EMT Who Ran Into Burning House Running for BOE Seat

The 18-year-old credited with helping two residents escape a massive house fire in Glen Rock is now looking to be the youngest school board member in the borough's history.

Sean Massaro, 18, told Patch Wednesday night he'll be heading to Hackensack on Thursday to get his petition for inclusion on the .

Massaro is perhaps best known for . The fire's intensity drew more than 50 firefighters but the house could not be saved. Some have called him a hero, but Massaro, ever-modest, said he was just doing his job.

Though it's sure to be less exciting, he's looking for a new volunteer job – as one of nine elected school board trustees.

"I really think the board would benefit from a young voice," said Massaro, a senior at Bergen Tech in Paramus. An EMT and Eagle Scout who's involved at , Massaro said he'll be attending nearby Caldwell College to study nursing and will be able to fulfill the time commitments.

"I'm running just to make sure there's accountability on the board's part and to be the young voice," Massaro, who attended Glen Rock schools through his freshman year, said. "A lot of times students know there's a board of ed but don't know what they do. If I could interface with the younger population, that would be beneficial."

The school board hopeful brushed aside concerns some might say he's too young and inexperienced.

"I think enough people know who I am, know my background," he said. "I'm a good leader, I'm a good listener and communicator. I understand the value of education and what it gives a high school student," he said.

Massaro correctly pointed out there hasn't been a high degree of interest from the citizenship in becoming board members.Write-in candidates were brought onto the board last year.

In terms of budgeting, Massaro said he's pushing for a budget that contains no teacher cuts and provides for the level of services students are accustomed to.

"It's become a thankless job," he said of teaching. "My mother is a teacher and she really understands the value of good education."

The seats of Gene Calderon, Barbara Steuert and are up in November. The , thereby eliminating the budget vote in the process. Nominating packets are still available.