Two Open Mountainside Board of Education Seats, One Candidate Officially Files

One candidate filed to run for two open seats on the Mountainside Board of Education before the filing deadline passed Monday, July 27. According to the Union County Clerk's official school board candidate list, incumbent Board Vice President Dana Guidicipietro is the only candidate whose name is scheduled to appear on the ballot for Mountainside. Both available seats carry three-year terms. The school board election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Guidicipietro, whose current term expires at the end of 2026, said her decision to seek another term is rooted in her connection to the community. "I grew up in Mountainside, and this community has given me so much," Guidicipietro said. "Serving on the Board of Education is my way of giving back and helping ensure that every child has the same opportunities and high-quality educational experience that make our town so special."

Guidicipietro said collaboration among the district's students, educators, administrators, and families remains central to her service on the board. "I continue to run because I believe strong schools are built through strong partnerships," she said. "Supporting our students, teachers, administrators, and families is essential to student success, and I'm committed to helping keep Mountainside's schools among the very best."

Guidicipietro currently serves as the board's Vice President and is a member of its Education and Personnel Committee and Berkeley Heights/Send and Receive Committee. She also serves as a liaison to the Mountainside PTO, Mountainside Senior Citizens and the Union County Educational Services Commission.

Because two seats are open and only one candidate filed a petition, voters may write in the name of another eligible Mountainside resident for the second position on election day. If no eligible write-in candidate is elected because they do not receive enough write-in signatures, the Board of Education would invite interested residents to apply and participate in an interview process to fill the vacant seat.

This article was produced with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy against official sources.

Produced with AI assistance and reviewed against source records.