Election 2020: Mendham Twp. School Board Candidate Thom Keeling

NEW JERSEY - In a few short weeks what is expected to be one of the most charged elections in modern history is set to take place and Patch has asked local candidates to share their thoughts before the Nov. 3 election.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the county clerk. The responses received will be published between now and the general election. Candidates who would like to participate but did not receive one (for whatever reason) can contact Russ.Crespolini@patch.com. What you see below are their answers with mild style edits.

• Name: Thom Keeling
• Campaign Contact: N/A
• Previous Elective Office: N/A
• Education: MBA – Stanford University, JD – Seton Hall University, MA – Tufts University, BA – Colorado College
• Occupation: Strategic Finance/Business Executive/Attorney
• Fun Fact: My siblings and I are founding members of the Keeling-Puri Peace Plaza (keeling-puri-peaceplaza.com) in our childhood hometown of Rockford, Illinois. Since 2002, each September we have hosted approximately 1000 elementary school students from local area schools for a celebration of the International Day of Peace which focuses on messages of mutual understanding, tolerance and respect. This year, because of the Covid pandemic, we have moved to a virtual program and now school districts from across the US (including Mendham Township) are participating in this wonderful and free program and its celebration of diversity and inclusiveness.
• What Inspires You: I am inspired by our K-8 students. I am amazed at their boundless energy, incredible creativity and tremendous talents. Last Spring’s MTMS Virtual Talent Show was a great showcase of our students’ creativity and was just one example of what’s possible.

Why are you seeking a seat on the school board?

I am running for the School Board because I am committed to making sure that all children in Mendham Township receive a world-class education and that we do this in a fiscally responsible way. My wife and I have five children and appreciate the world-class education that our district has offered our children. Four of our children are now grown (a pediatric dentist, a camera operator for television and film, a health care professional and a graduate student in Russian Studies). Our youngest child is a student at MTMS. Our schools have done a great job of laying a solid foundation for our children and setting them up for success in high school and beyond.

For the past few years, I have been a regular attendee at the school board meetings and have become very familiar with the many strengths and significant challenges that the school district is facing. I feel that I can help build on the strengths and meet the challenges and continue to provide a world-class education to our children.

As a board member, my commitment will be to:

• World Class Education
• Fiscal Responsibility
• Shared Services
• Inclusive Community
• Covid Safety
• Transparency

See my website, www.keeling4boe.com, for more information on each of these focus areas.

The single most pressing issue is ___ and this is what I intend to do about it.

In the current environment, Covid is certainly the most pressing immediate challenge. The health and safety of our students, teachers and staff are paramount and everything we do needs to be viewed through this lens. Covid is placing increasing pressures on the district’s budget which ties into the district’s biggest long-term challenge - how we can continue to provide a quality education to our students within a budget that our community can afford. We, as a district, must do more and achieve more within the fiscal realities of a limited budget. We need to engage with neighboring school districts and explore ways to effectively partner together that can be mutually beneficial (“Shared Services”). Benefits from Shared Services may include: (1) Improved educational experience and enhanced opportunities for the students of each district, (2) Budgetary benefits that would improve the fiscal security of each school district, and (3) potential reductions in the local school taxes for each community.

What are the crucial differences between you and the other candidates seeking to serve on the school board?

First, I am happy that so many people have expressed an interest in running and are willing to give of their time for the school board. I am sure that each candidate can bring a unique skill set and perspective to the board.

As to what sets me apart from the other candidates, I think my deep finance, business and law background (MBA from Stanford/JD from Seton Hall) and years working in strategic finance and growing and managing companies is a crucial differentiator. I also have been a regular attendee at the school board meetings for the past few years and understand its challenges. Also, while I am not an education attorney, I have participated in many continuing legal education programs focusing on education and special education law and feel that these programs have given me a good understanding of many of the challenges that school boards face. Finally, I am firmly committed to promoting inclusiveness and celebrating diversity as part of the programs and policies of our school district and community.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite that you will be an effective board member?

I am known as a very effective collaborator. Over my career and in various volunteer settings, I have enjoyed working in collaborative group settings and have been very effective at building consensus and getting things done. I am also very adept at establishing and executing against budgets and making sure there is real value being delivered for every budget dollar.

Recovering from COVID-19 is going to put a significant financial strain on the schools. With so much of our tax dollars going to support them. But cuts will be needed. Where do you see room for budget improvement? What things will you go to the mat to defend?

As I mentioned earlier, we need to engage with neighboring school districts and explore Shared Services opportunities as well as pursue other strategies to reduce overheads and be more cost-effective. I think we need to get better at thinking outside the box.

I will go to the mat to defend the caliber of education offered by our schools. Mendham Township School District is the only National Blue-Ribbon Award school district in the state of New Jersey. We have amazing teachers and administrators who have done a great job of laying a solid educational foundation for our students. I will support them in a fiscally responsible way to ensure that we provide our students with a world-class education while doing it in a fiscally responsible way and protecting our taxpayers

The COVID-19 pandemic has put into focus the issue of mandatory vaccinations. If such a movement gains traction, where do you stand on the issue for your community?

With respect to mandatory vaccinations as a general public health policy, assuming a vaccine has been properly vetted and approved and has an established track record for efficacy and safety, I would support requiring mandatory vaccinations with necessary exemptions for medical reasons. Specific to COVID, before I would consider a mandatory vaccination policy, there would have to be a well-established track record of vaccine efficacy and safety. As part of this approach, I would also support exploring the viability of a continued remote learning option for a period of time thereafter for those not wanting to participate in a vaccination program.

Since the change to this year's election was announced by Murphy, there have been many questions about how the process will work. Below is some further reading on the Nov. 3 election process:

• Here's How NJ's Mail-In General Election Will Work: What To Know

A primarily vote-by-mail election means a lot of changes to election day. See what you can expect this November.

• What's A NJ Provisional Ballot? How Does It Work? Patch Found Out

Those not needing an ADA compliant booth will need a provisional ballot to vote in-person. Here is what that will look like.

• Do Mail-In Ballots Force NJ Voters To Lie? Here's The Answer

There was language on the primary ballots asked voters certify they requested the ballot, even if they didn't.

• How Are Election Signatures Verified In NJ? Patch Found Out

Voters wondering how their signatures are checked before the upcoming election can see the process for themselves.

• How To Register, Track Your General Election Vote Online In NJ

Need to register for the upcoming election? Want to track your vote once you do? Read on to learn how.

• Key 2020 Voting Deadlines In New Jersey

Here is a recap of important dates to remember with upcoming election, all in one place.

• NJ: Get A Wrong Or Duplicate Ballot? It Is Probably Your Fault

Confusion and concern has reigned as ballots arrive, here Patch got some answers from a county clerk.

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