WESTWOOD, N.J.—More than a dozen educators, League of Women Voters members, and residents gathered Thursday evening at the community center for a discussion on New Jersey school board elections and public education issues.
Although the event’s scheduled guest speaker was called away, LWV’s Tomasina Schwarz, a special education teacher, led a conversation about the responsibilities of local board of education trustees, the process for running for school board, and issues facing public schools.
A significant portion of the discussion centered on book challenges and New Jersey’s recently enacted Right to Read law. Schwarz displayed several books that have been challenged or banned in other parts of the country and encouraged attendees to consider how literature can help students examine issues including censorship, disability, race, and gender.
Participants discussed voter engagement, election administration, and the importance of informed participation in local school board races.
Founded in 1920 after passage of the 19th Amendment, the nonpartisan League of Women Voters works through local, state and national chapters to inform and empower voters. The League of Women Voters of Northern Valley is affiliated with the Bergen County, New Jersey, and national leagues.
