On the issues

Melissa Kearney and her husband, Sean, reside in Cupsaw. They have raised four children, and they have been married for 20 years, having both grown up and resettled in Ringwood. Melissa graduated from St. Catherine’s of Bologna School and Lakeland Regional High School. She graduated from William Paterson University and earned a Masters in the Art of Teaching at Marygrove. She is currently working on her second Masters at the American College of Education. Melissa taught at St. Catherine’s of Bologna school for three years before joining Oakland Public Schools in 2002. Melissa has focused primarily on middle school science and, most recently, elementary health. She also serves as the District Science Coordinator and writes curriculum. She was first elected to the Ringwood School Board in 2022 and currently serves as Vice President. Melissa has coached Ringwood’s as well as playing Ringwood Women’s Softball. She has also volunteered to photograph many activities in town, including Lakeland sports. As part of the Ringwood Ambulance Auxiliary for over 20 years, she has served as the Recording Secretary since 2014 and has assisted in raising tens of thousands of dollars for the Ambulance Corps. Melissa is looking forward to continuing the journey of supporting Ringwood’s teachers so students can reach their highest level, and persist in working together to strengthen academic standards, enhance educational outcomes for all students, and foster an environment that promotes student engagement and well-being. She believes this can be done in unity with all stakeholders.

Michael Echols resides in Skyline Lakes with his wife Yvonne and their daughter Brittney who attends Peter Cooper Elementary School. Mike served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1984-1988, was in Communications Intelligence, and possessed a Top-Secret Security Clearance. He received his degrees in Communication from Kean University (BA) and Indiana State University (MS). He has been a Professor of Communication at Bergen Community College (BCC) for 26 years. For 15 years he Co-Chaired the BCC Veterans Committee which helped form the Student Veterans  Emergency Fund, which has raised over $100,000 for Bergen’s Student Veterans. He is the current Chair of the Communication Department and holds leadership positions in the BCC Faculty Association. He is a long-time member of the Marine Corps League, Detachment 744 in Oakland and has helped raise thousands for Veterans. Mike has coached Ringwood youth teams including girls’ soccer, girls’ basketball, girls’ softball, and football and has advised cheer. He is a member of the Lakeland Jr. Softball Board. Mike intends to use his background in education to help Ringwood’s students reach their greatest potential and achieve their dreams.

Dr. Mike Benetatos is a 56-year resident of Ringwood having resided in Erskine, Stonetown, and Cupsaw. He attended Robert Erskine and Martin Ryerson schools. He is a graduate of Newman Prep High School in Wayne and Lafayette College in Easton, PA, earning his B.S. in Biology. He graduated from the New England College of Optometry in Boston becoming a Doctor of Optometry. He is the owner of Haskell Eye Center. Doctor Mike is proud of his two sons who were educated in Ringwood public schools and Lakeland High School. He was a 14-year adult volunteer with the Boy Scouts in Ringwood, Pack 140 Cub Scouts and Troop 76. Doctor Mike cares deeply about our Ringwood community and wants to use his know how to make Ringwood Public Schools more responsive to the needs of students, parents, educational professionals, and taxpayers.

A 66-year Ringwood resident and Lakeland Class of ’78 graduate, Herb Allen, has spent a lifetime invested in our schools and community. Married 42 years with two children, he has supported local events, volunteered at St. Catherine of Bologna Church, and currently sits on the Ringwood Board of Adjustment and Wanaque Sewer Authority. A retired third-generation business owner, he’s ready to bring his experience, dedication, and community pride to the Lakeland Board of Education.