Mountainside Board of Education Draws Candidates' Names for Election

The Mountainside Board of Education held a drawing to determine its candidates at the Mountainside Board of Education building, which is located alongside the Beechwood School, on Thursday, March 17.

Two separate elections will be held; an election for one seat for a one-year term between Carolyn Williams and Jeane Parker, and an election between three people—Cathy Jakositz, Dante Gioia, and Maureen Hess—for two of the board’s three-year terms.

For Williams, who already serves on the Board of Education, the opportunity to run for a one-year seat could not be coming at a better time.

“I chose a one-year seat this year because my youngest is going into Governor Livingston. It’s a great way to match up the next four years," said Williams. “A one-year seat doesn’t come available very often, so I chose to run for a one-year seat, then you can do a three-year seat and my son and I will be ending high school at the same time.”

Not only is this a convenient opportunity for Williams, but it’s an opportunity to continue doing what she enjoys.

“It just worked out really well. It’s been great serving on the Board of Ed," said Williams. “It’s a great town, the schools are fantastic, and it’s a good way to stay involved, challenge yourself, and it’s a good way to keep a tab on your child’s education.”

The next major date for the election process is Wednesday, April 6. That is when the Mountainside PTA will host a “Meet the Candidates” event at the Beechwood School, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the school’s library and media center.

The event, which takes place just three weeks before the April 27 election, is a way to keep the public informed.

“That’s an opportunity for the public and larger community to come out and learn more about the candidates," said District Superintendent Dr. Jeanette Baubles.

From there, residents will have three weeks to weigh the issues before electing their Board of Education members on Wednesday, April 27. The election, which has been moved eight days later than usual to avoid conflict with the Easter and Passover holidays, will be held at three venues: Mountainside Borough Hall, which is located at 1385 U.S. 22 East, Community Presbyterian Church of Mountainside, located at 1449 Deer Path, and Deerfield School, which resides at 302 Central Avenue.

Polls will be open at all three locations from 2-9 PM on the day of the election.

For more information, including key dates regarding the Mountainside Board of Education election, visit the district’s website at http://www.mountainsideschools.org.