STAFFORD – Five candidates are running for three open seats on the Stafford Township Board of Education, which oversees the district’s schools from preschool through fifth grade. The Board of Education election is non-partisan.
Election Day is November 4. Voters will choose three members to serve on the Stafford Township Board of Education.
Because of the number of candidates, all were advised that strict word limits would be applied to ensure fairness and equal space. Responses are presented below in the order in which the candidates will appear on the ballot. Since board of education races are nonpartisan, the candidate’s slogan is after their name rather than their political party. Some candidates are running together under shared slogans.
Question 1: Curriculum,
Communication, and Community Trust
Some parents have voiced concerns about curriculum transparency and communication between the district and families. How would you promote open dialogue and ensure parents feel informed and confident about what their children are learning?
Chris Smith (Incumbent), “Students First”: “If some parents are questioning transparency, it appears I need to do a better job of communicating just how open we are. Parents are always welcome to speak with the board before every public meeting, and we genuinely value that input. Our emails are on the website where we can receive any questions or provide clarity on any matter. We don’t respond regarding certain personnel matters because we are not legally allowed to do so.
“This board takes pride in being transparent and we’re not here to keep secrets. One thing that has always bothered me are those videos you see online where a school board cuts off parents mid-sentence with a timer. That’s not how I believe things should be done. I truly want to hear what parents think. We’re always open to suggestions and committed to listening.”
Joseph Washco (Incumbent), “Students First”: “As a board member, my goal is to be transparent with all education concerns from parents and staff. I would encourage parents to attend monthly board meetings to have the opportunity to speak in front of the board about any concerns they may have. I believe parents should have the right to know what is being taught to their children and be able to voice any concerns.
Kevin Cooney (Incumbent), “Students First”: No response submitted.
Barbara Crystal, “Excellence in Education”: “As a retired Southern Regional teacher and mother of two daughters who attended Stafford Schools and graduated from Southern, I firmly believe in the need for open and informative communication between school personnel and the community. If elected, I will hold periodic listening sessions inviting parents and families to voice concerns and ask questions about curriculum and other topics. We all need to work together to ensure that our children are receiving the best possible education.”
Erica Petillo, “Voice for All”: “If elected, I believe parents should always feel informed and included in their child’s education. To help with this, I would support more curriculum information sessions, parent forums, and easy-to-read updates that explain what students are learning and why. Families should be able to ask questions or share concerns in a respectful, open way. When schools and families work together, students benefit the most.”
Question 2: Board’s Role
In District Leadership
What do you believe the Board of Education’s responsibility should be when it comes to oversight of the superintendent and administration? How do you envision fulfilling that role in a way that supports accountability, professionalism, and effective leadership without overstepping administrative boundaries?
Chris Smith (Incumbent), “Students First”: “As a board member, I believe it’s our responsibility to stay informed about the decisions being made by the superintendent and the administration. Ultimately, our role is to support the superintendent and his team. We should function as a team, offering input and suggestions when appropriate, while recognizing that the district’s administrators are the subject-matter experts. Over the years, I’ve shared many suggestions, but I always make it clear to the superintendent that I want to be told if I’m overstepping.”
Joseph Washco, (Incumbent) “Students First”: “I believe the Board of Education’s responsibility is to provide support to the superintendent and administration. We must also make sure the superintendent and administration are acting in the best interest of the students and being fiscally responsible to the taxpayers. I have been fulfilling that role by being an active member of the board and attending monthly meetings.”
Kevin Cooney, (Incumbent) “Students First”: No response submitted.
Barbara Crystal, “Excellence in Education”: “According to the NJSBA, a successful board of education makes decisions that are in the best interest of all students, and that support a district’s mission and goals. Board members need to invest the time, and make the effort to be informed about important district issues. They also need to communicate professionally with each other to provide meaningful district oversight. Knowledge and understanding of Stafford School’s district policies, New Jersey’s educational policies, and the New Jersey Student Learning Standards is critical to functioning as an effective school board member. The superintendent is the only employee who is evaluated by the school board. As a school board member, I will complete the appropriate evaluation tool, and keep in mind that my primary function is to ensure that I am doing what is best for our students and district.”
Erica Petillo, “Voice for All”: “The Board’s job is to set goals and policies for the district without overstepping administration. That means asking the right questions, reviewing data, and holding leadership accountable in a fair and respectful way. The Board should not try to run day-to-day operations but must ensure our leaders remain professional and focused on what’s best for students.
Question 3: Balancing Budgets
And Student Needs
Stafford Schools continue to face financial pressures from state funding reductions and rising costs. What are your priorities for maintaining educational quality while keeping spending and taxes in check?
Chris Smith (Incumbent), “Students First”: “The district has faced significant setbacks due to state funding reductions – a loss of approximately $5 million. Although we requested it, the state did not provide clarification on why such a substantial amount was withheld. I believe politics may have played a role. There were aspects of the curriculum where we stood firm, guided by the strong family values that define our community. We made decisions based on what we believe is best for our children, not outside pressure. We did not take the recent referendum vote lightly. We understand that any tax increase is a burden and worked hard to keep it minimal.”
Joseph Washco (Incumbent), “Students First”: “I am the chair of the Finance Committee and have an extensive background in finance and budgeting. Our priorities have always been about providing the best quality education for the students of Stafford. Under my tenure, we were able to pass a referendum that will help the Stafford School District continue to be one of the best in New Jersey. This referendum will also help minimize the cost to taxpayers by taking advantage of additional funding available from the state.”
Kevin Cooney (Incumbent), “Students First”: No response submitted.
Barbara Crystal, “Excellence in Education”: “Unfortunately, our state’s school funding formula has caused serious financial stress on our district and impacted our taxes. The primary focus of expenditures needs to be what directly benefits students. Funding for educational materials and successful programs is imperative. Enhanced oversight and transparency regarding the recently bonded construction projects must occur to avoid additional expenditures.”
Erica Petillo, “Voice for All”: “Stafford Schools face tough financial times with higher costs and less state funding. However, Stafford is receiving $2.7 million in special education state aid for 2025–26. This is an important opportunity to support both the students with special needs and the staff who teach and assist them. My priority is to protect the quality of education in all schools.”
