New Jersey School Board Winner Blocked After Mandatory Background Review Uncovers Old Felony Convictions

Bergen County, New Jersey, school board election results were reversed after a state-required background check showed decades-old felony convictions by the winning candidate. The ruling has raised questions regarding rehabilitation, public service eligibility, and local government background screenings.

Northvale resident Edward Durfee, 71, was elected to the Northern Valley Regional High School District Board of Education for three years. He would be sworn in January 7. The New Jersey Department of Education requires all prospective school board members to undergo a criminal history screening before assuming office. That review uncovered two 1970s felony robbery convictions, disqualifying him from the seat.

Durfee said the incidents occurred shortly after he returned from the Marine Corps. He admitted to both crimes and served time. One case concerned a 1974 hotel desk worker robbery, while the other involved a 1977 workplace dispute robbery. Durfee said he was unarmed in the first incident and called both cases severe mistakes made during a difficult time.

Durfee claims he has obeyed the law since serving his terms over 50 years ago. He claims that the state judicial system rehabilitated him and that the current decision hinders him from contributing back to his society after years of lawfulness. He is reportedly discussing with lawyers about appealing the ruling.

New Jersey law bars school board members with certain criminal convictions, regardless of when they occurred. State officials say the background check process protects students and maintains public faith in educational institutions and applies to all candidates.

After the ruling, the school district swiftly filled the position. Residents who qualify can apply for the open seat, which has been published.

Due to his ties to the far-right Oath Keepers, an organization notorious for national political scandals, Durfee’s campaign garnered attention throughout the election. Durfee joined the group to preserve the U.S. Constitution and protest rights. Later, he told a congressional committee that group members went to Washington, D.C., on January 6 to provide “security.” After the Capitol riot, the group’s founder was convicted of seditious conspiracy.

After an opposing candidate mounted a last-minute write-in campaign, Durfee won the race by a substantial margin despite local misgivings about his political views. Durfee said he would have prioritized reading, writing, and math as a board member.

Even after decades without legal trouble, New Jersey is discussing whether long-past offenses should permanently bar anyone from running local office. Supporters emphasize rehabilitation and second chances, but state education officials say existing regulations leave little discretion if a disqualifying offense shows in a background check.

For now, Durfee cannot serve, and the district will appoint a replacement for his school board seat. The case shows how tight school leadership standards are and how public safety and civic redemption conflict.