Lavarro backs special election for Jersey City school board seat

Jersey City Council President Rolando Lavarro says that a vacant school board sought ought to be filled by voters in the November election and says his position is in accordance with state law.

Lavarro says he’s contacted County Clerk Junior Maldonado to press him for support of a special election to fill a school board seat vacated last month by Matt Schapiro.

“The election should take place this November, not in 16 months. It is in the interest of the people of Jersey City — and democracy as a whole — to have an election as soon as possible to fill the vacancy on the Board left by Mr. Schapiro.”

Lavarro said there is some urgency to giving voters a choice.

“The Jersey City Public Schools is confronted with very serious immediate and long-term challenges.  State aid will be reduced by $175M over the next seven years,” Lavarro said.  “We need leaders on the Board who will respond to this crisis with a sense of urgency putting the needs of our students, families and the community first and foremost.”