{"id":6718,"date":"2015-10-28T05:26:02","date_gmt":"2015-10-28T09:26:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shorebeat.com\/brick\/?p=6718"},"modified":"2015-10-27T15:00:07","modified_gmt":"2015-10-27T19:00:07","slug":"brick-boe-candidate-profile-victor-finamore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/2015\/10\/brick-boe-candidate-profile-victor-finamore\/","title":{"rendered":"Brick BOE Candidate Profile: Victor Finamore"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em><strong>Editor\u2019s note:<\/strong> Each of the 12 candidates running for a seat on the Brick Township Board of Education were sent a questionnaire by Brick Shorebeat. Their answers to our questions will be published on our site verbatim. We have disabled comments on profile articles to ensure the candidates\u2019 statements speak for themselves and readers can decide, without additional, potentially anonymous commentary, their view on those running for office.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>~<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_6719\" style=\"width: 262px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/finamore.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightbox-image-0\" data-rl_title=\"\" data-rl_caption=\"\" title=\"\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6719\" class=\" wp-image-6719\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/finamore-400x534.jpg\" alt=\"Victor Finamore (File Photo)\" width=\"252\" height=\"336\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/finamore-400x534.jpg 400w, https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/finamore.jpg 637w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 252px) 100vw, 252px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-6719\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Victor Finamore (File Photo)<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Full Name: <\/strong>Victor Finamore<\/p>\n<p><strong>Current Age: <\/strong>50<\/p>\n<p><strong>Educational Background:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Graduate Westfield Sr, High School. 1983<\/p>\n<p>Attended Business Management Courses\u00a0 Union County College.<\/p>\n<p>Certified Pharmaceutical Tech Upsal College.<\/p>\n<p>Continuing Educational on line courses \u2013 various studies.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Current Occupation:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Project Management \u2013 Hurricane Sandy Relief, Monmouth and Ocean County\u00a0 Housing Advisor.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Previous background\/ occupation:\u00a0 Life Sciences,Health Care Benefits Administrator\u00a0 [ Teachers, Unions,Employers ].<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Financial services .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Research and Development.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Do you currently receive any public salary compensation? If so, from what public agency?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Federal\u00a0 Funded Project \u2013 Hurricane Sandy Relief.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Have you ever previously held an elected office in Brick or elsewhere?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I have never held any other office.<\/p>\n<p><strong>As it presently stands, the administration of the Brick school district remains in flux. What should the academic priorities of our administrators be over the next three years?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Board Of Education has a President and it\u2019s current Superintendent; who the elected Board members, as a collaborative work together in regards to resolutions.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div>As elected, it would be best to understand what structure is currently pending in order to make\u00a0 adjustments and suggestions as needed. No one ever walks in and make changes over night; it\u2019s a process that has to be both learned and analyzed;\u00a0 as well discuses in the proper forum for resolution.\u00a0 Although Transparency among all departments including the Township Departments, is an objective\u00a0 that I plan on seeking in many areas.\u00a0 Negotiate fair contracts saving dollars for the community while providing the highest quality education for our children.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Open and honest.\u00a0 No back room dealing \u2013 Transparency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Keeping politics and\u00a0 favoritism out. Fair play for all\u00a0\u2013 Transparency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Will listen to, address and evaluate public concerns when making decisions as part of a collaborative.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Will work to provide a quality education for all children at all levels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Looking out for whats best for the children and their parents first.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>The bottom line, I\u2019m not going to tell you what you think you want to hear \u2013 I\u2019m going to tell it like it is and work for the working class that makes up the majority\u00a0 population, families struggling here in Brick\u00a0 [ Homeowners, Renters, Seniors with a fixed income,- because the School budget effects everyone \u2013 it\u2019s the public\u2019s\u2019 money. ]\u00a0 not the pension riders and those who would prefer to over spend the budget making decisions about your Taxes.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>At its core, a public school district will always be judged based on the achievement of its students. Though Brick\u2019s performance has improved in some areas in recent years based on state data, that same data has repeatedly shown that the Brick district lags in the category of college and career readiness. In a competitive state like New Jersey, what specific initiatives should be put into place to ensure that Brick students will be able to compete in both college and the marketplace with their peers who reside in the state\u2019s highest-performing districts?<\/strong><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>State data:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>The State\u2019s new School Performance Report, which replaces the long-used School Report Cards as part of national common core standards, places extra emphasis on student achievement in college and beyond secondary school. Earlier this year, there was already put in reforms and programs in place to improve student achievement to have been implemented.\u00a0\u00a0 These reports that are out, are implemented to inform teachers and staff on how to help improve the schools. Anytime a new program is introduced, it will take time to develop and process in order to become a success \u2013 without expectations of overnight. I believe that the current administration have been working on improvements that has a positive impact upon the students.<\/p>\n<p>College and the marketplace:<\/p>\n<p>The previous report shows that the township\u2019s two high schools met all of their targets in academic achievement, but lagged in the category of college and career readiness. Great, \u2013 it\u2019s a start; what more can you ask of your children and our teachers. They are making sides and progress with time. There was a budget passed for seven new advanced placement classes in each high school, plus a fourth year math class. The high schools will also offer SAT preparation classes according to that proposal [ although the PARCC is another conversation in it\u2019s self ]. We also have to keep in mind that there are three types of learning skills, auditory input is most valuable; others rely upon a visual style. Still others learn through kinesthetic means, or a combination of the three. Every person has one primary learning mode. Once you identify that mode [ parents and teachers], can learn to maximize it and enhance your child\u2019s education and direction.<\/p>\n<p>Students that have learning disabilities have one commonality, a processing deficit that interferes with their learning. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that every individual learns differently and thus has a unique learning style. Hence, the sooner it\u2019s recognized in a child\u2019s performance; the sooner the teachers and parents can get him or her on tract to advance their learning skills.<\/p>\n<p>It is important that our college prep students become better prepared\u00a0 regarding critical thinking by having four-year math and science requirements in high school.<\/p>\n<p>If anyone would like to review the 2014 report card \u2013 see the link attached:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nj.gov\/education\/pr\/1314\/narrative\/29\/0530\/29-0530-020.html\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.nj.gov\/education\/pr\/1314\/narrative\/29\/0530\/29-0530-020.html<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.state.nj.us\/education\/pr\/1213\/29\/290530020.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.state.nj.us\/education\/pr\/1213\/29\/290530020.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<p>From there, we can understand areas and review the analysis, move forward and continue to work on the next layer of improvements as needed.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div>students preparing for jobs and careers, employability and earnings will be increasingly tied to [ what is known as ]\u00a0 STEM knowledge; familiarity with common applications such as Microsoft Office, as well as Web literacy skills, to succeed in the current workforce.<\/p>\n<div>Following effectively communicate with others outside of the \u201dtexting world\u201d \u2013 to have strong\u00a0 writing skills for clear,strong customer service skills with concise and appropriate communication. Other areas include appearance, body language, self discipline and self-confidence are part of the influence of early development on children\u2019s readiness to learn and chances of success later in life.<br \/>\nLife Skills are essentials in the workplace along with the ability to keep personal matters in order. Students need to be able to manage their lives and function as responsible members of society. Especially in managing finances is a must. many students may be missing\u00a0 out on basic consumer mathematics skills, such as balancing a checkbook, filling out a tax return, budgeting, etc.<\/p>\n<p>However, there is another facet to the equation, graduating High School is only the beginning and it\u2019s readiness for continuing education for 4- 6 years of continuing education. In general colleges and Universities. with an average in State \/ County college avg. $35k a year. tuition or private Colleges \u2013 Universities avg. $60K a year\u00a0 tuition [ pending any grants or scholarships available].\u00a0 Planning for the next level of education starts at birth, not eight months before graduation day.<br \/>\nsee link attached:\u00a0 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/50-colleges-charge-60000-dollars-2014-7\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/50-colleges-charge-60000-dollars-2014-7<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Although for some parents \u2013 College and Universities for their children may become difficult number to achieve these days. There are alternative routes with great opportunities for the graduating Senior with hands on skills, such as: Vocational schools, Five Military programs, Reserves, \u2013 NJ National Guard and Coast Guard to start with. Teaching and guiding children with a plan, direction and opportunity at an early age; helps prevents\u00a0 possible unforeseen difficulties later in life\u2026\u2026<i><br \/>\n<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Most Board of Education meetings are extremely lightly attended. On some occasions, concern has been expressed that not enough parents are engaged in the academic aspects of the school experience. What specific ways can the district better engage parents and members of the community with the aim of bringing them into discussions on academic achievement?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It never was a secret, people are just tired and fed up of the non sense [ as advised by the public ] \u2013 that their concerns were never property addressed. \u00a0\u00a0 When I\u2019ve\u00a0 asked the public about attending ? \u2013 many of their responses\u00a0 was \u2013 that the meetings take too long or there\u2019s too much fighting or disagreements between the members why would a parent want to attend a 3- 4hour meeting after an 8 \u2013 10 hour day from work?\u00a0 \u2013 after attending\u00a0 several meeting over the past few years,, you can\u2019t disagree..\u00a0 At times, there is a\u00a0 communication disconnect somewhere that needs improvement and yet, there are those times that great things do get accomplished from the Board.<\/p>\n<p>We are going through a transition of generations of a diversity of people; Homeowners, Seniors and recent influx of Transient Tenants moving in- with many more to come. My first initiative after elected \u2013 besides learning the process- would be to have an public out reach; voice your opinion and concerns, would love to hear your thoughts. from there; I can both respond and collect the data needed to assist by helping the Board members into a new direction knowing more about what the public wants.?<\/p>\n<p>I want to start with several facets to emphasize and utilize around the town; that\u2019s already in existing programs. utilizing current programs such as\u00a0 BMAC, Parks and Recreation as part of\u00a0 transparency programs with the Township \u2013 it\u2019s Council, Community Programs\u00a0and Mayor to make it interactive for everyone. \u00a0 I would like to see more career events that children\u00a0 and their families can attend to meet and greet professionals, outside schools, colleges to local business owners \u2013 perhaps special guest speakers.<\/p>\n<p>Looking further in to sports and recreation, Arts and Sciences as well areas of developmental skill that can be utilized in various ways including scholarship programs \u2013 by getting parents involved with common interest to share with others.<\/p>\n<p>We have to go back to the Performance Report reviews and look further into the areas that may need improvements. These ideas won\u2019t work on it\u2019s own, without the support of others and will not happen overnight.\u00a0 it\u2019s a working plan that takes time to plan and organize with others in an agreement to become an effective plan.<\/p>\n<p><strong>In recent years, some long-sought facilities improvements have been completed in various school buildings. With the condition and age of the district\u2019s facilities continuing to be a chief concern among Brick residents, which improvements and\/or upgrades would you prioritize, and which funding mechanism would you favor to finance those projects?<\/strong><\/p>\n<div><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Without reviewing the details of past 5 years of contracts, budgets, it wouldn\u2019t be fair to calculate spending or funding. Although\u00a0 after meeting with 100\u2019s of people from the public, they often ask the same question. if almost 10 years ago, they were advised that it was \u201ccost effective to build a New School\u201d\u00a0 than to refurbish the old one \u2013 why did we spend so much money on an old building?<\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The best answer to that question is \u2013 why not ask of those who have been on the board prior or current?\u00a0 They chose not to rebuild; instead were the ones in agreements to contract and bid out for the repairs of existing school that were outdated? <\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"color: #000000;\">With open contracts and uncounted for petty cash, it makes you wonder why follow the next question \u2013\u00a0 \u201cHow much have actually spent on the school just in repairs.?\u201d \u00a0 I want to know what was spent and why; prior \u2013 in order to understand \u2013 why \u2013 do we keep spending\u00a0 funds that\u2019s costing the Tax Payor ? <\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Going forward, I would inquirer about alternate route to see if any options are available including: utility grants, Education grants and School redevelopment grants available? There is funding out there, it\u2019s researching it and seeing if the School system would qualify for any of the programs \u2013 that would save the tax payor money and help keep a $147M\u00a0 budget balanced while getting work done and items needed for the students.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"fcbkbttn_buttons_block\" id=\"fcbkbttn_left\"><div class=\"fb-share-button fcbkbttn_large_button \" data-href=\"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/2015\/10\/brick-boe-candidate-profile-victor-finamore\/\" data-type=\"button_count\" data-size=\"large\"><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Brick Township Board of Education candidate Victor Finamore talks about his background and answers numerous questions on the minds of Brick residents&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":201,"featured_media":6719,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[15,2,13],"tags":[1732,41,24,1168,1738],"class_list":["post-6718","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-brick-elections","category-government","category-brick-schools","tag-2015-candidate-profiles","tag-board-of-education","tag-brick-nj-news","tag-election-2015","tag-victor-finamore"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/finamore.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pgt2Ft-1Km","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6718","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/201"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6718"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6718\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6719"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6718"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6718"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6718"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}