1. education

1. What is your motive for running for the board of education? I have long been involved the
community including the educational system. I served as a board of education member from 93
to 96. I served on or chaired various committees such as, personnel, negotiations,
transportation, policy, finance, budgeting and was Delegate to New Jersey School Board
Association. I was also instrumental in helping to develop shared services between the various
local governmental bodies and starting a program of centralizes purchasing for the district’s six
schools. I believe that the district needs leadership and change and that I can help
accomplished this.
2. What are your affiliations in Lacey Township? I have been active in Lacey Township over the
past 40 years including, serving on the board of education. I retired from the Lacey Police
department after 25 years of service. I have been affiliate with the following organizations over
my years living here. American Legion Post 517, Forked River, Navy League of the United
States of America. NJ State Retired Police & Firemen’s Association, Local 8., Bamber Lakes
Volunteer Fire Company, Lacey Township Police Athletic League (Founder/President), Lacey
Township 4-H Club (Co-Founder), Ocean County 4-H Lenders Association, Lacey Township
First Aid Squad, and Lacey Underwater Rescue and Recovery Team (Founding Member). I also
served four terms as president of Lacey Township PBA Local 238 and I am currently a member
of NJ FOP Local 5, Past Chairman Lacey Township Employee Coalition and former member of
the Lacey Township Superior Officer’s Association. AS president of PBA 238 I started a the
Officer William a. Trainer Scholarship fund that provides monies to Lacey High School seniors
who pursue a degree in criminal justice.
3. What is your position on our current superintendent? As you know there has been a lot
of controversy surrounding her, which I believe has led to major morale problems throughout the
district. We need leadership that will inspire our teachers and staff to maximize their potential
and not be so polarizing. As a board member, I will hold the administration accountable for their
actions and the success of the district.
4. What is your feeling about public education? New Jersey's public education is crucial for
providing over 1.4 million students with an education, many of whom could not afford private
education. The major problem facing public education in New Jersey is the failure of past and
present legislators and governors to live up to their obligations pursuant to the State’s
Constitution, to provide funding for a thorough and efficient education.
5. What is your perception of the Lacey Township School District? While the Lacey School
District is a good one, it can always be better. I believe that the controversies over past several
years have led to morale problems and a decline in the potential of our staff and students.
Whether it was the district facing layoffs; the problems facing the current superintendent or the
solar panel project, these and other problems have led to morale problems.
The current Board and some of the administration have turned a blind eye to these issues and
concerns. The district needs leadership that will inspire the employees, not demoralize them. I
know that I can help provide leadership to inspire the districts employees.
6. What can you bring to the table for the Lacey Township School District staff? Leadership! As
I stated in the previous answer, I believe that district lacks leadership. As a former board
member, I proved that I can work with the staff and listen to their concerns. Together, we can
improve the working relationship between the Board, the administration and the staff. Once that
is accomplished, we will be able to work together to improve our educational system.
I would like to remind you and your membership that when I was a board member and member
of the negotiation committee, we were able to agree on a new contract in only two meeting and
did so, nine months prior to the expiration of the previous agreement. I would hope that we
could do the same.
7. What direction would you like to see the district go in if you were a sitting board
member? Forward! The district needs to move forward. Our goal should be not only to be the
best school district in the county, but to be among the best in the State. We can achieve this
goal if we all work together. Rather than pointing finger at who is at fault, it is time to find
solutions that will improve the quality of education for our students.
I would like to see the same focus on education, as some in the district puts on some of its
extracurricular activities.
8. What would be your first order of business if you become a board member? I will immediately
set up a series of meeting with the administration, supervisors, and union officials. At first the
meeting would be held among the individual groups to allow each to express their concerns and
identify problems, without fear of reprisal.
I will then hold regular meeting between the various groups to find common solutions to resolve
problems and more importantly to make our district one of the best, if not the best in the State.
While this may be a big undertaking, I believe that our staff and students are more than capable
of achieving this goal.
9. Biography summary. My educational and professional training includes; Masters Degree in
Administrative Science - Public Administration and Not-For-Profit Organizations; Bachelor of
Science in Human Services - Criminal Justice; graduating from the West Point Command and
Leadership Program, and the New Jersey State Police Academy. I am certified as a Chief
Executive, and a New Jersey State Certified Public Manager.
I have extensive training in organizational leadership and development with ten years experience
as an executive level public manager. During this time I developed strong leadership and
organizational skills as well as the ability to perform multiple tasks. As an administrator, I am
responsible for day-to-day operations, developing budgets, scheduling, grants, computer
systems, personnel and more.
I also have extensive experience in public employment laws, and regulations including Civil
Service; contract and labor relations. As an administrator, elected official, police director and
union president, I have negotiated multiple labor contracts; handled numerous grievances and
labor disputes for public employees. I believe that my background and experience has allowed
me to develop the knowledge, skills and ability to motivate and lead diverse workforce.
I have attended and successfully completed numerous supervisory, managerial, and upper level
administrative programs. As a certified instructor, I have taught such course as Community
Policing, Crime Prevention, Community Organizing and Partnership, Conflict Resolution,
Community Resources and Services, Problem Solving Strategies, Strategic Planning,
Management/Research Skills, Ethical Issues, and more.
My more than forty years of public service has also allowed me to develop the ability to deal
effectively with the public, employees, public officials, volunteers and the media. I have served
our community and county as a volunteer in the emergency services, and youth programs.
I appreciate the opportunity to answer your questions. I look forward to meet and to address
your membership.
Sincerely, James K. Le Tellier