Middletown Township Friends of diverse Learners, Middletown, NJ

10/23/2025

10/22/2025

We invited BOE Candidates to introduce themselves and their priorities for special education. We do not endorse candidates. We are posting the responses - see our page for more.

Erin Torres - Candidate for Board of Education

I am a dedicated educator, mother, and community advocate running for the Middletown Board of Education. With 20 years experience in education, as both a classroom teacher and administrator, I bring a deep understanding of how district decisions impact students, staff, and families. My campaign is rooted in accountability, transparency, and keeping the community at the heart of every decision. I am committed to fostering a positive board culture, supporting teachers and staff, and ensuring a safe, inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive.

Trained as a Collaborative Education Teacher, I am certified in Elementary Education, Special Education, and Teacher of Reading. I have taught in middle school settings as an in-class support teacher, resource teacher, and general education teacher, working with students of all abilities. These experiences have strengthened my belief in the importance of differentiated instruction, teamwork, and inclusive practices that allow
every student, regardless of their ability, to succeed. Ongoing state and federal changes to special education code and funding present real challenges for school districts. It is essential that the Board, in partnership with parents, closely monitors these changes to ensure students continue to receive the services, resources, and support they are entitled to and deserve.

10/22/2025

We invited BOE Candidates to introduce themselves and their priorities for special education. We do not endorse candidates. We are posting the responses - see our page for more.

James Dobis, 42, Candidate for Middletown Township Board of Education

I’m a criminal investigator with the U.S. Department of Justice and a U.S. Army veteran. My wife and I live in the Leonardo section of Middletown with our two children—one currently at Leonardo Grade School and another who will enroll in 2027.

This is my first campaign for elected office, but my experience in public administration and federal law enforcement has prepared me to bring transparency, accountability, and strong oversight to the Board of Education. I hold a Master of Science in Public Administration and serve on the board of a veterans nonprofit that helps service members process their experiences through storytelling.

While I’m still learning about the full scope of Middletown’s special education programs, I’ve talked with local parents—including a woman from my gym whose son with autism attends our schools—who’ve shared how impressed they’ve been with the district’s special education program and the dedication of the teachers and staff supporting it. Those stories and your invitation, have motivated me to understand our programs more deeply and to strengthen how the Board supports them.

If elected, I plan to work closely with Middletown Township Friends of Diverse Learners (MTFOdL), our district’s Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG), to ensure their input is meaningfully integrated into district decision-making.

Here’s how I believe I can help:

- Improve communication and transparency: As a Board member, I’ll advocate for MTFOdL updates and SEPAG reports to be clearly summarized and shared during Board meetings so parents have access to accurate, current information.
-Encourage collaboration: I’d look forward to engaging with MTFOdL through periodic discussions or presentations to the Board, and exploring opportunities for joint participation in committees or forums focused on special education curriculum and inclusion.
-Enhance staff support and training: I’ll work to ensure professional development budgets include specialized training for teachers and paraprofessionals who work directly with students with disabilities.
- Help families navigate resources: I’ll advocate for clearer parent guides and digital access to information about IEPs, 504 plans, and state rights to make it easier for families new to the process to understand where to turn for help.

At the end of the day, I want to hear from parents, learn from those who’ve been through the process, and find ways to strengthen the partnership between the Board, MTFOdL, and our families. Every child deserves a fair shot to succeed, and I think that begins with inclusion, honest communication, and a Board that listens.

I hope this helps you understand how my platform of transparency and accountability aligns with MTFOdL’s mission.
Warm regards,

Jim

10/21/2025

10/17/2025

LWV to hold BOE Candidate Night 7 p.m. October 29 online Click here to register:

The forum will be held over Zoom, and you must register in advance to watch.

10/15/2025

reminder...

10/09/2025

Please click on the link below to join our Parent meeting this evening:

10/06/2025

10/03/2025

Join us Oct. 9th anytime 7-9 pm. RSVP: https://forms.gle/oqoJ91CJpojwiJgy9

10/02/2025

10/01/2025

Tues. Oct 7th 6:30-8:30

Registration is now open for the "Navigating Together: Building Maps of Support for Families with Unique Learners" workshop on October 7th. This workshop, presented by Dr. Matthew Strobel of Navesink Psychological Services, will help participants navigate IEPs, 504s, and other school supports.

➡️ Register here:
https://forms.gle/F7CswV54kMueqN7C6

Free consultations for IEP, 504, and other document review will also be offered in the future.

This workshop is presented as a partnership between Navesink Psychological Services and Friends Grow Friends Foundation as a part of the Center for Youth, Social Emotional Wellness Summit Grant in collaboration with Rutgers University.
Philip Strobel