School Board Election Petitions Due Today

Today is the deadline for residents to file nominating petitions for candidacy in the 2011 school board elections.

Nearly 1,500 school board seats will be available statewide for the Wednesday, April 27 election.

In New Jersey, there are 4,800 local board of education members  — the largest group of elected officials in the state, according to New Jersey School Board Association figures.

These members are responsible for a variety of district-related decisions, affecting 2,400 public schools and 1.37 million children, including setting the policies under which school districts operate — decisions concerning curriculum, personnel, and the use of school buildings.

In the townships, each district has one three-year seat coming up for election this year.

In Verona, trustee Steven Spardel's seat is expiring. Spardel has said he will stand for re-election. In Cedar Grove, the seat of trustee Mike Grabas will become available. Grabas also said he will be seeking another term.

In Cedar Grove, candidate packets can be obtained at the school board offices at the Leonard R. Parks School building, 520 Pompton Ave., Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

In Verona, applicants can apply using the NJSBA website linked below.

For more information or questions about school board candidacy, residents should go to njsba.org/candidacy or call (609) 278-5202.