Four File to Run For School Board

The ballots are in.

Three incumbents and one other candidate will be vying for three, three-year seats on the East Brunswick Board of Education in April.

Incumbents Laurie Lachs, Todd Simmens and Kathleen Spiegler, and Andrew Baharlias, will be on the April 27 school election ballot. The deadline to file a petition for candidates was 4 p.m. today (Tuesday).

Baharlias ran for election last year on a joint ticket with Brad Cohen, who won. He also is a member of the Board of Education's Thorough and Efficient Curriculum committee.

According to the New Jersey School Boards Association, the local Board of Education establishes policies that guide the operation of the schools in areas such as instruction, personnel, facilities management and community relations. The school board sets the goals that reflect the community's desires for its schools. Each year, the board must evaluate the superintendent; approve the proposed budget for submission to voters; oversee spending; approve the curriculum; and represent the public in contract negotiations.

Under state law, qualifications for school board membership include being a registered voter who has lived in the district for at least one year, they must be able to read and write, and they cannot have a claim against or contract with the school district.

Candidates also must file a nominating position with at least 10 signatures, one of which can be the candidates.