Are you interested in the health and well being of the Highland Park Schools? You can make a difference by serving on the school board. The filing deadline to appear on the November 3, 2015, general election ballot is Monday, July 27. Three seats open seats exist–the terms of Adam Sherman, Catherine Bull, and Claire Berkowitz will expire December 31, 2015.
The Highland Park Planet has not confirmed whether the three current members will run for reelection or if any other members of the community intend to run.
Highland Park residents who are also registered voters in Highland Park have until 4 p.m., Monday, July 27, to file a nominating petition with the county clerk.
According to the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA), interested candidates must complete a nominating petition that includes the signatures of at least 10 qualified voters living within the district (one of which may be your own).
The NJSBA lists the following requirements to serve on the board of education:
–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 before filing the nominating petition;
–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 simultaneously hold two elective offices;
–Not be disqualified from membership for the conviction of certain crimes. (Within 30 days of election or appointment to the board, a member must undergo a criminal history background investigation through the state Department of Education.)
More information, guidelines, important dates, and petitions are available at www.njsba.org/about/candidacy.