Darin Accettulli, an Old Bridge father of two and former COO in the health club industry, is a local realtor and personal development mentor who is passionate about parental rights, the Constitution, and his faith in God.

In our town’s recent elections, a significant political shift occurred—a “red wave” that has brought a profound impact to our Board of Education (BOE). As a passionate advocate for parental rights, and having once been a candidate in these very elections, I have been deeply invested in this transformation.

When I first decided to run, many told me it was a lost cause. “New Jersey is a Democratic state,” they said, “the government-backed candidates will always win.” But what they overlooked is the enduring power of “We the People.” It’s not “We the Government” that forms the backbone of our society, but rather the collective will and rights of the people.

The previous direction of our BOE was increasingly out of sync with what our community needed from its education system. There was a growing demand for a change, a call that was answered emphatically in the recent election results. This victory is a testament to the community’s desire for an education system that respects the role and rights of parents.

Our win is not just a political statement; it is a declaration that parental rights and a balanced, practical approach to education are paramount. The reshaping of the BOE signifies a new chapter where educational decisions reflect the community’s core values and needs.

Despite the odds, and the narratives of impossibility, our collective efforts have paid off. This is a clear message that when we stand up for our rights, and more importantly, for the rights of our children, we can enact real change. Our fight is just, our cause is right, and we will not give up.

As we embrace this new beginning, let us do so with a spirit of unity and collaboration. The reformed BOE now has the opportunity to craft educational policies that truly align with our town’s aspirations. This election marks not the end, but the beginning of a hopeful journey for our town’s educational future.