Justin Jacobs for 2nd Vice President

My name is Justin Jacobs and I'm running for the 2nd Vice President position of the Manchester Township Education Association. A transplant from Trenton NJ, I moved to the area in 2013. However, Manchester became my home in 2018 when I started working for the school district. My story starts in 2008 when a fierce AR fought for me and my job against an egregious and overbearing work practice. I've wanted to help people like she helped me ever since. I found myself in a unique position to do just that when I started working for the Manchester school district.

I became involved by joining the contract negotiations committee in 2019. In 2020, I attended my first training virtually, The Jim George Collective Bargaining Summit. In 2022, I took on the role of head AR of the Transportation Department. That same school year (2022/2023) with help and guidance from Pres. Dan Staples and Field Rep. Colleen Neil, I had the honor of representing Transportation in negotiating a sidebar agreement with then Superintendent John Berenato. This initiative resulted in better pay for drivers/aides and has made our department look more attractive to potential hires. I could not have done this without the support of the members in Transportation. I’ve attended multiple training workshops and conferences in a goal to learn as much as possible to better serve the membership. What I bring to the table is my devotion to helping as many people as possible, my willingness to learn, and a unique flexibility. As a bus driver, I’m free and available from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm most days. This gives me the ability to serve the membership during what are typical school hours. I’m also based at the Board office which makes me easily available to the Superintendent and the Business Administrator as needed.

As a person, communication means a lot to me and I take every form of correspondence very seriously. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance of dedicated people, the tools provided by the NJEA, and the support of the membership in Transportation. I wish to bring the same energy I bring to Transportation to the entire support staff here in Manchester. I’ve lived in Manchester for over 10 years now. I may not have been born here but I bleed blue and gold. From starting my DJ business out here, performing at events like the MTHS Prom, the MTES Fun Fair, preschool registration at Ridgeway Elementary, and the always fun Blue & Gold Ceremony for the cub scouts; Manchester has become more than a home for me, it's become my community and family.

I look forward to committing myself to the Education Support Professionals as your 2nd Vice President of the Manchester Township Education Association and hope to earn your vote. Thank You.