Everyone has an opinion on how to run their local schools.
Every year the state gives residents a chance to actually do it by running for their local Board of Education.
The requirements are pretty simple. You must:
• Be able to read and write
• Hold U.S. citizenship and one year’s residency in the school
district
• Be registered to vote in the district as of election day
• Have no interest in any contract with, or claim against, the
board
• Not hold office as mayor or member of the municipal governing
body.
• Not simultaneously hold two elective offices
The deadline to file is 4 p.m. March 1. The election is April 20. Petitions can be picked up at local school district offices. More information is also on the New Jersey School Board's website.
Granted, it's not a fun time to be on a school board. Budgets are tight and state aid is uncertain. But if you're concerned about property taxes and education, that's reason enough to get involved.
