Filing Deadline for School Board Candidates Nears

Anyone looking to volunteer on their local school board in New Jersey can do just that, but will need to file a petition, along with other paperwork, by Monday, July 27.

The New Jersey School Boards Association announced 4 p.m. on the final Monday of the month would be the deadline for interested residents to have their name placed on the November ballot.

About 90-percent of New Jersey’s school districts now hold their elections in November to coincide with the General Election after Governor Chris Christie created the option in 2012. In the past, all school board elections were held on the final Tuesday of April.

In Long Valley, the Washington Township School Board has three, three-year terms up for grabs on the November ballot. On the West Morris Regional High School Board two, three-year seats are up for grabs for Washington Township representatives.

“Local school boards have a direct impact on the education received by New Jersey’s schoolchildren,” said Donald Webster, Jr., NJSBA president, in a statement. “The board of education sets the goals and policies that represent the community’s aspirations for its public schools. The board selects the district’s superintendent and acts on his or her personnel recommendations. It negotiates collective bargaining agreements with teachers and other employees. And it makes critical decisions affecting curriculum, budgeting and facilities. Local school board membership is an unpaid and challenging public service, but it is also a rewarding public service that has a direct impact on the lives of our children and the quality of life in our communities.”

Both incumbents and challengers are required to submit a petition with at least 10 registered voters within the school district to the county clerk’s office by the 4 p.m. deadline on July 27.

For more information on how to have a name placed on the November ballot, visit njsba.org/candidacy.

The General Election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3.