.
Feedback

Newark School Board Election Taken Off The November Ballot

Only three individuals filed election papers for the Newark Unified School District, meaning voters will not be able to cast ballots in the Newark Unified School Board race. Gary Stadler is the only person who filed for the race who is not an incumbent.

There will be no vote this fall in the Newark Unified School District Board of Education election.

That's because only three candidates filed for the three seats up for grabs on the Newark Unified School District race that was scheduled to appear on the Nov. 6 ballot.

And of those three individuals, parent and volunteer Gary Stadler is the only one who is not an incumbent.

Board President Ray Rodriguez and Board Vice President Jan Crocker, whose seats were set to expire in December, are the incumbents who filed for re-election. Incumbent Janice Schaefer, who is said to be school board’s longest standing member, did not file to run for re-election.

While there will be no election and Stadler's seat won't be official until he is sworn in, Stadler said enthusiastically Wednesday evening that he's excited.

“It’s an honor,” Stadler said. “I think we’re really, honestly, going to have a strong board now and a board that will take the district into the direction that it needs to go.”

Stadler – who was 747 votes shy of landing a seat on the school board in the 2010 elections – is no stranger to Newark Unified School District.

The 57-year-old has served Newark students in various capacities, including subbing as a school monitor at the high school and a yard duty at numerous elementary schools over the past several years.

He also played a key role in campaigning for – a $63 million bond passed by voters in November 2011 that will help pay for facilities upgrades in Newark Unified.

Stadler is also known around the district for his willingness to volunteer. This eagerness resulted in him being named 2007 School District Volunteer of the Year, according to Smartvoter.org.

And five years later, Stadler is still volunteering. He, along with other parents and Newark Memorial High School students, has devoted his summer vacation to inside of the high school’s Marine and Science Technology (MaST) Institute Center .

Although he only has one child in the school district, Stadler said he considers all of the students he assists his and that he is thrilled to serve their parents and the entire district as a school board member come January.

The official swear-in for Stadler will be held in early December. For more information about Newark Unified and its governing board, visit http://www.nusd.ca.schoolloop.com.

------

Like Newark Patch  | Follow Newark Patch  | Blog  on Patch | Get Free Patch Newsletters

Sheila Shirley August 16, 2012 at 04:25 pm
It's about time we have someone in for the kids. Congrats GARY
Nick August 16, 2012 at 05:13 pm
Yes, down with the unions, if you can't teach get out.
Nick August 16, 2012 at 05:13 pm
Yes, down with the unions, if you can't teach get out.
Deanna Z. August 16, 2012 at 06:02 pm
CONGRATULATIONS Uncle. This is what you were born to do! xo
Rick Bensco August 16, 2012 at 10:37 pm
Yahoo Gary!!!! Lets set our sight high and get to work. Count me in your corner.
Rob Cisneros August 17, 2012 at 12:59 am
Really? What is Newark coming to?
Geoff Burton August 17, 2012 at 01:07 am
Good luck on the board Gary.
Rob Cisneros August 17, 2012 at 01:07 am
of course Gary is going to say 'we will have a stronger board' thats because he is a big stiff!! He did not get voted in for a reason!
Geoff Burton August 17, 2012 at 01:30 am
Ya he feel short of spending enough on his campaign.In other words he was out spent.
charlie mensinger August 17, 2012 at 01:48 am
Congratulations and welcome Gary.
Mona Taplin August 17, 2012 at 02:12 am
Oh darn it! I wanted to vote for Gary. Thank you for continuing to be there for Newarks children Gary
Kevin Orweller August 17, 2012 at 11:27 am
To all the RC's out there...You obviously don't know Gary that well. He is one of the most kindest and gentle people I have ever met. I spent a whole summer with this man taking care of children at a daycare center and every single child there loved him like he was there father. Also, every kid on the street that sees him, yells "Hi Gary" with a big smile on their face. The kids look up to him because he treats them with respect. So YES, Gary is going to be the best person on the board to date. He has been working closely with these children for years and knows the challenges that they face each day. He is a good husband, a good father and an awesome friend. My children are glad he is going to be in the school board working for them. God Bless You, Gary and Thank You! Kevin
Geoff Burton August 17, 2012 at 01:29 pm
Gary is whole heartedly for Newark's students and schools, he also has seen how the sausage is made at the School Board, I think he'll give his position on the Board all he has,. Once again I wish him success, I know he's not in it for the money or political prestige, as if there's much of either.
Jennifer Hicklin August 17, 2012 at 01:50 pm
I've known Gary for about 15 years... he is the BEST person to be in this position. I have never seen anyone dedicate more of his life to ALL of our children. I have had the pleasure of working with Gary on sports teams, school events and know him on a personal level, he is the best "Community Dad" I know. This is a step in the right direction and I couldn't support him more! Anyone that says different just doesn't know Gary or the facts! Congratulations Gary & Family!
Sheila Shirley August 17, 2012 at 02:12 pm
So why didn't you run if you are so concerned, you had your chance. Gary is a wonderful person and a awsome father. I was his son daycare lady and he even did for my daycare kids. He is the best for our kids, and his family. Get to know him and you will see.
Geoff Burton August 17, 2012 at 02:41 pm
We can still give him our vote of confidence ( I'd have liked to vote for Gary on the ballot as well.)
Mona Taplin August 17, 2012 at 06:53 pm
What really surprised me after the multitude of complaints is that Gary is the only non incumbent to run for school district. I'm sure glad that he stood up to the plate to help improve the future of the children attending our public schools
Rick Bensco August 17, 2012 at 09:57 pm
There is no question we couldn't get a more dedicated person for this position. True to his word and willing to put in the tremendous amount of time needed for this position Gary surely has his work cut out himself. He will need all of our support as do the rest of the board. Lets put any differences aside and all pull together for a better Newark Unified School District and a better environment for our children.A better Newark as a whole will come from a better school system kids in the system Gary and the rest need your help. It's a new year lets start it off right.
Sheila Shirley August 17, 2012 at 11:38 pm
I agree whole heartedly. We need to support the whole team. We need to for our kids.
Geoff Burton August 18, 2012 at 12:25 am
You are so right Mona, I've only ever seen negative posts about the School Board, yet no one but Gary steps forward to take on the job. Gary has set himself in the bulls eye of what seems to me, a thankless job . I hope you have thick skin Gary.
Geoff Burton August 18, 2012 at 12:43 am
Second that Rick. I'd like to see more parent involvement in the schools, Government has let us down education is not valued as it should be. A Democracy is founded on an educated citizenry and less education is being provided by the public sector leaving only those educated in the private schools prepared for the public and private jobs of the future. We the parents of the present generation of children have to take the task in hand and work ,with and in the schools to help educate our children. If Governor Moonbeams tax measure doesn't get voted in another estimated 6 billion dollars will be taken from education. The powers that be don't give a damn about our kids only we do, so lets get off our collective rear ends and get busy in the schools.
Mona Taplin August 18, 2012 at 02:00 am
I agree wholeheartedly too Rick. One thing we all need to remember is that our school district, like thousands and thousands of others, will be suffering thru some tough budgeting times. I know Gary will weigh every single option before he casts his vote on any expenditure. We aren't going to be able to obtain all we want for Newark's children but we can expect that the board spends every penny of our tax dollars wisely and well. We've got a good superintendant and we'll have Gary on the Board, so we will be off to a good start for this school year. Hey,- come to think about it, we saved a few bucks by not needing to be on the ballot in November. Good for us!
Rob Cisneros August 30, 2012 at 01:43 am
WOW unbelieveable! How quickly we forget. Is he a school board member already, I believe he hasnt been sworn in and is walking around Newark bragging. Or is his little scene at Newark Junior High suppose to impress?
You will see who he is soon enough. The man is worst then a group of gossiping women~ mark my words. Charlie Mensinger shame on you- you did nothing but talk bad about Gary when he ran against you. Now you change your tune, figures.
James Nelson August 30, 2012 at 01:59 am
Dude?
Who the hell would walk around Newark and Brag about anything, seriously. As for this Douche Bag you speak of just do what I do when I disapprove of someone and Flip him off! It wouldn't be very American if you didn't show your contempt for an Official. When you do it, display some Animation!
Nadja Adolf September 22, 2012 at 03:32 am
The big issue is will there be changes, or will it be the same old tradition of special favors for the families of friends of members of the board.
I'd really like to see some serious work done at improving K-8 and vocational education, instead of demanding students meet the A-G standards when the district does not prepare them adequately for a high school general curriculum, let alone a college prep program.
Nadja Adolf September 22, 2012 at 03:35 am
If governor Moonbeam's tax measure passes the schools still won't improve. I suggest you read the *complete text* of the measure and note that the money can be redirected for other purposes. Some that come to mind are the recently resurgent new and improved redevelopment, the high speed rail through the cow pastures, and some of the other goodies on the table. Expect to see the money diverted for social programs that appeal to the politicians and their biggest donors - the crony capitalists and the unions.
Nadja Adolf September 22, 2012 at 03:49 am
Well, it seems Charles now loves him, which is a shock after his remarks during an election where he was concerned that Gary might replace an incumbent.
I hope that some of the following will come to pass in the Newark district: - Better academic and disciplinary standards - can we quit treating those who punch a bully back as if they were the problem? - A year of English immersion for students who are not fluent in English. Better to spend a year learning English and graduate a year late than to not graduate at all. - Vocational education for those who are not interested in a four year university. - Recruiting parent volunteers to clean up the garbage strewn around the campuses; for years my husband and I made a point of cleaning up the used c*ndoms,, human feces, and broken bottles that accumulated in the Graham yard because how can children be expected to think education is important when their schoolyard is trashed and full of discarded party garbage and human feces? For years the playfield immediately behind our house was the site of drinking and other activities in the wee hours of the morning on warm weekends. From time to time gangsters sailed across our backyard evading each other; finally the school district decided to lock the gates at night - something they should have been doing before.
Nadja Adolf September 22, 2012 at 03:51 am
People don't want to run for office in Newark because changes won't happen until we have enough candidates to make effective changes. Adding one or two new people to form a minority on the board or council won't make a difference.
Nadja Adolf September 22, 2012 at 03:52 am
Oh, and we need to get serious about truancy. Did you know that California projects how many prison cells they will need in the future based on the level of truancy in the third grade? Apparently the Dept. of Corrections knows something the schools and the state education department don't know.

Newsletter & Alerts

Get the best stories each day and important breaking news

Subscribe

Not from Newark Patch? Find your Local Patch »

Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Zoneil Maharaj (Editor) June 18, 2013 at 02:47 pm
That's great to hear! We have a full list of locations in Newark, via Newark Unified, here:Read More http://newark.patch.com/groups/schools/p/newark-unified-offers-free-summer-lunches-for-community-children
Rob Sorensen June 16, 2013 at 09:28 pm
I'd suggest working thru the Principal at NMHS with less speculation. I too was involved with PTA,Read More Newark Schools Fdn, Jaycees and other non-profits. Best practices are that the one handling, depositing money not also be the one keeping books. A great volunteer shouldnt be put under suspicion without there being group neglect. By-laws and an active Board can cleanup this miscommunication. The school Principal is the MOD.
Dan June 17, 2013 at 07:40 am
I agree 100% with CT
Andrea " Andy " June 18, 2013 at 10:10 pm
I helped run the Snack Shack for 10 years presented a Binder to Coach with all Accounting of allRead More monies provided for deposit - Its real simple if any Booster member requests to see Books - Give them the Books for review - I do not understand why this has not been done - Even if seen in 2010 this is 2013 and things change and the Membership is entitled to regular Audits on the money they worked so hard to raise. So produce, show and review!!!!!
Mona Taplin June 15, 2013 at 06:23 pm
Good response Teddy, and truth.
Bong Sativa June 17, 2013 at 05:57 am
The more likely explanation is that the vast majority of Newark Police officers lack the requisiteRead More aptitude & agility necessary to fill shopping bags with groceries & didn't want to do anything to further embarrass themselves while under the scrutiny of the bewildered shoppers like James.
Teddy June 17, 2013 at 12:12 pm
Bong Sativa maybe you can meet Officer Indica.
Shimadog June 15, 2013 at 10:10 am
Could it be that, because busloads of inner city non resident children jam the place, someone wiselyRead More decided to make the hours available to Newark taxpayers first?
Audrey June 15, 2013 at 10:27 am
Yes they are walking as I write this! but it is not to late to sponsor them! please!!!
Mona Taplin June 13, 2013 at 04:03 am
This probably sounds heartless, but it sounds like this house should be condemned before a tragedyRead More occurs. I doubt if any organization can bring it up to code because of the cost. It's really sad to see this happening to a working person in this country.
Adam Moe June 13, 2013 at 09:47 am
I'm not sure if your mom will qualify but there are lines of credit out there that she can get as aRead More home owner. It will require her to have the income to pay back small portions at a time. Not trying to make it harder just trying to help. See about it online or let me know more and I'll see what I can do to help.
Teddy June 16, 2013 at 07:00 am
Mona Taplin you are right on re: all your remarks.
Tony June 16, 2013 at 05:33 pm
Thanks James!, You know it's amazing when somebody puts their own personal time to learn andRead More understand something and then you share it... I would have been more then glad to explained myself in more detail face-to-face because I may learn something myself but like a marriage you don't get on here and start posting every little detail about you and your wife and I'm not going to get on here and start posting every little detail about my past employer`s. So to whoever flagged me you could have simply posted a disagreement and I'm open-minded and can admit when I make a mistake...I would've simply deleted my post if you could've proved it wrong.
James Nelson June 18, 2013 at 07:58 am
Tony, You are an upstanding individual, glad you joined the Patch! ;)
James Nelson June 18, 2013 at 08:11 am
I would also like to point out that I have on two other occasions asked this Mike Bucci guy the sameRead More question and each time I am Ignored. If this is what us Newark Residents can expect from an aspiring Politician then he can keep his day job! We already have enough Status Quo people in our gov failing to answer the simple questions.
James Nelson June 5, 2013 at 09:11 pm
Landline? That's like so 15 years ago! People still do home telephone services? Wow!
Dina Murtaza June 9, 2013 at 08:41 am
Yes I have a cell phone and a landline when I am working. Lots of people have it as a 2nd phone.Read More Found out the people working on the lines accidently cut off the phone lines.
Audrey June 6, 2013 at 05:36 pm
have they been claimed yet anyone know??
Anna Locke June 7, 2013 at 09:17 am
UPDATE! Just got a call this morning from a neighbor of the man who owned them. The gentleman diedRead More Mon or Tues and the poor dogs hadn't been well taken care of for years - slept outside, no affection, etc. Long story short - the neighbor wants to adopt them! YAY! <3
Anna Locke June 5, 2013 at 01:35 pm
Make sure to post on Facebook. He may have a microchip...hopefully. You can take him to CentralRead More Vet to check. Good luck! I just found two at the Lake Monday evening.