Ocean Township, Monmouth County Our schools are experiencing unprecedented times with public safety and mental health concerns at an all-time high because of the global pandemic. Our students, teachers, and staff have had to adjust and constantly evolve to keep the district schools functioning and the excellent learning levels what they traditionally have been. It hasn’t been easy, but everyone in our school community has worked hard to make it happen.

To support them, three longtime Ocean Township leaders, Irene Gilman, Denise Parlamas, and Steve Clayton, have formed a ticket to run for the Ocean Township Board of Education. Together they bring diverse records of leadership that will help the Board and the school district emerge from the pandemic and plan for continued excellence beyond.

Irene Gilman is finishing her first three year term on the School Board. She has served on several board committees including Finance and currently chairs the Instruction, Education and Student Activities committee. Prior to her election to the School Board, Irene was an English teacher for 43 years, including 37 in Ocean. Bringing an educator’s voice to the School Board has been important to Irene, and she hopes to continue to serve the students and teachers for another term.

Denise Parlamas has been on the School Board for 19 years, including five stints at President and four stints at Vice President. Denise is also longtime chair of the Personnel Committee for the Board and has served on almost every committee during her tenure. Outside the Board Denise is very involved with The Community Hope Fund of Ocean Township and other civic engagements.

Steve Clayton has served one term on the School Board. While on the School Board, Steve was chair of the Legislative Policy Committee and was the Board’s Representative to the Monmouth County School Boards Association. Steve has worked for a number of leading nonprofit and corporate entities over his career.

The Experience Matters ticket said the following when describing why they are running: “Together, we have the mix of expertise and leadership experiences to keep our district moving forward in the challenging years ahead. We run on a track record of experienced, collaborative leadership. We have all long been involved with the Ocean schools, we know the excellent educational opportunities that our students receive, and we plan to continue that Spartan tradition of excellence despite the adversities we are facing. Difficult times call for experienced leadership, and we look forward to continuing to serve.”