Six run for three available Teaneck school board seats. Meet the candidates

TEANECK — Only one incumbent is among the six candidates running for three seats on the Teaneck Board of Education on Nov. 7.

Trustee Nadia Hosein, appointed to the board in January, is running for her first full term. President Sebastian Rodriguez and trustee Denise Sanders are not seeking reelection after running for one-year terms last year, creating two more open seats.

David Gruber, who previously served two terms on the board from 2013 to 2018 and ran unsuccessfully last year, is a candidate again this year, along with newcomers Seleene Wong, James Wolff, Gerald Kirshenbaum and José Zenon.

The candidates have registered as two slates. The "Educational Slate" is made up of Kirshenbaum, Gruber and Wolff. The "Excellence Progress Equity" slate consists of Hosein, Wong and Zenon.

The district educates 3,752 students in eight buildings.

David Gruber

Gruber is 64 years old, a 31-year resident and a consultant. He holds a bachelor's degree from the CCNY Sophie Davis Center for Biomedical Education, a medical doctorate from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and a master's from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business. His children attended private religious schools. For more information, visit kirshenbaumgruberwolff.com.

Why are you running? "Public service with a long-term interest in education."

Nadia Hosein

Hosein declined to give her age and is a 13-year resident. She is a STEM educator with a bachelor of science degree from City College of New York and a master's in molecular biology from New York University. Community involvements include board trustee since January, Girl Scout troop leader, PTO member, One Town One Vote activist, community volunteer and active member of the Darul Islah mosque. Two of her children are graduates of Teaneck High School and a third is a student. For more information, visit the Facebook page EPETeaneck.

Why are you running? "I am running because I believe that I can be a catalyst for positive change; I will strive to keep our district at the forefront of innovation and best practices and work with all stakeholders to provide the best possible education for our children."

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Gerald Kirshenbaum

Kirshenbaum is 77, an eight-year resident and a child advocate/educational consultant. He holds a bachelor's degree from New York University, a master's degree from Temple University, a City College professional diploma in ed administration and a doctorate from Ferkauf Graduate School at Yeshiva University. He has adult children and did not elaborate on their education. He is a school educator and administrator in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, most notably principal of Magnolia School in Long Beach, New York, assistant superintendent of schools In New Rochelle, New York, and headmaster of Moriah School in Englewood. For more information, visit kirshenbaumgruberwolff.com.

Why are you running? "Having spent 50 years in public and private education as a teacher and administrator, I want to share my extensive knowledge and experience with my community."

James Wolff

Wolff is 49, a 12-year resident and a physical therapist. He holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Yeshiva University and a bachelor's degree in health sciences and a master's in physical therapy from Touro College. Community involvements include the Congregation Beth Aaron Security Team. He has three children, two in Teaneck public schools and one in a private Jewish day school. For more information, visit kirshenbaumgruberwolff.com.

Why are you running? "I'm running for Teaneck Board of Education to use my background and skills to improve communication, safety, special education and academic achievement in Teaneck Public Schools."

Seleene Lewis Wong

Wong is 44 and an eight-year resident. She is a developmental education specialist with the New Jersey Department of Education and holds a bachelor's degree in literature from Ramapo College, dual master of science education and special education degrees from Touro College and a master of education administration and leadership degree from St. Peter's University. Her community involvements include being the founder of Juneteenth Teaneck, executive board member of the PTO of Benjamin Franklin Middle School, Dr. Martin Luther King birthday committee and founder of the Free Reads Educational Mentoring Program. She has three children in Teaneck public schools. For more information visit the Facebook page EPETeaneck.

Why are you running? "I am running because I have a passion for education and my community. I know I can make a positive impact on Teaneck Public Schools as a trustee of the Teaneck Board of Education."

José Zenon

Zenon is 55 years old and a 14-year resident. He is a franchise business owner and holds an associate degree from Herkimer County Community College, a bachelor's degree from Florida Atlantic University and a master's degree from Rutgers Business School. He has one child in Teaneck public schools. Community involvements include the Teaneck council’s Stigma-Free Advisory Board, Lowell School PTO board, Teaneck Boys Club Cub Scouts, Advisory Board for Youth on the Move, New York Achievement Foundation board of directors, alumni chapter President for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Florida Atlantic University Alumni Association board of directors, Bronx Achievement Foundation board of directors and Teaneck youth sports coach. For more information, visit the Facebook page EPETeaneck.

Why are you running? "I am deeply committed to our community's youth. My unique perspective as a Black Hispanic male and parent of a 6-year-old, school age, equips me to contribute meaningfully, ensuring our schools offer an optimal environment for every student's success."

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Six run for Teaneck NJ school board. Meet the candidates