Glenn Elliott, a six-year veteran of the Board of Education, and Michael Unis, who won last year’s election for a one-year spot to fill an unexpired term, have announced that they are seeking re-election to the Board.
Two of the board’s five seats are up for grabs in this year’s election, which is set for April 20. Each is for a three-year term. All potential candidates must file a nominating petition at the Board office on Fairview Avenue by 4 p.m. today. UPDATE: No other petitions were filed, so Elliott and Unis are running unopposed.
“I have a sincere desire to serve my community,” says Unis, who teaches fifth grade math and science at Park Elementary School in Newark. “Throughout the past year I’ve had the opportunity to work collaboratively with fellow board members, as well as, administrators, parents, and teachers. I’ve had the ability to experience the ‘on the ground’ work, as well as, ‘policy making’ ends of the educational spectrum. I feel this enables me to bring unique insights and a valuable perspective to the Board. I look forward to continuing this work as I seek re-election for a 2nd full term.”
Gov. Chris Christie has been pushing to move school board elections to the same day as the November general election, which could improve the low turnout that often accompanies the school ballot. But the governor has quite a lot on his plate right now, so the date for the next election remains, for the moment, April 20. For more information about serving on a school board, check out the Web site of the New Jersey School Board Association.
And please remember that tomorrow night, March 2, the Board begins a series of three special meetings to focus on the Verona school budget. Gov. Christie warned school officials in mid-February that the state could be cutting aid to districts by up to 15% in the fiscal year that begins July 1. The budget meetings will be held March 2, 16 and 30 in the library at Verona High School.
