Eyes on Brick Township’s School Board Race: A Call for Common Sense and Transparency on November 5th

Brick, New Jersey Nov 5, 2024 (Issuewire.com) - As the November 5th election approaches, Brick Townships school board race has become a focal point for many residents, who see it as a pivotal moment for the future of the district. With calls for transparency, accountability, and a commitment to core educational values, the Common Sense 4Education team, composed of George Malgeri, Gregory Cohen, and Georgia Lane-Hansen, has emerged as the clear choice for change. Backed by local Republican leaders and community organizations, the team offers a sharp contrast to the current boards leadership.

In a significant endorsement, Rep. Chris Smith shared his support for the team, stating, George Malgeri, Gregory Cohen, and Georgia Lane-Hansen are determined to bring conservative, common sense values back to the Brick Township School District. All three are committed to securing fair funding for our schools from the state, maintaining small class sizes to help cultivate a better learning environment for our students, and guaranteeing transparency for both parents and Brick taxpayers. It is my pleasure to endorse George, Gregory, and Georgia, and I look forward to working with them for the residents of Brick Township.

The Common Sense 4Education team has also garnered support from Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea, the Republican organization of Brick, and the Brick Republican County Committee, further underscoring their commitment to revitalizing the board with fresh, community-focused perspectives.

Ethical and Leadership Concerns

Victoria Pakula, current Vice President of the Brick Board of Education, recently sent a letter to Democratic and undecided voters signed with her official board title, Vice President, Brick Board of Education. This action has raised ethical questions about misuse of her position, as it could give the impression of an official endorsement by the board. Additionally, Stephanie Wohlrab, a key Democrat ally who serves as both Board President and Pakulas campaign treasurer, must have approved the expenditure for this letter. As Board President, Wohlrab would have been aware of the ethical implications and could have advised against it or ensured a disclaimer was included. This decision to approve the letters funding, knowing it lacked a disclaimer, has further intensified concerns about the integrity of Pakula and Wohlrabs campaign practices.

Pakulas two running mates are also Democratic allies, aligning her with policies that many residents argue have negatively impacted the district. Wohlrabs involvement in shaping the S-2 funding formula, which resulted in over $22 million in lost annual funding for Bricks schools, has further damaged trust. This funding shortfall has forced nearly 350 job cuts over the past five years, with class sizes increasing to levels that hinder effective learning.

In 2020, Wohlrab and Pakula were fined and reprimanded by the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission for campaign finance violations, which involved issues such as late filing of fundraising statements and mislabeling contributions. This past misconduct has only heightened skepticism about their commitment to ethical governance.

Key Issues in the District

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Under Pakula and Wohlrabs leadership, significant challenges have emerged:

S-2 Funding Formula: The boards lack of opposition to S-2 has resulted in severe state aid cuts, driving nearly 350 job losses in recent years and raising class sizes.

Sanctuary State Policies: Immigrant enrollment has surged from less than 100 in 2019 to over 700 students in 2024, with 18 different languages spoken in the district. The additional costs have diverted funds from other essential programs, including special education.

Radical Curriculum Elements: Critics argue that Critical Race Theory and similar concepts have entered the curriculum under disguised labels, reflecting state-driven ideological changes. The Common Sense 4Education team advocates for a return to traditional, core-focused academics.

First Amendment Violations: The board has restricted residents from speaking more than once on certain topics at meetings, leading some to feel their voices are being suppressed. Direct questions to board members on budget decisions were shut down by the boards attorney, giving an impression of secrecy.

Extreme Policies and Financial Decisions: Allowing boys in girls bathrooms, sports teams, and locker rooms has raised privacy concerns, while a push for electric buses has been criticized as fiscally irresponsible. Pakulas support for a 9.9% tax increase has compounded frustration.

A Vision for Change

The Common Sense 4Education team promises responsible governance by focusing on key priorities:

Securing Fair Funding: They will advocate for state-level solutions to secure adequate resources.

Maintaining Manageable Class Sizes: Keeping classes small allows for personalized attention.

Transparency with Taxpayers: They commit to open communication and community involvement.

Responsible Spending: Emphasizing fiscal responsibility, they aim to prioritize essential needs.

A Critical Choice for Bricks Future

On November 5th, Brick residents have the opportunity to vote for a team committed to restoring transparency, fiscal responsibility, and accountability. The Common Sense 4Education team, George Malgeri, Gregory Cohen, and Georgia Lane-Hansen, invites voters to select Column J, Positions 1, 2, and 3 for a brighter future for Bricks students.

Learn more about the Common Sense 4Education team on Facebook. This election is an opportunity for Brick Township to reclaim control of its educational future.