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Slogan
Putting Students First
As a lifelong Hamiltonian, a proud graduate of our public schools, and a former Board member, I have a proven track record of commitment to our community. I am dedicated to listening, advocating, and working hard to ensure that every student receives a high-quality education.
Our public schools have made significant strides over the last few years. However, I am deeply concerned about the divisive rhetoric used by a few community members during school board meetings. Instead of celebrating the considerable progress our District continues to make, and the accomplishments of our students and staff, this group focuses only on negatives. I am running to serve on the Board to promote a continued path of success, while addressing challenges with a more compassionate and open-minded perspective, fostering a culture of progress and inclusivity.
As a former Student Representative and Board Member, I am familiar with the inner workings of our District and what it means to be a school board member. Keep in mind, the role of a board member is not to run the District, but to ensure it is run well. Aside from my running mates, Dina Thornton and Jason McSheene, I am the only other candidate fully prepared to serve on Day One, ready to work for the betterment of our community.
Professionally, I am a lawyer licensed to practice in New Jersey and New York. Currently, I work at a firm in North Jersey, where I focus on litigation matters. I graduated from Rider University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and earned my Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law.
As I did during my previous board service, I will devote my efforts to improving student achievement, increasing transparency and communication, and promoting fiscal responsibility. In short, I will always do what's best for kids and make decisions that prioritize their needs and overall emotional and educational well-being.
In July of this year, Governor Murphy signed legislation expanding free preschool across our State. In Hamilton, students who are classified, meaning they have an Individual Education Plan (IEP), attend full-day preschool in our District. Additionally, Hamilton offers a limited number of part-time preschool seats (90) for students enrolled in one of our Title 1 schools. Outside of these two groups, Hamilton has nearly 1800 three and four-year-olds who would benefit from a District-wide, universal preschool program. If elected to the Board, I would work alongside my colleagues, District staff, and community members to institute a universal preschool program in Hamilton. There are numerous benefits to preschool, including the enhancement of cognitive abilities and the promotion of social and emotional growth. A universal preschool program in Hamilton would set students on the path to academic and personal success.
When it comes to decision-making, as during my prior board service, I commit to approaching every issue with an open mind. I have built a reputation as someone who does their homework, is dedicated to listening to all sides, and is an independent voice.
Hamilton schools face significant challenges. We are experiencing rapid enrollment growth, aging facilities, escalating costs of salaries and health benefits, as well as additional costs associated with meeting the unique needs of students in a post-pandemic world. These factors have all contributed to a substantial increase in costs.
The 2025-26 annual budget, currently at $280,033,823, represents a significant increase from previous years, driven by the factors mentioned earlier. Of that figure, a substantial portion, $185,595,757, is allotted toward salaries and benefits for our employees. Similarly, with rising fuel costs and shortages of bus drivers, nearly $20 million is budgeted for transportation needs. Another significant cost-driver is charter schools. With the establishment of a new charter school in Hamilton, almost $10 million of the school District’s budget goes to fund the operations of these privately-run institutions, impacting our ability to allocate resources to other areas.
Nevertheless, the District has made significant investments aimed at improving the educational experience of our students. Since the 2020-21 fiscal year, the District has increased funding for security by over 200%. Further, advancements in District technology have also occurred. Now every student has a take-home device, whereas in the past, laptops and desktop computers were only accessible during the school day.
Similarly, District libraries and auditoriums have received significant upgrades, promoting the importance of access to literacy and fine arts programming.
Without speaking with District staff responsible for creating the annual budget, I am hesitant to propose any reductions. Nevertheless, we must continue to demonstrate our commitment to our staff by ensuring they are well-compensated. Equally important is our obligation to continue investing in our aging facilities and meeting the educational needs of our students. As we approach the introduction of the 2026
As a former Chair of the District’s Curriculum and Instruction Committee, I helped lead the discussion on the adoption of countless District policies. Throughout this process, I actively engaged with key stakeholders, ensuring that everyone––from administrators to students and families––felt part of the decision-making process.
It is important to note that when the Board considers a policy, it does so in a public forum. Upon the drafting of a policy, it appears on the Board agenda as a “First Reading,” meaning the Board has an opportunity to hear from members of the public during the Hearing of the Public portions of the agenda to listen to feedback and make any changes. After the “First Reading,” the policy then appears at the next month’s Board meeting as a “Second Reading.” During this phase, if the Board adopts the policy by a simple majority, it becomes effective. This process enables health dialogue and provides the Board with the opportunity to make any necessary changes.
If groups of parents disagree about a potential policy, I will do what I have done in the past on the Board––listen. The greatest compliment I ever received during my previous Board service was, “Chris, I don’t always agree with you, bu
If elected, I would comply with the school District’s policies and procedures concerning ICE. At the end of the day, the priority of any school District is the safety and protection of ALL students.
During this campaign, much discussion has centered on test scores—specifically, the results of the New Jersey Skills Testing. I have never been a firm believer that standardized testing is an accurate depiction of a student’s skills and future potential. And I’m not the only one who subscribes to this belief. Countless studies indicate the same. Hence, it would be inappropriate for the District to judge a student based on a single test taken on one day of the school year. That is not to say that we should ignore these results. The 2020 pandemic worsened our Nation’s proficiency levels in English Language Arts and Mathematics. I am under the impression that the lack of in-person instruction, along with socialization in and outside the classroom, had a deleterious effect on student achievement. Nevertheless, we cannot go backwards and have to look ahead.
Under the 2025-26 budget, the District increased funding for professional development and new curriculum and instruction offerings for all students. This is a step in the right direction. I also welcome additional funding toward basic skills instruction, which enables certified staff to work with students individually and in small groups to gain a better understanding of their skills and help develop a path to proficiency. Similarly, increasing after-school tutoring options is something the District should also consider, as it allows students who do not have access to someone at home who can assist with homework, projects, and studying.
I am a firm believer in extracurricular athletics and activities. I benefited firsthand from the numerous clubs and organizations available to me during my time as a student, and I have witnessed the profound impact that a coach can have on a student’s overall well-being. The District’s reintroduction of middle school supports was a great addition, and I look forward to offering my support toward these initiatives if elected to the Board.
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