At a time when school board turnover has become almost routine, three Morris Township residents are asking voters to trust them with the Morris School District’s future.
Incumbent Melissa Spiotta is seeking another term on the regional school board, joined on a ticket by Diana Agu and challenged by Colin Gaul. They outlined their priorities Tuesday night during a virtual forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Morris Area.
A pair of three-year seats representing the Township are in play. Incumbent Susan Pedalino decided not to seek re-election. The 10-school district also serves children from Morristown and (for high school) Morris Plains.
For Spiotta, who has served since 2018, the campaign centers on experience and continuity. She reminded viewers that the nine-member board has seen “100 percent turnover” since she joined.
“Having one-third of the board turnover in one year is simply too much,” she said, citing her service as board president, vice president and committee chair. The Morristown High alumna, whose daughter also graduated from MHS, noted she is the only member with all four certifications from the New Jersey School Boards Association.
Spiotta said board members approve the budget — $150 million this school year–set policy, and oversee the superintendent, not day-to-day operations. When communication falters, she added, “our job … is to say to the superintendent, listen. We think there’s opportunity for more communication, but we’re not the ones to do that communicating.” She said a newly hired communications person should help.
Budget pressures are her chief concern. The state’s 2 percent cap, she said, makes it “nearly impossible” to address all needs — a key reason the district is preparing its first bond referendum in 47 years to maintain and upgrade facilities.
Gaul, a hedge-fund compliance officer, has been walking a different beat — literally. He told the YouTube audience he recently toured the schools with Superintendent Anne Mucci, and has spent months “going to hundreds of homes across Morris Township” to hear from parents. He said families want plain talk and frequent updates from the board.
“The board should communicate plainly and frequently so they understand what’s going on and where we’re headed,” he said, emphasizing his background in transparency and accountability.
The father of two, whose wife teaches dance in another district, called for measurable academic goals, more targeted student resources, and expanded programs such as early learning, AP courses and internships. He advocated for more arts programs–particularly, dance.
Spiotta countered that dance is offered by the Morris County Vocational School District. Morristown High has award-winning drama and music programs, she said, and a culinary partnership is evolving with the County College of Morris.
Agu, a business executive and community volunteer, said she brings 17 years of leadership in healthcare and technology, managing multimillion-dollar budgets and teams. She’s attended nearly every board meeting this past year and serves on local nonprofit boards.
“My vision is simple,” she said — to “build schools that put our students first while advancing academic excellence, access and equity.”
She emigrated from the United Kingdom and has lived in the Township for 11 years. She and her husband have two boys, who attend Hillcrest Elementary School.
“I think our diversity is what makes us so unique. You know, we had lived in Netcong before we moved to Morris Township, and I was very excited to move here,” Agu said. “I think for us, it’s the best of the best…There’s a sense of of community here, which I love.”
All three candidates endorsed stronger support for teachers, fiscal restraint and broader opportunities for student career paths, from college prep to vocational training. Earlier this year a former student brought a gun into the high school. Asked whether metal detectors are needed, Spiotta said district security experts have not recommended them. She pointedinstead to security cameras and new vestibules.
The hour-long debate was live-streamed and will be posted with multilingual captions. The election is on Nov. 4, 2025.
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