Monday was the deadline for anyone interested in running for School Board to submit their candidate petitions to the Somerset County Clerk. This year, voters will be asked to fill five open seats on the Board.

The Somerset County Clerk's office has released an unofficial list of candidates, which can be viewed on the Somerset County Election Division website.

Running for the three 3-year seats are incumbents Louis Petzinger and Kimberly Fleming. Current Board member and former Board President Tim Kenyon chose not to seek another term.

Newcomers Jason Schofield and Dorothy Martinez Garica join Mr. Petzinger and Ms. Fleming in vying for the open seats.

Mr. Schofield and Ms. Martinez Garcia were among four candidates interviewed earlier this month to fill vacancies created by the resignations of Tyler Canica and Rikki Erickson. The Board ultimately appointed Dorothy Martinez Garcia and Kelly Harabin to serve through 2026. ManvilleToday reported on that here.

The resignations of Mr. Tyler Canica and Ms. Rikki Erickson resulted in the need to fill two 1-year seats. Submitting petitions for those two seats were Brandon J. Alvarado-Sanchez, Kelly Harabin, and Christopher Fletcher.

This year's School Board elections come at an important moment for the district. With the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Jamil Maroun, the Board will be responsible for conducting a search for new leadership. The district is also navigating rising operational costs, which contributed to the first school side tax increase in seven years.

All eligible voters are encouraged to learn about the candidates who will appear on the ballot this November. Residents who need to register to vote, or who wish to vote by mail, can find information on the Somerset County Clerk's website.

The General Election will take place on Tuesday, November 3rd.