John Quattrocchi is running for a fifth term on the Verona Board of Education, and he will face two challengers for the two seats that are up for election this fall: Michele Bernardino and Joanna Breitenbach. Joseph Bellino, who has been a fixture on the BOE for a decade, is not seeking re-election.
John QuattrocchiQuattrocchi, who has served as the BOE’s president for much of his time on the board, says he wants to continue implementing its strategic plan, which is entering its third year, and see the referendum work to its completion. He believes that the BOE’s budgets are sound and that the tax levy is comparatively low, both in dollar terms and as a percentage of the total tax levy.
“I’m very proud of the thoughtful planning process we have and the progress on our objectives, year over year,” Quattrocchi says. “There’s more to do, and I’m commited to make our schools a great place to learn, great place to work and therefore, make Verona a great place to live.”
Joanna BreitenbachThis is Breitenbach’s second run for a BOE seat. She came in third in a field of five candidates last November, in a race for just one open seat. She was motivated, then as now, by a desire to improve the facilities and education in Verona schools. The Texas native, but long-time Verona resident, wants equal education opportunities and educational tools across Verona’s public schools. She has two children in Verona public schools.
“I am thrilled to be running again,” Breitenbach said. “This is an exciting time in our district. There are many positive changes happening, but I believe there is more work to be done. I want to ensure that we continue with forward progress.”
Michele BernardinoBernardino is a newcomer to BOE races, but not to education or education management. After an early career as an actuarial analyst, she became the executive director of The Children’s House, a Montessori preschool in Verona. She was the site director of the YMCA’s extended kindergarten program and, in 2013, got a master’s degree in education. Now a fourth grade teacher in the Newark public school system, the mother of three–elementary, middle school and high school– is certified in K-6, middle school math and teaching students with disabilities. She serves on the BOE’s school safety team and on the town’s budget review committee. (Full disclosure: She also served as MyVeronaNJ.com’s director of special projects).
Bernardino said that running for the BOE brings all the elements of her background together. “I am energized by change, and there are a lot of changes happening now in Verona schools, such as the new ‘house’ model at HBW. I believe that I can be a constructive part of those changes.”
Virginia Citrano grew up in Verona. She moved away to write and edit for The Wall Street Journal’s European edition, Institutional Investor, Crain’s New York Business and Forbes.com. Since returning to Verona, she has volunteered for school, civic and religious groups, served nine years on the Verona Environmental Commission and is now part of Sustainable Verona. She co-founded MyVeronaNJ in 2009. You can reach Virginia at [email protected].
John Quattrocchi is running for a fifth term on the Verona Board of Education, and he will face two challengers for the two seats that are up for election this fall: Michele Bernardino and Joanna Breitenbach. Joseph Bellino, who has been a fixture on the BOE for a decade, is not seeking re-election.
