With election day just a week away, tensions are rising in the competitive race for the Board of Education in Marlboro. The situation intensified following the emergence of a police report involving incumbent member Aldo Patruno, who, according to police, was involved in a disruptive altercation at the Board of Education central office while attempting to speak with Superintendent Michael Ballone.

According to a report from the Marlboro Township Police Department, obtained by InsiderNJ, the incident occurred on April 16, 2024, around 1 p.m. during regular school hours. Witnesses reported that Patruno “verbally and physically intimidated” district staff, “disrupting school activities.”

Marlboro Police responded to the scene due to concerns about a possible physical confrontation. Officer Drum was the first to arrive and found Patruno communicating “loudly” with Superintendent Ballone. Patruno left the premises peacefully shortly after police arrived at the building.

The release of the police report sparked heated discussions at a Board of Education meeting on October 15, 2024, where community members wearing Patruno’s re-election memorabilia voiced their opinions, claiming the police report was an overreaction. Other members of the community voiced concern that Patruno violated board policy 9202, and his actions should be reviewed by the current board.

Aldo Patruno, running alongside incumbent Danielle Bellomo and newcomer Gilad Iny on the Marlboro Values Protected ticket, is competing against the Partners Improving Education ticket, which includes candidates Brian Cohen, Jenna Corraro, and Nirav Kadakia. This election has already proved to be highly contested, with both sides debating parental rights issues.

Recently, Patruno and his team received an endorsement from Republican gubernatorial hopeful Bill Spadea.

Patruno could not be reached for comment.