Thinking of running for school board?

Pick up a packet of information at the district office Vernon — Vernon residents interested in running for a vacant seat on the township’s board of education must file a nominating petition with the school board to get their name on the ballot for the annual school election, which will be held April 20. The deadline to submit a nominating petition is 4 p.m. Monday, March 1. A change in the annual school election date and candidacy deadline has been proposed in the Legislature, and if any change is made law The New Jersey School Boards Association will notify local school districts. In the meantime, to run for a three-year term on the board, prospective school board candidates can pick up a School Board Candidate Kit at the Vernon Township Public Schools central office at 539 Route 515. The office is open from 7 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Published by the New Jersey School Boards Association, the kit includes a nominating petition, information about legal qualifications for school board candidacy and the role of the school board member. Information about the New Jersey School Ethics Act and important dates in the school election process are also included. “One of the most meaningful contributions a citizen can make to their community is serving on their local board of education,” said Harry J. Delgado, New Jersey School Boards Association president. “I encourage all interested citizens to consider school board membership. It doesn’t require a degree in education or a background in politics. However, it does require a sincere interest in the community, its children and their education.”