My name is Ann and I am a Middletown parent of three daughters.  I am also a Special Education teacher in Monmouth County and I feel that I have to take action with regards to the upcoming Board of Education election. 

Firstly, I want to say that I commend anyone who is willing to sacrifice their time and devote themselves to the betterment of their community.  This is not in any way an easy sacrifice to make. That being said, it is our responsibility as citizens to do whatever it takes to ensure a positive, educational environment for our children.

As a mother and a teacher, NOTHING is more important to me than the health, safety and well-being of our children.  Kids deserve to feel PROTECTED, LOVED and SUPPORTED at school.  It is for this reason that I am calling for Jacqueline Tobacco, Frank Capone and Harmony B. Heffernan to withdraw their #puttingchildrenfirst team from the election.

Middletown needs leaders who believe in unity and acceptance.  These above named candidates have demonstrated their intolerance of others' beliefs. They have posted racist remarks on social media (and then removed the comments when they decided to run for the BOE). THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. 

Additionally, a member of this team is asking the Middletown community to "MOBILIZE" against teachers in order to force them into the schools.  Do we want our BOE organizing attacks on teachers?  The volatile reactions to others' concerns about health and safety in addition to the lack of support demonstrated toward the very people they are asking to lead is proof that this team is unfit to serve on our BOE. THEY NEED TO STEP DOWN.

We need qualified leaders to help our schools move forward. During what many argue is one of the most challenging periods in our nation's history, we are looking for level-headed, reflective, empathetic people who will represent ALL of the children and parents of Middletown.  

Please sign this petition and help support our kids.