A potential shakeup is taking shape on the Livingston Board of Education as incumbent Fang Gong becomes the first candidate to announce a run for the November election, seeking another three-year term on a board facing major decisions about the future of district facilities.

Gong announced her reelection campaign Monday, July 7. Her bid comes as the district weighs a possible facilities referendum that could determine the future of school buildings, enrollment planning and capital investments.

“Early in my term, a former board member shared something that stayed with me: the first three years are the learning years,” Gong said in a statement reported by the West Essex Tribune.

First elected in 2023, Gong has served on six board committees, including Curriculum, Equity, Policy and Long Range Planning. She also represents Livingston at the New Jersey School Boards Association’s Delegate Assembly.

During her first term, Gong developed an artificial intelligence governance framework for K-12 schools through a JerseyCAN fellowship, which later helped inform proposed state legislation.

Gong, a Livingston resident since 2010 with two children in the district, holds a master of public administration from Rutgers University and has completed the New Jersey School Boards Association’s New Board Member Boardsmanship Certification.

Residents interested in running for the board must file nominating petitions by Monday, July 27, at 4 p.m. As of Wednesday, July 9, Gong was the only publicly announced candidate.

The November election will take place as the district continues discussions on a possible facilities referendum.