Election 2020: Kinnelon School Board Candidate Sydney Johnson

NEW JERSEY - In a few short weeks what is expected to be one of the most charged elections in modern history is set to take place and Patch has asked local candidates to share their thoughts before the Nov. 3 election.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the county clerk. The responses received will be published between now and the general election. Candidates who would like to participate but did not receive one (for whatever reason) can contact Russ.Crespolini@patch.com. What you see below are their answers with mild style edits.

• Name: Sydney Johnson
• Campaign Contact name, phone number (n/a if you don't have one): N/A
• Previous elective office, if any: (n/a)
• Education: Rutgers University
• Occupation: Student and Tutor
• Fun Fact: I was on Kinnelon’s first ever high school fencing team!
• What inspires you: My professors, teachers, and my peers

Why are you seeking a seat on the school board?

I want to create impactful change starting with our youth. I believe in creating a more eco-friendly school district, ensuring fair wages to teachers, creating more inclusive programming for our disabled students and diversifying the curriculum.

The single most pressing issue facing our school district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The most pressing is issue is pertaining to school districts. Children need to be in schools and parents are struggling to afford appropriate childcare. However, we should be taking every precaution to COVID 19 legislation including sanitation and compliance of masks.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking to serve on the school boar? If unopposed, describe the issues that define your campaign platform.

1. I am a recent Kinnelon High alumni so I greatly understand what the students and school district is looking for.
2. I have participated in the Rutgers Senate and SGA for many years, so I have experience in politics and how Roberts Rules are run.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you will be effective on the school board?

For my school, I am Vice President of Art Student League, Treasurer of Writer’s League, Student Council Secretary and I work with Project 555 (A youth voter project aimed at high schools) as their Special Events Coordinator. I have also been on the Rutgers Senate in the past and participate din the statewide organization NJPIRG.

Recovering from COVID-19 is going to put a significant financial strain on the schools. With so much of our tax dollars going to support them. But cuts will still be needed. Where do you see room for budget improvement? What things will you go to the mat to defend?

Whilst one of my platforms to promote extra-curricular activities that would be on of my first places to cut. Besides that, other non-academic areas such as school trips would be next. My biggest concern is student safety and whilst I believe in a well-rounded education which sports and clubs provide, safety is first.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put into focus the issue of mandatory vaccinations. If such a movement gains traction, where do you stand on the issue for your community?

I think the same legislation we have for other vaccinations should apply to COVID 19.

Since the change to this year's election was announced by Murphy, there have been many questions about how the process will work. Below is some further reading on the Nov. 3 election process:

• Here's How NJ's Mail-In General Election Will Work: What To Know

A primarily vote-by-mail election means a lot of changes to election day. See what you can expect this November.

• What's A NJ Provisional Ballot? How Does It Work? Patch Found Out

Those not needing an ADA compliant booth will need a provisional ballot to vote in-person. Here is what that will look like.

• Do Mail-In Ballots Force NJ Voters To Lie? Here's The Answer

There was language on the primary ballots asked voters certify they requested the ballot, even if they didn't.

• How Are Election Signatures Verified In NJ? Patch Found Out

Voters wondering how their signatures are checked before the upcoming election can see the process for themselves.

• How To Register, Track Your General Election Vote Online In NJ

Need to register for the upcoming election? Want to track your vote once you do? Read on to learn how.

• Key 2020 Voting Deadlines In New Jersey

Here is a recap of important dates to remember with upcoming election, all in one place.

• NJ: Get A Wrong Or Duplicate Ballot? It Is Probably Your Fault

Confusion and concern has reigned as ballots arrive, here Patch got some answers from a county clerk.

Thanks for reading! Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Have a news tip you'd like to share? Or maybe you have a press release you would like to submit or a correction you'd like to request? Send an email to russ.crespolini@patch.com
Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter. You can also have them delivered to your phone screen by downloading, or by visiting the Google Play store.