Contested School Board Races Kick Off In Long Valley

LONG VALLEY, NJ — There will be local decisions to make in November's election in both the Washington Township and West Morris Regional Board of Education races.

Positions on school boards in towns in New Jersey are unpaid; board members help determine how educational resources and taxes are allocated and spent, and work with educators and administrators to plan the future of the district.

Regardless of the outcome of the election the school board will have a new look come January. Rob Waskis is running for another term, but incumbents Cindy Ruggiero and Carmine Capogrosso have opted not to run for reelection.

Below is a list of candidates, and a campaign slogan if they submitted one. All information comes from the Morris County Clerk's office, and these positions are three-year terms unless stated otherwise.

West Morris Regional High School District, Washington Township Representative (Vote for 2)

• Armand Czapkowski, "Proven Traditional Leadership."
• Robert Vicci, "West Point Leadership."
• John J. Sheppard

Washington Township School District (Vote for 3)

• Mike Cattano, "Protect Our Children."
• Kevin McGrath, "Protect Our Children."
• Kelly Weinert, "Protect Our Children."
• Melanie Bratton, "Focused On Education."
• Robert A. Waskis Jr., "Improving Educational Outcomes."

Early voting will take place from Saturday, Oct. 26 through Sunday, Nov. 3. The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Helpful info for Morris County voters:

• Where is my polling place?
• Am I registered to vote?
• Where can I go to vote early?
• Where do I drop off my mail-in ballot?