José Lourenço Long Valley School Board Candidate

LONG VALLEY, NJ — The Washington Township Schools Board of Education has a contested election this fall, with five candidates who filed to run for three available, three-year seats.

José Lourenço is one of two incumbents to put his hat back into the ring.

The other candidates on the ballot include:

• Cindy Field Ruggiero
• Walter Curioni
• Robert A. Waskis Jr.
• Carmine Capogrosso

Editor's Note: Are you a candidate on the ballot? Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the office of the clerk. The responses received will be published between now and the General Election. Candidates who would like to participate but did not receive one (for whatever reason) may contact jennifer.miller@patch.com.

Name: José Lourenço
Town of residence: Washington Township
Position sought: Washington Township BOE
Family: Married w/ 3 children who all attend Flocktown-Kossmann School
Education: trade school, matriculated at TESU for technical studies
Occupation: PSE&G, Line Inspector(HBR)
Previous or current elected appointed office: Washington Township BOE

Why are you seeking to run for school board?

To continue the work I started 3 years ago. Finish facilities improvements, conclude negotiating with WT schools staff, horizontal integration of lower schools to create consistency among them, and assist in the transition of the new superintendent.

What is your stance on masks in schools?

I think masks are good at helping slow the spread of the virus. It is also the only mitigation tool most of our children have currently.

Should schools offer a virtual option?
Until schools can resume normalcy and afterwards with qualifying conditions.

What other issues do you feel must be tackled in the school district?

Vertical integration between the k-8 district and the regional high school district. I believe our 8th graders could be better prepared for the next phase in their educational careers. Also trades could be better promoted in the k-8 district. Children need to know that if college is not their goal that there are many rewarding trades they can learn.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?
I have no personal agenda. My only goal is the success of the children of Washington Township.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign?

I grew up in neighboring Chester, I went to the regional high school district then lived in Portugal for 3 years. I volunteer as a rec. sports coach. I am an adult leader for cubscout pack 136 and also on the rec. committee. Thank you for the opportunity.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.