NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ–Community leader Jad Kaado has filed a petition to run for school board along with the “Students First” team of candidates challenging the incumbents in the May 12 election for New Brunswick Board of Education. Mr. Kaado joins Linda “Lindy” Stork and Reginald “Reggie” Parker on the Students First ticket.

“I’m pleased to announce my candidacy for the school board,” said Kaado. “My aim in running is two-fold: to ensure our elections laws remain the same and aren’t abused in this time of crisis, and to use my network to assist community members, local organizations, and institutions to defeat this pandemic.”

“We’re excited to have Jad on the team,” said Stork. “He has proven himself to be a committed advocate for education and transparency, and we are looking forward to running a campaign that will put the students of New Brunswick first.”

Kaado replaces Jerry Mercado, a Students First candidate who withdrew from the race earlier this month for personal reasons.

“Jerry knows how important the Students First movement is and he has endorsed our campaign,” said Parker. “This movement is important to the New Brunswick community, and the campaign we started in February will continue on with Jad running to represent our city.”

Governor Phil Murphy delayed the date of the election, originally set for April 21, by three full weeks due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This change allowed Mr. Kaado to submit his petition to appear on the ballot 50 days before the election, as required by state law.

Mr. Kaado’s petition was initially refused by Board of Education Business Administrator Richard Jannarone. A letter was sent to state officials yesterday by the NJ Appleseed Public Interest Law Center making the case that Mr. Kaado’s petition should be accepted light of the extraordinary circumstances and the Governor’s Executive Order.