the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Closter NJ, Bergen County made history on Thursday night as one of its youngest school board members, 19-year-old Christina Argenziano, was sworn into the Closter Board of Education during New Jersey’s inauguration season for newly elected board members.
Argenziano, a sophomore at New York University majoring in politics, will serve a three-year term on the board for Closter’s K-8 district. She brings a fresh perspective to the table, combining her academic focus and recent experience as a graduate of Northern Valley Regional High School in Demarest, a sending district for Closter.
A Passion for Community and Education
During her campaign, Argenziano emphasized the importance of giving back to her community while offering a youthful and innovative perspective to the board.
“My campaign focused on bringing a young voice to the table, especially in a time when many decision-makers have decades of experience but might not always connect with today’s students,” Argenziano told NorthJersey.com.
Her priorities include:
- Enhancing student mental health and wellness programs.
- Maintaining fiscal responsibility for the district.
- Encouraging modern and innovative approaches to education to meet the evolving needs of students and society.
A Winning Campaign
Argenziano’s efforts paid off with a commanding victory in November’s election. She earned 1,923 votes, finishing first in a four-candidate race for three open seats, with a significant lead over the second and third-place candidates.
Her campaign was truly a family affair, with her father, Joe Argenziano, lending his support by creating lawn signs. Christina also spent two weeks engaging with neighbors, delivering mail-in ballots and personalized notes to introduce herself.
Inspiration Runs in the Family
Argenziano’s decision to run for the board wasn’t random; it was inspired by her father, Joe Argenziano, who has been deeply involved in local education. He currently serves as president of the Northern Valley Regional High School Board of Education, representing Closter for nearly a decade.
“Watching my dad dedicate so much time to our schools has always been inspiring,” Christina said. “It feels natural to follow in his footsteps and give back to the community that shaped me.”
Balancing College and Public Service
Though a full-time student at NYU, Argenziano is confident she can balance her studies, social life, and responsibilities as a board member. She plans to commute from New York City to Closter for board meetings and committee obligations.
The Closter K-8 district is part of the Northern Valley Regional system, which serves approximately 2,200 students across seven towns. Notably, the district ranked No. 1 in New Jersey on Niche.com’s 2025 listing, ahead of prestigious schools in Princeton and Millburn.
A Role Model for Young Leaders
Argenziano’s journey demonstrates the impact of young voices in shaping the future of education. Her enthusiasm for community service and her willingness to step into leadership at a young age inspire others to engage in public service.
Her father proudly summed up her commitment: “Here’s a 19-year-old woman who valued her education enough to come back and help her community grow.”
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