The deadline to file a petition to run for a seat on the Roselle Park Board Of Education (BOE) was Monday, July 27th, at 4 p.m. and four candidates submitted their petitions. They are:
- Angel Boose
- Kevin Cancino
- Troy Gerten
- Sundjata Sekou
Two of the people running for the volunteer no-salary position are first-time candidates while Mr. Gerten will be the only incumbent and Mr. Sekou is running for his second time. Current BOE members Scott Bruckenstein and James Damm did not submit any petition so they will leave the BOE at the end of the year and not run for a second term.
The Board Of Education election does not function as a municipal one where candidates run against each other. Votes are tallied per candidate and voters have the opportunity to vote for none, one, two, or three candidates at a time. In Roselle Park, three seats are vacant every year on the BOE so voters can choose up to that many.
When reached for a comment on his candidacy, Mr. Sekou responded, “I am running for the Board Of Education for the following reasons: I want to ensure that all students who are educated in Roselle Park are prepared for college and a career. I want to ensure that students who are educated in Roselle Park receive the best education in the county, state, and country. I want to implement a K-12 STEM program. Plus, I want to implement a program that will provide paid internships for high school and college age students in Roselle Park.”
Mr. Gerten commented, “After careful consideration and many discussions with my family and neighbors, I have decided to run for re-election to the Roselle Park Board Of Education. It has been my privilege to be an active member of the Board for the past four years. Roselle Park schools are worthy of much praise, and I look forward to the opportunity to keep the student achievement high while balancing the priorities of property taxes, government mandates, and the best interests of the students.”
“My name is Kevin Cancino and I am 20 years old,” remarked Mr. Cancino, “I am running for the Board Of Education to help better our school system. I have been very involved in the town in many ways from running blood drives to sports as well as church functions and many extra curricular activities in and out of school. I really want to be a part of this because I have my younger brother and I want him and all students to get the best education we have to offer.”
Ms. Boose stated, “This is something new for me. I’ve been an educator for eight years and at this point I’m looking to learn a little bit more about the other side of education. I’ve lived in Roselle Park for some years now and I think I have a lot to offer.”
All candidates will be extended an offer to sit for a one-on-one conversation before the election to allow voters an opportunity to hear each person running speak on their objectives and thoughts regarding the educating of children in the Borough.
The BOE election is the same date as the general municipal election, Tuesday, November 3, 2015.