Petition to the Manchester Township Board of Education, District Leadership, and New Jersey School Ethics Commission

As parents, residents, and members of the Manchester Township community, we are deeply concerned about the conduct of sitting Board of Education member Timothy Poss and the example being set for our children.

Concerns have been raised regarding Mr. Poss’s unauthorized use of images of minor students on his campaign page and in a press release he provided to the Manchester Times on behalf of his slate, and other posts, including ROTC students in military uniforms attending a 9/11 memorial ceremony, in political campaign posts on Facebook while serving as a Board of Education member. Furthermore, his paid political advertisements on YouTube have reached minor students. These actions raise serious questions about the use of student images for political purposes, the boundaries between public office and campaigning, and the impact of political attacks on children.

Additionally, recent campaign videos published by Mr. Poss publicly target fellow Board members Laura Wingler and Gloria Adkinson, making serious allegations about their leadership and conduct. These viral videos being distributed and boosted financially by Poss have raised concerns among community members about personal attacks, the accuracy of political messaging, and the responsibilities of individuals entrusted with overseeing our public schools.

Political disagreement is a fundamental part of democracy. Candidates have every right to challenge decisions, question records, and express opposing viewpoints. However, we believe there is a difference between legitimate political debate and commentary that publicly humiliates, lies about, or degrades others.

Our children are watching.

Imagine a child unexpectedly encountering a video in which their mother, grandmother, or another loved one is publicly disparaged. The emotional consequences of these attacks can extend well beyond the individuals targeted.

What message does this send to our daughters about the treatment they should accept? What are we teaching our sons about how to treat women? How can we expect students to practice kindness, respect, and responsible digital citizenship when adults in positions of authority appear unwilling to model those same values?

Our schools teach children to treat others with dignity, encourage one another, and disagree without humiliation. Those expectations should apply to the adults entrusted with their education.

This issue extends beyond an election.

School board members are elected to serve students, families, educators, and taxpayers. Their responsibilities require sound judgment, ethical conduct, and the ability to work professionally with colleagues, even when disagreements arise.

Regardless of who wins on November 3, families deserve reassurance that personal attacks will not become an accepted standard of leadership in Manchester.

We recognize that school districts cannot control every statement made during a political campaign and that elected officials have protected rights to political expression. Nevertheless, our community deserves clarity about the ethical and professional standards expected of its representatives.

We Are Calling for the Following Actions:

1. A public reaffirmation of ethical standards by the Manchester Township Board of Education, emphasizing civility, professionalism, and accountability among all elected members.
2. Appropriate review by the New Jersey School Ethics Commission of any properly submitted allegations involving potential violations of the School Ethics Act.
3. Clear communication to families about how concerns involving the conduct of sitting Board members can be reported and addressed through appropriate channels.
4. Consistent expectations for all Board members, regardless of political affiliation, campaign status, or personal disagreements.

We are asking for accountability, transparency, and respect for the students and families affected by these disputes.

Silence leaves families questioning whether the values taught in our classrooms are being upheld by those entrusted with overseeing them.

Being elected to a school board is a public responsibility. The outcome of an election should not determine whether concerns about ethical conduct are taken seriously.

Manchester families deserve confidence that those overseeing our schools understand the responsibility that comes with public service.

We urge the appropriate authorities to acknowledge these concerns, review documented allegations within their jurisdiction, and clearly communicate the standards that apply to elected school board members.

Our children deserve adults who lead by example.

Please sign this petition if you believe ethical leadership, respectful disagreement, and accountability matter in Manchester Township schools.