ENDORSEMENT LETTER FOR DEBORAH SACCO-CALDERONE AND MIKE GESARIO, BOARD OF EDUCATION CANDIDATES, FROM ROSELAND RESIDENT TONI VARDIMAN

Toni Vardiman
Nov. 3, 2019

I felt compelled to call out what I've learned from listening to the candidates running for the local school boards and I'm endorsing Deborah Sacco-Calderone and Mike Gesario for West Essex and Roseland Board of Ed.

Deborah Sacco-Calderone
West Essex Board Candidate

• 40-year career in the public sector, extensive background in special education.
  
  
• Over 15 years experience as a Board Member and an additional 5 years’ experience as Library trustee.
  
  
• Recently honored for 15 Year Service to her community. Has a clear understanding and vision for our community

Sacco-Calderone began her public service as a volunteer on the Roseland Library Board (served for five years, served as VP and President and led group that raised $50,000 for the children’s library expansion.

• Held seat on Roseland Board of Education for 9 years serving as VP and President during the GREAT years at Lester C. Noecker.
  
  
• Led committee that passed $13 million referendum to renovate and expand Lester C. Noecker School allowing for additional classrooms, upgrades and the development of an innovative preschool program.
  
  
• DELIVERED ON TIME and ON BUDGET.

Deborah is currently a West Essex board member where she has served as president, vice president and curriculum chair.

The role of a member of the Board of Education is to work in tandem as a TEAM to develop, implement and support policies of the school to ensure a stable and progressive environment. Representing the Roseland community, the board member is the voice at the board level. There is no better choice, Deborah would continue to support and strengthen the superintendent and administration in developing policies and programs to support the academic and athletic excellence that West Essex Provides to this community. The recently retired West Essex Superintendent, Barbara Luongo, endorses her.

During her impressive tenure spanning over many years, Deborah has missed ONE Board Meeting because she puts the needs of our community first. She acts as a member of a TEAM that cohesively acts on our behalf.

Re-elect Deborah Sacco-Calderone.

Deborah’s opponent served on the Lester C. Noecker Board during the 2010-2018 time period when Noecker, Roseland’s gem, stopped shining. Roseland needed strong leadership to continue its legacy after the retirement of veteran Superintendent Richard Sierchio. With the Referendum expansion, Lester C. Noecker was poised to continue on the path of success. Since 2011 we have unfortunately experienced a steady deterioration, we have earned a poor reputation that has tarnished our school. Let’s not make the same mistake and vote in her opponent at the West Essex Board level. West Essex has an outstanding reputation, let’s keep in that way!

Mike Gesario
Roseland Board of Education Candidate
Mike Gesario is a very strong candidate running against incumbent Anna Gordon, who is currently President of the Roseland Board of Education. He is not running to become President, as the sitting board votes the President in. Neighbors, Roseland needs change! Roseland’s children need to be a top priority and our school system and the teachers need your support. Mike is an educator, a Dad and truly believes that we should give our teachers and children the support that they need.

Mike said it best “There are too many people – teachers, parents, and community members – who have concerns and ideas but feel they are not being heard. I will listen, and I will help foster an environment that welcomes different opinions, collaboration, and compromise.“

His opponent, Anna Gordon, boasts on a recent postcard mailing that she is skilled, invested, motivated, and Leader. She is seeking a fourth term on the board.

These have been tumultuous years at Noecker, and we need to take the school back! Vote for Mike Gesario for Roseland School Board because Roseland needs change to polish the Gem on the Hill, Noecker School! Your children and teachers will thank you!

Toni Vardiman