3 seek seats
on boro board
By clare m. masi
Staff Writer

FREEHOLD — Three men are running unopposed for three three-year seats on the Board of Education in the April 16 school election.

Peter DeFonzo of Birch Drive, who is finishing a two-year term, said he is looking forward to serving on the board for another three years.

DeFonzo said he’s anxious to continue working on the current issues facing the district, such as possible reconfiguration due to overcrowding in the schools.

He expressed concern over the upcoming 2002-03 school budget, citing the current freeze on state aid as a major issue.

"Last year they gave us a flat amount per pupil. If we have an increase in enrollment (and no increase in aid), we will be hurt by that," DeFonzo said.

The board member said the district has come a long way in students’ use of technology. He also noted the start-up of a pre-kindergarten program as well as the full-day kindergarten offered in the district.

"We’ve made significant progress," DeFonzo said. "I’d also like to see more progress in our world language program."

James Keelan is completing a one-year unexpired term and is now seeking a full three-year term. Keelan, who lives on Barkalow Avenue, will have three children in the district starting in September. He and his wife, Deborah, are expecting another child shortly.

Keelan said he likes being involved in his community and wants to keep improving the connection between the community and the school district.

"I believe in the quality of education here, and I want to continue to involve more of the community in our schools. I’d like to see more parental involvement in the education process itself," Keelan said.

Board member Ricardo Quinones, of South Street, is also seeking re-election. He is completing his second three-year term on the board. Asked why he is seeking a new term, Quinones said he wants to continue to help make a difference in the school district.

"The critical issue down the pike is the reconfiguration of the schools," he said. "I would also like to see our world language program expanded."

Quinones has three children, two of whom currently attend borough elementary schools.