Teen BOE Candidate: I'll Give Hopatcong Residents 'The Voice They Deserve'

First of a series of profiles on the men and women seeking a seat on the Hopatcong Schools Board of Education in the Nov. 5 election. Candidates interested in participating are encouraged to contact Editor NR Davis at natalie.davis@patch.com.

Hopatcong Borough Board of Education Candidate Anthony Fasano officially announced his candidacy for the local school board about three months ago, just days after his 19th birthday. Since then, he said residents have taken to his ideas and positive spirit. 

Fasano, who's been busy knocking on doors and pounding the pavement, said positivity in the schools is his focus.

“The time has passed to focus on politics and personal agendas," he said. "Instead we must focus on moving our schools forward, together."

The young candidate said that since coming to a decision to run for a spot on the school board, he has met with more than 60 local teachers and staff members to discuss the issues facing the district and possible solutions. His own vision, he said, revolves around increasing  transparency and cohesiveness, advances in educational technology and getting businesses involved with school-sponsored programs. 

However, Fasano said his main priority is to give the people of Hopatcong "the voice they deserve."

“I’m not asking the people of Hopatcong to believe in me," he said. "I’m asking the people of Hopatcong to believe that I believe in them.”

Now a student at Montclair State University, Fasano has lived in Hopatcong for 14 years. He graduated from Hopatcong High School last year as class president, National Honor Society member and honor roll student. He insists that his experience makes him "the candidate who understands today’s classroom 
and today’s students."