Want To Run For School Board In Lakewood? Deadline Looms

If you have considered running for the Board of Education because you were unhappy with decisions and believe you have answers, now is the time when you can start a campaign to join them.

"The work of a school board has become increasingly complex, but rest assured, if you're elected or appointed to your school board, you won't 'go it alone.' As New Jersey's only service organization whose sole mission is to train, assist and represent the state's local boards of education, the New Jersey School Boards Association will be with you every step of the way," New Jersey School Boards Association President Michael McClure said.

Serving on the school board is an unpaid position. The seats are three-year terms. Petitions must be filed by 4 p.m. Monday with the Ocean County Clerk's office.

This year, those interested in serving have different options for filing. On July 1, Governor Murphy signed into law A-4037 that would require an electronic process for the collection of petition signatures and their submission for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Those considering serving on the school board can take advantage of NJSBA's online briefings that provide details about the responsibilities of serving on a local board of education. NJSBA's online briefings include three videos that address leadership, legal issues, and the role of a board member. Candidates can also listen to a recorded online radio broadcast, "What Board Members Need to Know When They're Elected."

There are three seats on the school board up for election in Lakewood. The terms of Thea Jackson-Byers, Ada Gonzalez and Bentzy Treisser expire on Dec. 31.

Potential candidates are encouraged to call the clerk's office about filing petitions at 732-929-2153. Electronic petitions along with information on obtaining signatures electronically for an individual or joint school board nominating petition can be accessed at the State of New Jersey Division of Elections website at https://nj.gov/state/elections/candidate-information.shtml

Completed petitions can be hand-delivered to the Ocean County Courthouse at 118 Washington St., Toms River.

Ocean County Clerk Scott A. Colabella said candidates can file jointly for the same office, title and term.

"More than one candidate can appear and circulate the same petition for the same office and term," he said. "In the past, petitions had to be filed separately, even if all the candidates were running on one slate."

Colabella said all candidates, even if filing electronically, are required to file a Disclosure Statement with their petition. The statement declares a candidate is not a disqualified voter and has not been convicted of a disqualifying crime. Candidates are requested to provide an email address on their nominating petitions.

In addition, it is important for all candidates filing electronic signatures to know that the Affidavit of Person who circulates the petition and witnesses signatures, and the Oath of Allegiance/Certificate of Acceptance by candidate all must still be filed with their petition.

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