“A little bit about my background and history, I have been a resident of Dunellen for 45 years. I myself went through the Dunellen School system from the Whittier School, to Faber School, and then to Dunellen High School (’88). I participated in sports while in school which included football, basketball, and track. I also was a member of the marching band, the choir and was an active actor in many of the school musical productions. I had a great education and school experience and wish for all the students in the district to have the same. I then attended Moravian College and obtained a degree in Political Science and also played football while in school. After graduation, my initial plan was to attend Law School, but instead I came home to assist my family with running a new business venture in town which is still family owned and operated for 25 years. I am also a member of the Dunellen Lions Club and served as President for a number of years. I have two little ones currently enrolled in Faber and my son is active in all the Dunellen Recreation sports programs and we attend many of the fun activities planned around town throughout the year. My heart and soul is rooted in Dunellen through my support of the schools and staff to the athletic programs and arts programs to that of local businesses.
I have been a member of the Board for 5 years and I am seeking re-election on Tuesday November 3rd to the Board seat. While on the Board we have been able to successfully keep the school budget under the cap, approve updates to the schools in the areas of lighting as well as heating and cooling. We have also been able to provide more Chromebooks to all 3 schools in the District. We are working towards a 1:1 relationship of Chromebooks to students in the high school. We have been able to update both Faber and DHS’s libraries and media centers as well as establishing the new digital media lab at the high school with state of the art technology which will help the students develop their communication skills. The Board was also able to update security procedures and video surveillance to protect students and staff and help them to be prepared in case of an emergency. The Board has also approved to accept the financial fees associated with any student who wishes to enroll and partake in AP classes.
These are just a few of the improvements that have been made in the District in the past few years and I seek your support in helping me to continue to make improvements in the District.
Thank you for your past and continued support.”
-Jeffrey M. Portik