Alloway, New Jersey. A school board member in Salem County has filed a lawsuit after facing state ethics charges for Facebook posts asking residents about a possible school tax increase. The case centers on Alloway Board of Education member Gail Nazarene, who posted several questions on her personal Facebook page seeking public input on potential tax hikes ranging from 9 to 15 percent. She also shared her own view that a 3.3 percent increase was the most she could afford.
Another board member, Sara Cobb, filed an ethics complaint with the New Jersey School Ethics Commission, arguing that Nazarene’s posts referenced figures not reviewed or approved by the board and created the impression she was speaking on its behalf. The complaint also cited a separate post in which Nazarene asked residents hypothetically about a 20 percent tax increase, saying the questions could undermine official board communications.
Under current state interpretation of the School Ethics Act, board members may face scrutiny for public comments on school matters—even when they specify they are speaking personally. The commission has previously reprimanded board members for public statements, social media activity, or political endorsements related to district issues.
Nazarene’s lawsuit argues the state’s interpretation violates her First Amendment rights. Her attorney, Daniel Zahn, said efforts to restrict elected officials from engaging with constituents contradict democratic principles. Former Assembly member Anthony Cimino, who sponsored the original School Ethics Act, said the law was intended to address conflicts of interest, not limit communication between officials and the public.
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