Four candidates running for three seats on the Westfield Board of Education will be on the April 15, 2025 ballot. Click on the candidate names to read their bios.

• Robert Benacchio

• Kristen Sonnek-Schmelz

• Violetta Watson

• Mary Wickens

The current Board members whose 3-year terms are expiring are Robert Benacchio, Kristen Sonnek-Schmelz, and Mary Wickens.

Click HERE for a list of current Board of Education members and their terms of office.

The Westfield Parent Teacher Council will host an in-person Board Candidates Night on Wednesday, March 19 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in Cafeteria B at Westfield High School. The evening will be moderated, with candidates asked a variety of questions to be gather from the public prior to the forum. Questions may be submitted to ptc@westfieldnjk12.org by March 15, 2025.

The Board Secretary of the Westfield Board of Education accepted completed petitions for candidacy in the April 15, 2025 School Board Election no later than 4 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2025.

Legislation enacted in 2018 permits Board of Education candidates to circulate nominating petitions jointly and to be bracketed together on the ballot. The drawing of names for position on the ballot will be conducted by Business Administrator/Board Secretary Patricia Ramos on Wednesday, March 5, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. at 302 Elm Street.

PLEASE NOTE: New legislation signed by the governor on February 3, 2025 requires candidates to obtain at least 25 signatures. The nominating petition below has been updated to reflect that requirement.

• Nominating Petition for Westfield Board of Education - April 15, 2025 Election
  

• Becoming a School Board Member: Candidate Kit

• How to Become a School Board Member (NJSBA)

• Requirements of the New Jersey School Ethics Act (NJSBA)