Meet Washington Twp. BOE Candidate Camillia Spadaccini

LONG VALLEY, NJ — With Election Day approaching, Patch is putting together a series of candidate profiles so readers can learn more about who is on their ballot.

Camillia Spadaccini is a client investment lead who is throwing her hat in the ring for one of three available seats on the Washington Township Board of Education.

Long Valley Patch asked candidates to share some information about themselves and asked identical questions to all candidates.

See Spadaccini's responses below:

Basic Information

• Full name: Camillia Spadaccini
• Age: 42
• Town of residence: Washington Township (Morris)
• Position sought: School Board Member
• Family: Married with two children, ages 8 and 6
• Education: Bachelor's degree from New York University; J.D. from Fordham University School of Law
• Occupation: Client Investment Lead
• Previous or current elected/appointed office (if applicable): I haven't held any other office.

Questions

1. Why are you running for this position?

A few years ago, I started attending local government meetings because I wanted to better understand what was happening in our town, particularly with all the development being proposed and what it could mean for our schools and kids. I quickly saw how difficult it can be for residents to stay informed, which led me to co-found the Washington Township Transparency Project with a neighbor. Around the same time, my son started kindergarten at Flocktown-Kossmann, where I’ve served as PTA Vice President and President for more than two years. Through that role, I’ve worked closely with parents, teachers, staff, and administrators and gained a firsthand understanding of what our schools are doing well and where they may need additional support.

These experiences made me realize that I didn’t just want to keep asking questions from the audience; I wanted to help shape those decisions affecting our schools. My kids are growing up here, and I want to help ensure that they, and every child in Washington Township, have the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.

2. What do you believe to be the most pressing issue in the school district, and what do you intend to do about it if elected?

I think we need to do a better job of building trust between local government leaders and the community. I get the sense that residents often feel like they’re out of the loop when it comes to decisions affecting their kids, their schools, and their taxes. I've heard those frustrations, and I've experienced firsthand how hard it can be to find information and get answers. If elected, I'd push for clearer communication and more opportunities for people to ask questions and be heard. I want the community to understand not just what the Board is voting on, but why. When residents raise concerns, they deserve to know those concerns are being taken seriously, even if the Board ultimately reaches a different conclusion. I don't expect everyone to agree on every topic, but at minimum, residents should feel heard and respected, understand the Board's decisions, and trust that our kids' best interests always come first.

3. What qualifications and qualities do you possess that make you best suited for the position?

I bring both relevant professional experience and hands-on involvement in our schools.

My legal training taught me how to ask questions, examine the facts, and work through thorny issues. As a career, I manage multimillion-dollar budgets, evaluate complex proposals, and negotiate contracts. These experiences have equipped me to think critically, pay attention to the details, hold myself accountable, and find practical solutions to complex problems.

I've put those skills to work in our community, too. As FKS PTA President for the past two years, I've helped manage the PTA budget, oversaw the development of new programs, and secured grants to support our teachers. Through the Washington Township Transparency Project, I've spent countless hours attending local government meetings and researching issues affecting our town and schools, reflecting my commitment to being informed, doing my homework, and understanding the issues before weighing in.

I'm naturally curious, I'm not afraid to challenge something that doesn't make sense, and I'm willing to put in the work to get answers. I also know that good leadership means listening to different perspectives and being willing to change my mind when the facts warrant it. I'd bring that same preparation, curiosity, and commitment to the Board.

4. What role do you believe parents should have in decisions about curriculum, school policies, and their children's education?

I believe parents should have a meaningful voice in their children’s education. As a parent myself, I understand how personal these issues are. Every parent should feel comfortable asking questions, raising concerns, and knowing their perspective will be taken seriously, regardless of their political beliefs. That is a core belief of mine and something I’m committed to bringing to the School Board. Parents and Board members won’t always agree, but that shouldn’t stop us from having honest conversations, listening to one another, and explaining how decisions are made.

5. In a few words, what is your favorite thing about your school district/community?

Our schools were one of the reasons my husband and I moved to Washington Township, and our school community has exceeded our expectations. But it's not just the schools; there's something really special about this town. I’ve seen time and time again how much people show up for each other, and that sense of community is something I don't take for granted. I am so grateful our family gets to call Washington Township home.

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Election Day is Nov. 3.