Not an easy position, but worth the effort
School elections are still a few months away, but it’s not too early to start thinking about running for a seat on the school board.
While most incumbents have already said they’ll seek re-election, throwing more names into the ring is one way to make sure voters have a choice regarding who they think is best suited for the job.
There will be three, three-year seats up for grabs in each local district. In Cranbury, Adam Hawes said he will not seek a third term, while Joan Weidner and Julie Hardaker say they’re planning to run for re-election.
In Monroe, Carol Haring, Amy Spiezer and Lew Kaufman’s terms all will expire this year, and all three said they would seek re-election. Ken Chiarella already has filed petitions declaring his candidacy.
In Jamesburg, the terms of Patrice Faraone, Michael Tehan and Thomas Bodall will expire. Ms. Faraone and Mr. Tehan both said they would seek re-election, and Mr. Bodall said that, while he hasn’t made a decision, he would most likely run.
Being on the school board is not easy. The decisions made now will likely affect students not only this year, but for years in the future, and candidates need to need to be ready to tackle some interesting problems.
In Monroe, board members will continue struggling to get a new high school built, and will have to deal with how to determine how they plan to bridge the funding gap between what has been authorized and what it will likely cost.
Cranbury and Jamesburg both are looking to hire new schools chiefs, and of course, there is always the challenge of crafting a fiscally responsible budget that also meets the needs of the community and students.
Hopefuls can obtain board candidate kits in Cranbury at the Cranbury School, 23 N. Main St., in Jamesburg at the Grace M. Breckwedel School, 13 Augusta St., and in Monroe at the board’s central offices, 423 Buckelew Ave.
Applications must be submitted by Feb. 26. School elections will be April 17.
Candidates must get 10 signatures from registered voters living in the district. One of the signatures can be the candidate’s. In addition, candidates must be able to read and write; hold citizenship and one year’s residency in the municipality they seek to represent; have no interest in any contract with, or claim against, the board; not hold office as mayor or member of the municipal governing body; and be registered to vote in the municipality in which they reside.
Serving on the school board is not easy, requiring the commitment of a lot of time. Individuals serving must want to help the community as a whole, keep an eye on costs and make students receive a quality education.
It’s a job for only the most dedicated.

