Haledon man who said he'd take his child out of transgender teacher's class wins BOE seat
HALEDON — A local father who said earlier this year that he would pull his child out of a transgender teacher’s classroom will join the Board of Education after winning a write-in campaign by fewer than 10 votes.
Michael Coletta, 36, of Ryerson Avenue, was among a group of parents who questioned trustees about the new teacher’s role at the K-8 school at a meeting in September.
“I have personally decided that my child will not attend this teacher’s class,” Coletta told the school board, according to a video recording. “That’s my family’s belief.”
Weeks later, Coletta launched a bid to fill a three-year seat on the school board after not enough candidates came forward by the deadline to file a nominating petition to run in the general election. In the rare event that happens, the vacancy is filled by whoever receives the highest number of write-in votes.
Coletta received 52 write-ins, eight more than the closest runner-up. A total of 189 write-ins were cast in the election.
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Before the polls opened, Coletta sent a mass communication on Messenger to introduce himself to prospective voters. It said, in part: “I’m a parent of two school kids. I am asking for people to support me in a write in campaign for the open haledon Public school board seat. I’m trying to give a voice to the concerned parents who are not happy with the over sexualization of our school.”
The transgender employee was appointed in June to teach music.
Coletta, an NJ Transit police officer, did not respond to an inquiry on Monday.
A school official confirmed that Coletta is scheduled to be sworn in at the school board’s reorganization meeting on Jan. 4.
Also due to take oaths that night are four incumbents who won uncontested races: trustee Brian Zinn, returning for a one-year, unexpired term; trustee Omar Abbassi, a two-year, unexpired term; and school board Vice President Liesl Iza and trustee Rafael Martínez, full terms.
Philip DeVencentis is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: devencentis@northjersey.com
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Eight votes tips scale in Haledon dad's bid to join Board of Education
