Deadline To File Petition For Lawrence School Board Race Looms

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ — They hire the administrators, plan capital projects and handle the lion share of the money collected from your property taxes. They are the members of the Board of Education and now is the time when you can start a campaign to join them.

Monday is the last day petitions can be filed to run in this year's board of education races in New Jersey, and this year the coronavirus has changed the procedure. In Lawrence Township, there are three seats that will become available. Each one carries a three-year term.

"The work of a school board has become increasingly complex, but rest assured, if you're elected or appointed to your school board, you won't 'go it alone.' As New Jersey's only service organization whose sole mission is to train, assist and represent the state's local boards of education, the New Jersey School Boards Association will be with you every step of the way," New Jersey School Boards Association President Michael McClure said.

This year, those interested in serving have different options for filing. On July 1, Governor Murphy signed into law A-4037 that would require an electronic process for the collection of petition signatures and their submission for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency.Those considering serving on the school board, can take advantage of NJSBA's online briefings that provide details about the responsibilities of serving on a local board of education. NJSBA's online briefings include three videos that address leadership, legal issues, and the role of a board member. Candidates can also listen to a recorded online radio broadcast, "What Board Members Need to Know When They're Elected."

Anyone interested in running for school board can contact the Mercer County Board of Elections:

• Address: 640 South Broad Street, Trenton, NJ 08611
• Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Phone number: 609-989-6750