With only one Highlands resident filing for the two seats up for election to the Henry Hudson Regional School Board next week, it is certain that at least one write-in voter will be named to the board for the full three year term.
Regina Melnyk is not seeking to run again as her term expires this year, leaving a vacancy on the board. Incumbent Alyson Burel’s term is also up and she is seeking another term on the board.
In Atlantic Highlands, where only Board President Richard Coangelo’s term is up for election, he is being opposed for the seat by Jason Chabak, owner of the Highlander Bike Shop in Atlantic Highlands.
In Highlands, at least two persons have indicated their interest in being elected to one of the terms for a Highlands representative to replace Melnyk.
Both Meryl Christie and Robert Fierro have each indicated they would like to be a member of the board and have indicated her interest in being the write-in candidate.
Fierro, who lives on Highland Avenue has been a borough resident for more than ten years, and would like to serve. He has met with numerous people at various events, and handed out business cards showing not only his interest but his recent strong efforts to make his name known and his positions made known on some of the issues that will face the full board in the coming years.
Combining possibly more changes with this new board, which was just established in July when the two towns formed a regional district from Prek-12, should incumbent board member Rebecca Wells be successful in her bid to be Highlands mayor, a seat currently held by Mayor Carolyn Broullon who is also seeking re-election, Wells would step down from the school board to take on the mayoral position in January. That would leave an opening on the school board which would then be determined in a special election.
Similarly, in Atlantic Highlands, should Board member Justin Thomas be successful in his bid, along with Laura Hesse to become the only Republicans on the Mayor and Council in that borough,he would have to step down from the board and be replaced in the same manner.
In the Highlands unwritten contest for a second seat on the board of education,
Fierro and his wife Melissa have two daughters, one at Henry Hudson and one in the Highlands elementary school.
The write-in candidate first became aware of this area of the Bayshore when his family lived in Clifton during his growing up years and his grandmother brought the family for day trips to both Sandy Hook and Bahrs Restaurant.
Never having run for public office in the past, but interested in the borough and the school system, as well as disappointed there were not two candidates for the seats available, Fierro said he decided to run himself, following his belief the two towns should have their proper representation at all board meetings. By current law, Highlands has five members, Atlantic Highlands four members, on the full board.
Fierro said he loves the current momentum in Highlands and wants to see it continue, and at the same time he is impressed with the education both his daughters are receiving in the local school district, citing the excellence of the music program for those who want to pursue that or any of the other arts.
At the same time, he recognizes that as a new board member he has a lot to learn and for that reason would not step into an “activist role” but would rather bring to the board “ a curious, respectful, and professional energy to help our community understand all the issues, from all angles.” He added that he would also like “bring a little stability and positivity to the proceedings; in the past, we’ve had too much turnover with less than committed board members and various resignations,” though he declined to cite any specific former members.
While he is aware that Sea Bright becoming part of the regional district is a current issue,, and one under litigation at the Supreme Court level because of towns outside the Bayshore appealing lower court decisions that Sea Bright could make a choice, Fierro said “I love Sea Bright! I think the municipality would be a great addition to our district, and I’d love to see my daughters reunited with friends they met at the Sandy Hook Child Care Center. Like any thorough public servant, I want to make sure it’s feasible and fair for the towns and doesn’t put any burden or take away any programming from our students. I’m keeping an eye on the Supreme Court case and interested in seeing how it plays out. “
At the same time, he loves the close-knit “private school feel” and sees it and its teachers as the district’s best asset. “In Highlands especially, the kids all know each other, and I love knowing that I’ll recognize the kids around town (and knowing that friendly faces have an eye on my kids as they venture out).” On a lighter note, he conceded “The ocean view from the school doesn’t hurt – I remind my children all the time how lucky they are to grow up in such a beautiful place.”
On another issue certain to become more visible and talked about in the coming months, Fierro said “I’ve heard the conversations about combining the towns’ children for a set elementary and middle school, and I’m all for it.” However, he added, “I know that this would require a large amount of construction to retrofit a school for the lower grades as well as the requirements of lockers, etc. from the higher grade standpoint. While I’d love to maybe add it to strategic planning, I’m not sure if the community is ready for such a large financial undertaking at this time.”
He would prefer, he thinks that an exploratory committee, and eventually a plan to present to the voters of Highlands, precede any major change. He would be a ready volunteer to assist in bringing the matter to these things,, and would also “love to encourage as much cross-activities between the schools as possible” in the meantime.
Seeing the situation as a parent, Fierro said, “having just had a 6th grader at Highlands Elementary School, it was very evident in the last year that she was much more aligned with her friends and teammates making up the 7th and 8th grade classes up at Hudson than with the 3 year olds walking the halls of HES. I’m curious to see the results of the survey and see where other families stand.”
Eager to know more and delve move into the history of the borough throughout the century and before, Fierro said he has learned exciting history about his own home which he relishes, and believes because of his vested interest in the success of its school, and his wish to keep Highlands a place where families can afford to settle and stay as he and his family intend to do, “I can promise to have those be my guiding principles on the board.”
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Thanks for article. Any information on the other candidate?