Running For School Board In Wayne? Deadline To File Is July 31

PASSAIC CO., NJ — Looking to get involved in your local school board, whether you live in Wayne or elsewhere in Passaic County? The filing deadline for New Jersey school board candidates is at the end of this month, if they want to appear on the November ballot.

That means anyone who wants to run for their local school board, whether they be a current member or a citizen looking to get more involved, needs to have the right paperwork filed with the Passaic County Clerk's Office.

Candidates filing a nominating petition for school board membership must gather at least 10 signatures from qualified voters living in the district (their own signature will count). The deadline for submission is at 4 p.m. on July 31.

Board members are responsible for a variety of duties each year, including setting district goals, overseeing the budget and curriculum, and hiring administrators and staff (as well as renewing contracts).

In Wayne, three board members have terms expiring in 2023: Board President Donald Pavlak Jr., Sean Duffy, and Catherine Kazan.

Click here to see a sample petition form for school board candidates. Petitions must be filed with the Passaic County Clerk’s Office, Attn: Election Division (401 Grand St, Room 130, Paterson, NJ 07505).

Candidates must also meet the following qualifications:

• a citizen of the United States of America
• at least 18 (eighteen) years of age to qualify for office
• able to read and write
• a resident of the municipality from which he/she is to be elected for at least one year preceding the date of the election.
• Have no interest in any contract with, or claim against, the board
• Not hold office as mayor or member of the municipal governing body or, in the case of county school districts, the county governing body
• Not hold two elective offices at the same time
• Not be disqualified from membership for the conviction of certain crimes.

Candidates can also file jointly for the same office, title and term. Candidates also have the option to select a slogan of three words or fewer to appear on the ballot under their name. Slogan selection is part of the petition.

All candidates must file a disclosure statement with their petition. The statement declares a candidate isn't a disqualified voter and has not been convicted of a disqualifying crime. Candidates also must provide an email address.

Prospective school board candidates can download candidate information from the New Jersey School Boards Association's website.

The kit includes information about nominating petitions, legal qualifications for school board candidacy, and the role of the school board member. Information about the New Jersey School Ethics Act and important dates in the school election process are also included.

The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. Several North Jersey school districts, including Totowa and Passaic, hold their elections in April instead of November according to a northjersey.com report.