BOE Candidate Profile: Steve Placido

With school elections coming up on April 27, Manchester Patch reached out to the  to learn about their background, connection to the community and where they stand on key education issues.

Today's profile features Steve Placido, 55, who has lived in Manchester for 32 years and served on the township's board of education since 1995. Placido works as regional sales manager for Hy-Tec Co., Inc., and is the co-founder, past-president and an executive board member of Manchester Pop Warner. All three of Placido's children graduated from Manchester High School.

One remaining profile on incumbent candidate Mary Walter is upcoming and newcomer has been featured.

A board of education member is not paid — why do you feel it is important to volunteer your time serving on the board?

Educating our children is the responsibility for every American citizen. Schools define a community in both positive and negative ways. By volunteering my time as a school board member, I am helping to create a positive image in our community while continuing to provide safe and academic performing schools at a reasonable price.

What are your key concerns heading into next year?

Voter apathy towards school board budgets.

What issues do you hope to address?

The lack of parent participation in the school board budget process and elections.

Budget cuts have been a problem for NJ schools — how can Manchester schools ensure that students receive a quality education without putting extra strain on taxpayers?

The zero-based budget process has proven to be one of the main tools used by the district to ensure that our schools have all the necessary funding that the state and federal laws mandate. Cost saving initiatives, shared services are some of the programs in place that have saved thousands of dollars now and in the future. It is noteworthy that even though our school budgets have increased and state and federal funding has decreased, we still continue to be below the state average per child for public education.  

Gov. Chris Christie wants to reform tenure. What are your views on how tenure should be handled?

The current tenure laws are outdated and need to be revised. Tenure is the third rail in public education. Presently, all school boards face monumental legal fees to peruse tenure charges against a tenure employee, with most boards choosing not peruse. This is the area of the law that needs to be changed, enabling school boards to peruse tenure charges where warranted with limited financial exposure to the tax payer.  

What achievement are you most proud of?

Ten consecutive years of passed budgets, three passed referendums, all of which greatly impacted our schools in a positive way and our students who have demonstrated their pride and respect to our staff and facilities.

How can you serve the board and the residents of Manchester in a meaningful way?

Creating and enforcing board policies that meet or exceed educational goals at an affordable price.