators and repair service per- sonnel arrived on site at 7:30 a.m. and the school day began without interruption. At press time, the building’s heating system had been turned off. However, tours of all classrooms indicated that the school was warm enough for students to remain in the building. School officials said this situation would be closely monitored throughout the day and any student or staff concerns would be swiftly addressed.