Kyle Magueta, a parent and volunteer, said he is running for the Jericho representative seat on the MMU USD school board during public comments at a recent school board meeting.

Maguaeta said education is a central reason for his candidacy and that he wants to represent Jericho Elementary School (JES) parents on the board because no current member is a JES parent. "I think education is one of the most important things in a person's life and it is a great equalizer," Magueta said.

Magaueta told the board he and his wife moved to Jericho about four years ago and that their daughter, 7, attends JES in second grade while their son is a preschooler at UID. He said he volunteers at JES and recently served on the school's principal hiring committee, which he described as ‘‘exciting’’ and a motivator to become more involved.

Magaueta described his professional background and how it informs his goals for the board. "I got a graduate degree in public policy and computer science," he said. "I've spent my career working as a data analyst and software engineer in and around governments." He said that experience would help him "understand the budget and also understand how policies are affecting our children" and aid in making difficult board decisions.

Magaueta said he wants to "be a direct representative for JES on the board" and to serve as a liaison between the school, the community and the board. He closed by asking for votes: "I'm excited to be a part of this great school community, this great district community, and I hope that I, can ask for your vote and that you vote on me. Vote for me on town meeting or even before. Thanks."