A growing movement of parents and alumni are working together in New Brunswick to elect progressive candidates to the city’s Board of Education for the first time in history.

Jerry B. Mercado, Brandon España, and Gary Cruz are running to represent the entire city in the April 16 Board of Education election.

It marks the first time since the city began holding school elections in 2013 that three candidates with strong ties to the school system are challenging the entrenched political machine that has controlled the school system.

Under a new state law adopted last year, the three candidates will appear together on the election ballot under the slogan “Parent Zebras Team,” a reference to the coalition of parents and alumni of the school district, whose mascot has been the Zebras for decades.

The political organization “Parents and Zebras United For Better Schools” is working to raise funds and get out the vote for the campaign and proud to support these three candidates who will bring new voices to the city’s Board of Education.

All three candidates also have strong ties to Rutgers University, and are focused on addressing poor learning conditions in overcrowded and dilapidated schools, some of which are over 100 years old. They are also committed to improving transparency and parent involvement by broadcasting the school board meetings and offering translation for parents who don’t speak English but still want to participate in parent-teacher associations and parent-teacher conferences.

Jerry Mercado is a longtime New Brunswick homeowner and father of three children, including two graduates of the Health Sciences Technology High School and one current student. He graduated from Rutgers University and has worked in the healthcare industry for over 20 years. He has served on the city’s Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, and its Zoning Board of Adjustment, and founded the city’s Little League after many years of coaching youth.

“For 15 years, I have advocated for my three children in order for them to get the best education possible. Now, I am hopeful that the voters will give me the opportunity to use my skills and experience to advocate for all the students of New Brunswick,” said Mercado.

Brandon España grew up in New Brunswick, the child of Mexican immigrants, and attended the public school system here. Before and after graduating, he has participated in volunteer tutoring and mentoring programs. He now helps New Brunswick students prepare for the SAT’s and volunteers with the local community organization Lazos America Unida.

He currently attends Rutgers University, where he majors in Planning and Public Policy and was recently accepted into their master’s degree program. He served on the New Brunswick Rent Control Board, and is excited to be running for elected office for the first time.

“I’ve always sought different ways of serving my community outside of school and wish to further my involvement in New Brunswick in new ways, which is why I am proud to declare my candidacy for the Board of Education,” said España.

Gary Cruz is another born and raised resident of the city running to make his community a better place for families and public school students.

A recent graduate of New Brunswick High School, Gary served as a captain of the New Brunswick bowling team, and he works at Rutgers University as an Information Assistant, where he helps aspiring high school students from all over the country understand the admissions process and obtain financial aid so they can attend Rutgers.

“At my job, I work hard to make sure prospective Rutgers students are best prepared for any obstacle ahead of them,” said Cruz. “As a proud NBHS alum, I want to give back to my community by serving on the Board of Education and helping more of our students get into college and succeed in life.”

More information about the new organization and the candidates is available at ParentsAndZebrasUnited.com.