Meet the BOE Candidate: Loreen Torrone

Toms River Patch to each of the eight candidates running for the school board of Toms River Regional Schools. Seven responded to the questionnaire, where we sent each candidate identical questions on who they are, why they are running and what issues matter most to them and what they’d hope to accomplish if elected.

Here is the candidate profile of Loreen Torrone.

1. Please give us a brief bio:

Loreen Torrone 114 Stone Hedge Drive, Toms River Mathematics Teacher at Manalapan High School.

2. Please briefly explain what professional and civic/volunteer experience you have. Feel free to include job experience, awards, or schooling.

Master’s Degree in Mathematics, 27 years as a teacher.

Gymnastic coach, math team adviser, Highly Qualified teacher of mathematics.

Completed 100 hours of professional development.

Board of Education Member 2006-2009, was the only person who ever voted against Mr. Ritacco’s contract because I felt it was too rich for the tax payers of Toms River.

3. What are your key concerns about the school district?

The Toms River School system has been tarnished by the recent Ritacco scandal. My goal is to restore the faith of the community in our system. Openness on all levels is now required to regain the trust of the community.

Ritacco is gone, but his hand-picked team of lawyers, accountants and consultants remain. It is time to review all of these appointments and end the waste of taxpayer dollars.

Political appointments must end. New hires and promotions should be made based on ability not on who you know or who you are related to.

It is time to focus on the children and the employees of the district. They deserve better!

4. What issues do you hope to address?

I would like to have the community involved on a much greater level. Our school community has a great deal to offer. Students, parents, staff and taxpayers all should be allowed to contribute in a manner that will bring about an even better school system.

When I was on the board in 2007 I was the only person to vote against Ritacco’s $347,000 salary because I felt it was rich for the community to pay. I was forced off the board by Ritacco’s political machine. Everyone should be able to voice their opinion without fear of retribution. If elected I would welcome those who participate and would listen to all opinions with an open mind.

5. What do you think should be done to resolve those issues?

The taxpayers must know that the Board of Education is looking out for their best interest and not for the best interest of a hand-picked few. Board policies should be reviewed and changed, where necessary to guarantee equal treatment by all.

The board should invite the public to participate in decisions by having advisory committees when possible.

The board should work with the administration to establish transparency on all levels.

6. What motivated you to run this year?

The Ritacco scandal! Political appointments! Ritacco’s hand-picked professionals remained after he resigned. Quite honestly I was angry that our really great school system was tarnished by these situations. A change was needed. A Clean Slate was needed. I met others who shared my concerns and wanted to help the students, taxpayers, employees and the community at large change the way things are being done.

7. How do you plan to serve the board and the residents of Toms River Regional School District in a meaningful way?

See above answers.

8. Anything to add:

Thank you for the opportunity to reach out to the community and express my views. Alex, Ben and I will continue to reach out to the community to give them the opportunity to know us better.

Here are the links to the other candidate profiles:

• 
• 
• 
• 
•