Statement from Nutley BOE Trustee-elect Nicholas Scotti:

“Firstly, I would like to begin by thanking the following people for making this historic victory possible:

My mother, Lauren, for always believing in me and gifting me the fuel to achieve, no matter how far-fetched my aspirations may seem.

My father, Jason, for inspiring me to run for the Board of Education through your life-long service as a special education teacher. Growing up and hearing your stories about the issues you and your students face, along with what needs to be addressed have made me both a better candidate and a better person.

My sisters, Victoria and Jessica, for motivating me to fight for the strengthening of our anti-bullying and special needs programs so that they are better for the future generations of Nutley students coming after us.

My campaign manager, Patrick Baselice, having gotten a surplus of amazing candidates elected across the state, for seeing my potential, providing me with phenomenal mentorship, and taking the time out to help make this movement possible.

My best friend, Frank Velez, for being a trailblazer by paving the way for others such as myself with your Belleville Board of Education election victory last year, when you were just 19 like myself. You’ve been by my side to guide me in this journey from the very beginning, and aren’t only the definition of a great advisor, but a great friend.

All of my other friends and family members who have supported me from the beginning of this movement.

And all of the Nutley residents and families who signed my petition, put a sign on their lawn, and asked everyone they knew to consider me for 1 of their 3 votes.

I would not be where I am today without you all, and I will be forever grateful for each and every one of you.

From the very beginning, this has been a grassroots movement of volunteers who care deeply about Nutley and want to see our schools be the very best they can be. Whether it was long weekends knocking on hundreds of doors, or filling out envelopes by hand at the kitchen table with my family, to then driving around and personally mailing them to voters—we did whatever it took to get our message across to as many of you as possible.

This election is a testament of the need for a proactive and transparent Board of Education that puts the interests of Nutley students, families, and staff members ahead of the status quo’s mudslinging and divisiveness. Nutley understands that the issues we currently face affect all of us as one Raider family, and that we must come together as a united front to work towards tackling them head-on.

If you voted for me—thank you. If you did not—I will work twice as hard to earn your trust and respect, while making the Nutley Public School District the best place for our children alongside my fellow board trustees.

While we currently celebrate the certification of the election results, it is important to remember that this is only the first step in the staircase of solutions to the problems Nutley students and their families have been facing over the last couple of years. The real work begins on January 4th, when I am sworn in. I am ready to roll up my sleeves to begin working on behalf of every Nutley student, family, staff member, and taxpayer.

Additionally, I have been informed through the Office of Essex County Clerk, Chris Durkin that I have become the youngest person ever elected in Nutley history, and once seated, will become the youngest elected official in the State of New Jersey. Given this, I understand that I have quite a deal to learn from my fellow trustees, and I will embrace every opportunity I get to do so.

To close off, I thank you all so much once again. I promise that I will work around the clock to fight for all of you, and to ensure that we are always putting Nutley Families First on the Board of Education!

Sincerely,

Trustee-Elect Scotti“