Native Son
Justin Thomas, a native and resident of Atlantic Highlands for more than 30 years, is seeking a two-year term as an Atlantic Highlands resident on the Henry Hudson Board of Education in the November election. The candidate cited a number of reasons why he is seeking office to serve in the district where he received his elementary and high school education.
Single and the business analyst and business relationship manager for Wakefern Food Corporation in its Tech-Supply Chain division, Thomas has never run for any office in the past, but feels it is vital now.
The candidate has been involved with the Boy Scouts with Troop 22 in the borough, as well as the Jersey Shore Running Club. He held a number of leadership positions and was involved with a variety of clubs will attending Rutgers University where he earned several degrees.
A resident of Atlantic Highlands all his life, Thomas graduated from both Atlantic Highlands and Henry Hudson schools before going to Rutgers University where he earned two bachelor’s degrees as well as a master’s degree.
As a lifelong resident and graduate of the local system, Thomas said he is running because “I would like to be involved with creating opportunities and advantages for the student body of our communities.” Through his own experience he is aware of the great experiences and opportunities that Henry Hudson provides to its students and the community.
He is also aware that since it is a small school district, the educational system lacks exposure to particular curriculum and programs. A small district also means fewer allocated resources, he believes. However, he is quick to add, citing his own educational background and degrees earned based on his education here, “Henry Hudson did prepare me to succeed in different avenues inside and outside of the classroom.”
Because of the advantages of a larger school district, Thomas believes Sea Bright should be included in the regional district for education. An increased student body population consolidating the municipalities means more taxpayer money towards Henry Hudson Schools from an additional source will allow the board and community to vote on enhancing education in the areas they see fit.
Looking towards the future, Thomas believes his education, experience and ideas can bring different values and perspectives to the Board that can accommodate the needs of all parties involved. As a native of the borough, he feels his familiarity with the school systems, communities, history, organizations, businesses, and in general, the entirety of the local area, will enable him to consider many aspects of education and its impact on the community, both in taking pride in its educational system as well as its impact on the local budget.
“As a lifelong learner I’m always continuing to educate myself with certifications, classes, training courses, and much more,” Thomas said, adding he is beginning a Mini MBA Course next month in “Digital Supply Chain Management”.
“The labor market is always continuing to shift and change. I’ve worked in Higher Education, Manual Labor Job Occupations, Information Technology, Sports, and for the boro of Atlantic Highlands,” he explained, when asked about his educational experience.
He is also looking forward as a board member to locating opportunities the board can use to provide students and the community with greater access to information and contributions towards what could be done more efficiently.
To be a successful Board of Education member, Thomas believes the elected personnel must serve as a liaison between the school system and the community. As a Business Relationship Manager whose daily responsibilities support the IT Tech Division and as an advocate for Wakefern’s business divisions throughout the supply chain for Wakefern, recognized as for one of the largest Food Retailers in the United States and the Northeast, he is not only eager but also capable and experienced in order to take on the position as a board of education member.
Directing attention to actions, duties and responsibilities of board members, Thomas believes the most critical responsibilities are developing an annual Budget to enable the education system to be highly effective, operate and establish school policies and regulations, and evaluate the superintendent. Other key roles and responsibilities are managing district policies, approving the school district’s budget, advocating for public education, clarifying district purpose and establishing goals, facilitating School Board Authority, evaluating Instruction and education, establishing goals and evaluating outcomes, managing community relations, providing support, mitigating risk and negligence, as well as reviewing school policies, school structures and appointing leadership. In short, the candidate believes he has an obligation as a board member to be a liaison, representative and advocate for the school system and community.
Atlantic Highlands voters have the opportunity to elect four members to the board, and of those, one is for a two year term on the board. That is the seat Thomas is seeking and will be opposed by two other Atlantic Highlands residents for the position, Noreen A. Higgins, and Bonnie Knechtel.
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