By Michael Benavides
Staff Writer
PLUMSTED – Two residents are running unopposed for a pair of three-year terms on the Plumsted Township School District Board of Education in the Nov. 8 election.
Leslie Septor, who is currently serving as the board’s vice president, and Joseph Surdo are seeking the seats.
Septor said that during the next three years, she will continue to address the financial and educational issues facing the New Egypt Primary School, the Dr. Gerald H. Woehr Elementary School, the New Egypt Middle School and New Egypt High School.
“In the past year the board has appointed a permanent superintendent, Gerald North, and we are finally seeing the stability across the district among students, staff and programs,” Septor said. “Warrior pride has returned. It is wonderful to be a part of this tradition.
“I am hopeful with this re-election that I will continue to be a part of the progress happening in Plumsted’s schools. I will continue to make decisions that are in the best interest of all stakeholders while maintaining fiscal responsibility and increasing academic rigor and opportunities for all students.”
Septor said she believes her years of experience as an educator in New Jersey helps her to make a difference in her community’s schools.
“During my years on the board, I have had the privilege to work cohesively with the board and administration to move the district into the 21st century with technology, course offerings and an evolving curriculum that ensures students are college- and career-ready upon graduation,” she said.
“As part of the transportation and facilities committee, curriculum and technology, personnel, and as a liaison to the Township Committee, as well as serving for the last two years as vice president, I am committed to continuing to provide our students with the best possible opportunities in the most fiscally responsible manner to enhance our schools and provide continuous growth,” she said.
“Personally and professionally, I have been committed to education for the past 17 years in my roles as a board member, classroom teacher, literacy coach and now as a K-12 supervisor of language arts and literacy partnerships for the Trenton Public School District which affords a deeper understanding of the needs of all our students, staff and community.
“As our board goals state, I am a firm believer in transparency and open communication in all our practices and I welcome community input. If re-elected, I would be honored to continue to make a difference in our schools. Forging respectful and meaningful relationships within our district and community is my priority as I believe it fosters the positive culture and climate New Egypt is known for,” Septor said.
Surdo said he became interested in running for the school board because he wanted to be more involved with the community and provide more academic opportunities for Plumsted’s children.
“I wanted to run because I like being involved in the community, especially when I have a vested interest such as my children. My children’s ages range from 7 to 14 and we really enjoy living here. (Serving on the board) will give me the chance to make sure our children are presented with as many opportunities as possible when it comes to academics or any extracurricular activity,” he said.
Surdo is a sales manger at a food and wine distributor in Basking Ridge.
“I like the direction the board is heading and I believe there have been many positive changes, but I also believe things can always be improved. Lately I have been to many events and you can see the pride coming out within the community. I really want to be involved and be a part of that,” he said.
“I am the type of person who will always push for excellence, whether it is in academics, athletics or everyday life. We cannot settle and even though we are a small community, there are resources for us to continue to excel.
“I am a positive and honest person who understands the process of working in a public forum. I am a good listener and at the same time I am not a reactive person. I like to gather information and analyze how things work before making decisions. There is always a happy medium in most of the things we do in life, so my job (on the board) will be to continue to help keep things balanced,” Surdo said.
