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Meet Tom Maras, Running For Woodbridge School Board

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. m-maras-running-for-woodbridge-school-board.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 14:35 GMT by Patch
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Meet Tom Maras, Running for Woodbridge School Board

In a quiet corner of the Woodbridge Township’s bustling community, a familiar face is stepping onto the political stage. Tom Maras, a lifelong resident, former educator, and community advocate, has declared his candidacy for a seat on the Woodbridge School Board. The local news outlet Patch.com recently ran an in‑depth profile on Maras, outlining his background, his vision for the district, and the unique blend of experience that he brings to the table.

A Life Rooted in Woodbridge

Tom Maras was born and raised in Woodbridge, where he attended the public schools he now seeks to serve. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the College of New Jersey. Over the past two decades, Maras worked as a classroom teacher in several district schools, eventually rising to the position of principal at St. Mary’s Catholic School. During that time, he championed initiatives that improved student engagement and literacy, earning recognition from the New Jersey Department of Education for his contributions to educational excellence.

Beyond the classroom, Maras has been deeply involved in community service. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Woodbridge Historical Society and has been a volunteer tutor at the Woodbridge Community Learning Center. “Education isn’t just about what happens inside the walls,” Maras told Patch.com. “It’s about the entire ecosystem that supports learning—family, community, and policy all play a role.”

Why a School Board Seat?

Maras’s decision to run for the School Board was sparked by a growing sense that the district’s current leadership was not fully aligned with the needs of students and teachers. “I’ve seen how policy decisions ripple through our schools,” he said. “When I served as a principal, I learned firsthand how crucial the board’s support is for effective classroom practice.” In his profile, Maras emphasized that his candidacy is driven by a desire to “create a data‑driven, collaborative environment that empowers teachers and engages parents.”

The Woodbridge School Board has three seats open for the upcoming 2024 election, with the current board members serving four‑year terms. The Board oversees a budget of approximately $70 million, a student body of 6,500, and 12 schools ranging from elementary to high school. Maras’s campaign promises to bring transparency and fiscal prudence to board meetings, while also investing strategically in student services and technology.

Campaign Themes

1. Academic Rigor and Equity

Maras has made academic excellence a central pillar of his platform. He pledges to support the district’s initiatives to close the achievement gap, especially among under‑served populations. In his interview, Maras highlighted the importance of evidence‑based instruction and data‑analysis in tailoring teaching strategies to student needs. “Every child deserves a curriculum that challenges them and meets them where they are,” he said. He also plans to increase funding for tutoring and after‑school programs, especially in schools with higher percentages of students from low‑income families.

2. Mental Health and Wellness

Having worked closely with school counselors, Maras recognizes the rising mental‑health challenges faced by students. He proposes a district‑wide wellness plan that expands counseling staff, integrates social‑emotional learning into core curricula, and establishes a school‑based mental‑health clinic. He cited research showing that schools that prioritize mental‑health outcomes see higher attendance and better academic performance.

3. Technology and Infrastructure

Maras’s background as a principal has given him a front‑line perspective on technology integration. He wants to ensure every student has access to up‑to‑date laptops or tablets and a reliable broadband connection, both in school and at home. His plan includes a phased rollout of 1:1 devices, increased broadband subsidies for low‑income households, and a partnership with local internet providers to improve connectivity. The campaign also calls for upgrades to school facilities, including modern science labs and improved athletic facilities.

4. Teacher Recruitment and Retention

Maras acknowledges that the district faces a national shortage of qualified teachers. His proposal includes competitive salary packages, mentorship programs for new hires, and continuous professional development. He plans to work with the district’s HR department to create a “Teacher Success Fund” that supports early‑career educators with grants for coursework or specialized training.

5. Community Engagement and Transparency

Transparency is a hallmark of Maras’s candidacy. He intends to adopt open‑access board meeting minutes and budget documents, and to hold monthly town‑hall meetings to solicit feedback from parents, teachers, and students. He also emphasizes the importance of parent volunteer programs, citing data that districts with higher parental involvement see improved student outcomes.

Digital Footprint

The article provided links to several resources that expand on Maras’s platform:

• Tom Maras Campaign Website – The official campaign site (https://tommarasforwoodbridge.com) offers a detailed policy whitepaper, a calendar of events, volunteer sign‑ups, and a donor portal. The site’s “Policy” section delves into specific budgetary proposals, such as allocating 15 % of the discretionary budget to mental‑health services and earmarking 10 % for technology upgrades.

• Woodbridge Township School Board Page – The district’s official page (https://woodbridgeschoolboard.org) includes a biography of current board members, meeting agendas, and voting records. A search for “Tom Maras” in the site’s candidate database confirms his candidacy and lists his filing date.

• Election Board of New Jersey – The state election board’s website (https://www.njelections.org) lists all candidates for the upcoming election, along with voter guides and polling locations. Maras’s filing is listed under “School Board – District 3,” with a deadline of August 15, 2024.

• Local News Article – The Patch.com article itself (https://patch.com/new-jersey/woodbridge/meet-tom-maras-running-woodbridge-school-board) includes a photo of Maras with a group of students and a brief quote from his mother expressing pride in his dedication to education.

Community Response

Local residents and educators have responded positively to Maras’s candidacy. A small group of parents attended a “Meet Tom” event at the Woodbridge Community Center, where Maras answered questions about his stance on charter schools. While the district currently hosts one charter school, Maras expressed a willingness to evaluate the charter’s impact on district enrollment and resource allocation. “We need to ensure that any charter partnership serves the best interests of Woodbridge students,” he said.

Similarly, teachers from the Woodbridge Teachers’ Union expressed support for Maras’s focus on professional development and salary enhancements. A union representative noted that Maras’s plan for a “Teacher Success Fund” aligns with the union’s goals for improving teacher retention.

Election Outlook

The 2024 election cycle is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for Woodbridge schools. With a growing population and rising student‑to‑teacher ratios, the community is eager for fresh leadership that can address both immediate concerns and long‑term strategic planning. Maras’s blend of classroom experience, administrative leadership, and community engagement positions him as a credible candidate who can navigate the complex dynamics of the district.

As the campaign progresses, Maras is building a volunteer base that includes former students, parents, and local business leaders. His campaign slogan, “Investing in Students, Investing in Community,” has already been adopted in flyers and social‑media posts.

Final Thoughts

Tom Maras’s campaign is more than a bid for a seat on the Woodbridge School Board; it is a statement about what education should look like in a modern, diverse district. His platform emphasizes data‑driven decision making, equity, mental‑health support, technological readiness, teacher welfare, and community partnership. Whether he wins or not, Maras’s candidacy is likely to spark a broader conversation about how Woodbridge schools can meet the challenges of the 21st century while staying true to their mission of serving every child.