West Orange, NJ - January 24, 2026 - Board of Education President, Brian Rock, has officially announced his candidacy for Mayor of West Orange. With a record of success in the school district and a history of working with fellow board members for the common good, Rock is launching his campaign under the slogan, “Experience + Leadership = Progress.”

“I’m proud to call West Orange home, and our town is brimming with potential. But the last few years, it’s stagnated and our municipal government has been mired in infighting,” said Rock. “We need a leader who can work towards solutions instead of casting blame. I’m ready to put my experience and leadership to work with the Council to build a brighter future in West Orange.”

Rock was first elected to the West Orange Board of Education in 2021. In 2023, he was chosen by his peers to serve as President, a position he has continued to hold since. At the Board’s reorganization meeting on January 6, he was re-elected for his fourth consecutive year as President.

Under his leadership, the district has had a track record of success. Major achievements include the elevation of Hayden Moore to the Superintendency, the roll out of universal pre-school, the installation of air conditioning, and the implementation of new curricula.

Despite a decline in state funding, the district has consistently prepared a balanced budget without relying on gimmicks or debt. Through it all, students continue to excel in the classroom, in sports, and in the arts.

For more information, email press@brianrock.us or visit https://brianrock.us.