LINDEN, NJ — Four candidates, including three incumbents, are running for one of the three open seats on the Linden Board of Education on Nov. 5. Craig Halloran, who ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the board last year, is the only non-incumbent running for a three-year term on the board.

Halloran, a retiree who has lived in Linden since 1997, sat down with The Click earlier this month to discuss his vision for the office should he win a seat. He said he wants to create a top-tier education system that has equality in funding and offers diverse pathways for student success. He also advocates for the reintroduction of trade schools, saying, “Not everyone should go to college.” He believes that community engagement is essential “in order to help make the city better.” Halloran says he wants to build an educational environment that meets the needs of Linden’s school district.

Halloran, who retired from a career in wastewater treatment, said his motivation to run for the school board comes from his concern about “the ability of the students to actually function in society.” As the correlation between technology and education grows stronger, he fears students’ heavy reliance on electrical devices. “Our biggest and best computer we have is our brain,” he said. He discovered that some students “could not even write out a check,” and that cursive writing is not taught in some schools.

He says his passion for education and  “great love for reading” was instilled by his father at an early age. As a fan of New Jersey history, he believes that “if you do not know your history, you are doomed to repeat it, and we are repeating history.”

When asked about book bans, Halloran said, “I don’t have a problem with people writing books about any topic they want. It’s a matter of freedom of speech.” However, he says “Certain books shouldn’t be in reach of younger children and hopefully the children’s parent can help the kids pick out appropriate books.”

If elected, Halloran emphasized the need for “more collaboration between the school board and the state and federal government,” believing that the government directives “stymie education in Linden.”

Halloran is concerned about these laws, stating, “If you don’t follow what we tell you to do, we’re going to take away the money.” He expressed a critical view of the federal Department of Education, asserting, “There’s no constitutional need for that department,” and suggested that eliminating it could lower tax burdens. He claims that local educators know their students best and should have the ability to make decisions.

Halloran believes that the biggest issue Linden is facing is its growing population, resulting in a greater need for classroom space. For example, School No. 6 has had temporary classroom trailers for around “twenty years,” which he says is not efficient.

When discussing technology’s role in the classroom during an interview at Dunkin’ Donuts, Halloran acknowledged its importance but raised concerns about its current use. He reminisced about the days of “big IBM mainframe computers that would fill this Dunkin’ Donuts for one computer.”

He questioned how students would face job interviews, asking, “What is a kid going to do? Take out the phone and say, ‘Technology, please tell me how I am gonna answer these interview questions’?” Halloran noted, “Part of an interview is face-to-face contact… I learn more about you because I can see your facial expressions.” He believes that while technology has its applications, it should be used purposefully, such as for providing data instead of replacing the brain.

With “more violence is showing up at schools.” Halloran calls for more “‘qualified people” to ensure school safety.  He also suggests adopting technology that can “differentiate between a gunshot or yelling.”

“Change for Change” is Halloran’s slogan for the election, reflecting his belief that he is not a “normal candidate.” He states, “For one, I can think outside the box. I have given the board ideas that come to mind on the day of the meeting.” Halloran wants to see change in the education system and believes this must come from “the county, state, and federal governments.” With “government mandates and regulations,” Halloran says there will be “more tax hikes and less learning.” He states that his three key goals as a candidate include “focusing on the children and not government mandates, teaching fundamental skills, and school safety for a better learning environment.”

If you are a Linden resident looking for information on where to cast your vote for the Board of Education election, visit the Union County Board of Elections website for details on polling locations and hours. It’s important to stay informed and prepared. To keep up with the latest local news and updates about the election and community events, check out TAPinto Linden.