Election 2024: Wayne School Board Candidate Ryan Paul

WAYNE, NJ — In the 2024 general election, Wayne residents will be voting in the presidential race and for their representatives in Washington, as well as for local school board seats and some Passaic County offices.

Patch has asked local candidates in contested races to answer some questions about their campaigns, which we've included below.

As a quick note, early voting begins on Saturday, Oct. 26, and the general election is on Tuesday, Nov 5.

Here is the candidate profile of Ryan Paul, a current Wayne Township Schools Board of Education member who is running for re-election.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out the same questions to all candidates, using the email addresses listed for their campaign on the county clerk’s office. The responses received will be published between now and the Nov. 5 general election; any questions that the candidate did not answer will be left out. Local candidates who would like to participate but did not receive an email (for whatever reason) can contact Michelle.Rotuno-Johnson@patch.com.

Name: Ryan Paul

Town of residence: Wayne

Education: B.S. Montclair State University

Occupation: CEO - Axial Biologics

What inspired you to seek public office?

As a former student of the Wayne Public Schools and a father of 5 children who will attend schools in the district, I felt there was a need to preserve the legacy of a district that I am proud to be a product of. In prior years, it seemed that some of the decisions on curriculum did not meet the values that many of the residents of Wayne believe in and I feel that it is necessary to have board members who are willing to fight to safeguard the education of our children.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

Having already served on the board, I believe that the knowledge and experience that I have gained regarding protocols and the actual role of a board of education trustee as well as already being involved in the planning and decision making processes will allow for a seamless transition into next year. Additionally, I currently have children attending all 3 levels of school within the district which gives me a unique perspective into the needs and concerns of students and parents from kindergarten through high school.

In recent meetings, some Wayne residents and board members have expressed worry about how recent developments and housing projects in town will affect traffic and put a strain on resources. What is your stance on ongoing development projects, and what do you say to residents who believe it will cause overcrowding/traffic?

There is certainly a concern regarding the population influx that will inevitably be caused by the new housing developments being constructed. Although the recent referendum that would have provided for financing to help expand our district to accommodate these additional students fail to pass, I believe that the board of education is equipped with the the proper trustee to work to solve the issue of overcrowding in our schools. There are other avenues to pursue to secure classroom spacing and protecting against overcrowding in classrooms is one of my top priorities.

Name one thing about Wayne that always makes you smile.

The school district both academically and athletically. Wayne is a district that I am proud to say I received my education from and play athletics in. I am also proud to have the opportunity to send my children to school here. Our schools are the main reason most people move into our community.

Finally, do you want to tell voters anything else about you, or your goals for this position?

I am long time resident of Wayne and understand the expectations of our school district from our residents. My goal is to do what ever I can as board of education trustee to maintain the high standards that have always been the calling card of Wayne.

More info on election deadlines and early voting

For new voters, New Jersey’s deadline to register for the Nov. 5 election is Oct. 15. This is also the deadline for people who need to update their registration to change their name or their address on their voter record.

In-person early voting for the general election will be Oct. 26 through Nov. 3. Hours are Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.to 6 p.m.

The Wayne location for early voting is Wayne Main Library, at 461 Valley Road. Or, you can vote early elsewhere in Passaic County.

If you are already registered to vote and want to check your registration status or see where your polling place is, you can do so online.

Any New Jersey voter may apply for a vote-by-mail ballot by completing the application by Oct. 29, and returning it to their county clerk's office.

Then, they may return their ballot by mail, in a secure ballot drop box, or at the county Board of Elections office.

New Jersey voters will also select a U.S. Senator to replace Democrat Bob Menendez, who resigned from office after being convicted in a high-profile bribery trial. All of the state's seats in the House of Representatives are also on the ballot, and you can look up which district you live in here.

Related articles:

• See Early Voting, Candidate Info For Election Day 2024 In Wayne Twp.
• Wayne School Board Elections 2024: See The List Of Candidates