Patch is asking candidates to share their views on issues in Long Valley. Here are candidate John R. Oldmixon's answers:
Vianella Burns, Patch Staff
LONG VALLEY, NJ — Election Day is nearing, and Long Valley voters will soon head to the polls to cast their votes for three seats on the local school board.
Patch sent questionnaires to all candidates, seeking their responses. Here is the response from candidate John R. Oldmixon.
Editor's Note: Patch emailed all candidates at the email addresses listed for their campaigns in the clerk's office. The responses will be revealed between now and the general election on Nov. 7. These comments will be published with just minor stylistic changes. Candidates who wish to participate but did not receive an invitation should email [email protected].
Name: John R. Oldmixon
Age: 35
Find out what's happening in Long Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Town of residence: Long Valley
Family: Happily married to my high school sweetheart, Emily. We are now blessed with three beautiful children.
Education: Flocktown-Kossmann, LVMS, WMC. BA in Business Finance from Centenary University.
Occupation: Private Credit Associate with MetLife Investment Management
Why are you seeking to run for school board?
Our school district and teachers are incredible, but I have concerns about what is happening at the state level. We can’t be a rubber stamp for Trenton. I am 100% for parental rights, no matter the circumstances. We always need to encourage the teacher-student-parent role. I believe in keeping politics out of school and maintaining fiscal responsibility. Given my background and deep understanding of our school issues, I believe I am the perfect fit.
What, according to you, is the biggest issue facing the school district currently? How do you plan to tackle it?
From an education standpoint, I am concerned about our test scores as it relates to student progress. For example, our middle school test score ranking is quite well, but our progress compared to neighboring districts is trending below average. I think it is important to focus on the fundamentals of education and our core classes.
We should be engaged with the teachers about what is working well, and what isn’t. This conversation should also expand to other higher-ranking schools in our area and keep an open dialogue on what has been successful for them.
From a fiscal standpoint, we have a current year budget of ~$46.4mm we have to maintain. Meanwhile, our state aid has been progressively cut in the last six years by over 50 percent.
Before thinking about cuts, my running mates and I want to find additional revenue streams for our district and be conservative on our bottom line while protecting our great teachers financially. We will keep the budget under the two percent increase cap and maintain our promise of fiscal responsibility.
What special qualifications do you bring to help meet the challenge?
I have been attending almost every board of education meeting for the past 3+ years, often speaking during public comment. I know how it operates and the issues our district faces. As a private credit investment analyst, I can leverage my financial modeling background to help keep us fiscally responsible.
Lastly, I know what it is like to walk the halls of these schools as a student and now as a father. Long Valley is a place my wife and I have called home for 34 years and I will always do what is right for the student, teacher, parent, and taxpayer.
What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign?
Jennifer Ryan, Isabel Vieira, and I are running on the “Excellence In Education” ticket. Please visit our website at www.WTBOE23.com to learn a lot more about our campaign. Vote 4-5-6 on November 7th!