Four candidates will vie for three seats on the Ocean City Board of Education in the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
The following candidates will be on the ballot:
- Dale F. Braun Jr. (see profile)
- Joseph S. Clark Jr. (see profile)
- Cecelia Gallelli-Keyes (see profile)
- Michael Allan James (see below)
Clark and Gallelli-Keyes are incumbents. The other vacant seat is currently held by Tiffany Prettyman, who will not run in the election.
The school board includes nine members from Ocean City, who are elected to three-year terms in staggered years, and three members from Upper Township, who are appointed to one-year terms.
Traditionally held in the spring, school elections moved to November in Ocean City in 2012. The ballot will include Congressional and Cape May County candidates, as well as school board candidates.
The following is a candidate profile for Michael A. James. The candidates were asked to complete biographical and brief platform information in their own words.
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Name: Michael A. James
Age: 44
Education: B.A. in Economics and Business Administration (Accounting emphasis) from Ursinus College, an Associate Degree in Personnel Management from Cumberland County College, a Master of Taxation Degree from Villanova University and a J.D. in Law from Rutgers-Camden Law School.
No. of years lived in Ocean City: More than two years (children are starting third school year)
Family in school system: Tyler is a freshman at Ocean City High School. Tanner (eighth grade) and Connor (sixth grade) attend the Intermediate School. Lexi is a first-grader at the Primary School.
Occupation: My professional experience includes 10 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and four years at Goldman, Sachs & Co. I am currently a Managing Director and Director of Family Wealth at Glenmede Trust Company. My entire career has consisted of assisting families with financial, tax, legal and personal matters.
Public service: Coach for outdoor and indoor recreational soccer. Member of the recently formed Superintendent Development Council in Ocean City. Serve on the Temple University Planned Giving Advisory Council. Serve on the Ursinus College Law Alumni Group. Served on the board for the National Adoption Center.
Three issues you think are most important:
- To continue furthering the district’s strategic goals: improve academic performance, improve communication between all segments of the community, and improve financial cost-effectiveness.
- Continue to maintain a safe environment for students and staff.
- Plan for future financial issues (consider, for instance, scenarios for the future of School Choice funding)
What you would like voters to know about you and your vision for the board:
I will bring a unique perspective that complements the current board members. My family is the textbook example of families that Ocean City wants to attract to become part of the year-round population. My financial and legal background as well as my energy and enthusiasm will enable me to learn and develop into an effective board member. I have a passion to help children, advance education and serve the community. Serving on the Board is one of the most direct ways that I can make a difference.
