Stafford To Hold "Student Government Day" In Town Hall On May 12

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ - Want to learn what its like to be the mayor of Stafford Township?

Some sixth-graders from Stafford Intermediate School and All Saints Regional Catholic School will have a chance to be a township official for the day of May 12, Township Administrator James Moran said.

That's the day Stafford hosts its annual Student Government Day, a 27-year tradition.

The day will begin in the Township Council Chambers in Town Hall. Each student is assigned a counterpart in township government and will spend the day with that township official, including a tour of the various township facilities, participation in a “mock” municipal court case and a lunch.

The highlight of the day comes at 1 p.m., when there will be a mock Township Council meeting when the students take over as the elected officials.

“This is an excellent program for the students and it provides some hands-on experience for them,” Mayor John Spodofora said. “It is also great for us as elected and appointed officials to interact with the students and hear what is on their minds. The township has been hosting this event for over 27 years and the participation has been outstanding each and every year.”

Student Government Day is part of a special program in the schools where the students learn about local municipal government and the responsibilities of their local officials. Selected students must pass a test and be recommended by their teachers to participate, Moran said.

There will be ample photo opportunities during the day. especially during the initial session at 9 a.m. and during the Township Council meeting at 1 p.m.

Image: Courtesy of Stafford Township