Consider running for your local school board

On Tuesday, April 15, voters in 90 percent of the state's school districts will select more than 1,500 men and women to serve on their local boards of education. For citizens with a sincere interest in the education of their community's children, it's not too late to consider school board candidacy.

To appear on this year's school election ballot, a candidate must have filed a nominating petition by Feb. 25. The petition must carry the signatures of no fewer than 10 registered voters who reside in the school district.

In New Jersey, the local school board plays a critical role in setting the direction for our public schools. Boards of education set the policies under which the schools operate; they hire the district's superintendent of schools; they vote on recommendations concerning curriculum, staffing and facilities; and they serve as the public's representatives in negotiations with employee unions.

The legal requirements for board membership are simple. To serve, a candidate must be able to read and write; hold U.S. citizenship and one year's residency in the school district; be a registered voter; have no interest in any contract with (or claim against) the board; and not currently serve as an elected municipal official.

While legal requisites of board membership are few, the personal characteristics needed are far more extensive. School board membership is not for everyone. An effective board member cannot shy away from tough issues, must be willing to seek answers from school administrators, and, as an elected public official, must be able to take criticism.

Entering my 15th year of school board membership, I ask myself, why do I continue to serve? Certainly, there are no financial reasons - by law, school board members receive no compensation for their community service. Instead, the rewards are intangible and meaningful. I think of graduation ceremonies and watching my district's elementary school, middle school and high school students advance to the next level.

Knowing that my school board's time, effort and decisions played a role in the students' lives is - as they say in that credit card commercial - priceless.

I urge you to consider service on your local board of education.

Kevin E. Ciak

President New Jersey School Boards

Association

Trenton Member Sayreville Board of Education in

Middlesex County