By Ashley Ragone
Features Editor
While most college students spend their time juggling classes and campus life, junior political science major Andrew LoMonte is preparing for something different: a seat on the Bloomfield Board of Education.
LoMonte, who graduated from the Bloomfield school district himself, said the opportunity feels deeply meaningful.
“I believe that it is invaluable to have the voice of a recent graduate on the Board of Education, as I can directly speak to my own experiences in the schools,” he told The Signal.
For him, the position is not just a public role, but also a chance to give back to the system that significantly shaped him.
At the College, LoMonte has built a record of involvement through TCNJ Democrats and the College’s Ambassador program that mirrors his passion for civic life. He describes his on-campus experience as one defined by growth and unexpected opportunity.
“I would have never expected to run for office as a college student, but it is an experience that I am truly proud of,” LoMonte said. “I am very lucky to go to such a great school that is also in close proximity to home, which allowed me to frequently connect with my community in Bloomfield during my campaign, and will allow me to be successful as a board member.”
Along with his time on campus, his role in statewide politics through New Jersey College Democrats and exposure to political lobbying has sharpened his interest in public service. He has also worked to elevate civic engagement at the College, including by helping register hundreds of students to vote.
“My college experiences…have all built on my perspectives and helped to reinforce my love for public service,” he said.
“Working with Andrew has been really fun in both SG and Ambassadors,” Carl White, a sophomore electrical engineering major, told The Signal. “It allows you to see various aspects of his personality and character.”
White, who works with LoMonte in Student Government and Ambassadors, said he was impressed not only by LoMonte’s ability to run a strong campaign on top of a demanding work load, but also by his approach to leadership.
“...[LoMonte] does so much on campus you wouldn’t even think he’d have time to work on such a big accomplishment,” White said. “He has always made me feel included and cared for. Andrew cares about the student body and has helped me explore different initiatives and leadership style.”
As he looks ahead to his three-year term, LoMonte is preparing for the responsibilities that come with the position. Board members like himself are tasked with setting policy, managing the district budget and establishing accessible goals. This year, Bloomfield will additionally be responsible for choosing a new superintendent.
Beyond these formal duties, LoMonte placed great importance on the need to listen to his constituency, or having “a pulse on the needs of students, parents and staff members, and to bring their concerns to the table,” as he described. During his own campaign, LoMonte emphasized engagement, using forums, questionnaires and townwide events to build and maintain connections within his community.
As he begins to balance Board responsibilities with his relationships at the College, LoMonte is excited to contribute to his hometown’s growth and inspire future generations. He encourages students to pursue public service with two words of advice, “do it.”
“Running for office at any age, especially as a college student is a challenging endeavor, but public service comes in all different forms,” he said. “If you care about the betterment of your community, get involved!”
As a personal motto, LoMonte quoted former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to explain his passion for public service.
“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
