Veteran Lakewood BOE Member Resigns, Seat Open For Applicants

LAKEWOOD, NJ — For the third time this year, the Lakewood Board of Education is searching for a new member after a veteran chose not to continue serving.

Ada Gonzalez, who was first elected to the board in 2006, resigned May 7, citing health concerns. In a recent interview with Asbury Park Press, Gonzalez, 74, described a chronic medical condition that had kept her from attending meetings regularly and said the toll on her body made continuing impractical.

"I was sick too much, even my hair hurts," she said. "I am not growing old gracefully."

Gonzalez was one of only two Hispanic members on the Orthodox-majority board, alongside Heriberto Rodriguez.

The board oversees a district where more than 85% of students are Hispanic, more than 82 percent are classified as economically disadvantaged and at least 36 percent come from homes where English is not the primary language, according to state data.

Gonzalez's replacement will serve out the remainder of her term, which runs through Dec. 31, 2026. Whoever is appointed and wishes to remain on the board beyond that date would need to file a nominating petition with the Ocean County Clerk's office to appear on the November 2026 general election ballot.

The board is expected to vote on a replacement at its June 24 meeting at 7:30 p.m. Interested Lakewood Township residents must submit a written request and resume by June 19 to Board Secretary Kevin Campbell at 200 Ramsey Ave., Lakewood, NJ 08701 or at kcampbell@lakewoodpiners.org.

To be eligible, candidates must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, a township resident for at least one year and a registered voter. Full eligibility requirements and additional filing information are available at lakewoodpiners.org.

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