EAST LONGMEADOW – Jon Torcia may be a graduating senior at East Longmeadow High School, but he wants to maintain a close connection to his school. Torcia has announced he is running for School Committee.

He noted to Reminder Publication the election is taking place four days after his graduation. He plans to major in political science at Western New England University.

The motive behind his run was partially due to his desire to provide a student perspective on the School Committee.

He has been active during his high school career by serving twice as the president of his class.

Among his other qualifications, Torcia has served  as an East Longmeadow Cultural Council Member (2015-present); he has been a Volunteer Coordinator for Rays of Hope Walk (2013-present); a member of the Model Congress and club president (2014-present) and the School Council member (2014-present).  He has also been a Student Council member (2013-present) and is a recipient of Ann Rutherford Character and Service Award (2013).

His platform has three major points, he explained.

First is fiscal responsibility, as Torcia believe the district must live within its means.

The second is a greater emphasis on dealing with the drug problem in East Longmeadow schools and the third is connecting the School Committee with people who may feel they do not have a relationship with the committee.

According to his website, (www.jontorcia.com), Torcia is also opposed to the Common Core standards.

Torcia said, “The problem in town is that different committees and departments are not getting along.” He hopes he can reverse the trend if elected.

So far, while there has been some skepticism about his campaign, Torcia said that generally he has had a positive reaction from potential voters.

He will be participating in a candidate debate broadcast over ELCAT on May 11.

Torcia noted there is some frustration among students at the high school over issues he said “are not in the best interests of the students.”

He added, “They are upset their voice isn’t being heard. There is a disconnect between the School Committee members, students, teachers and parents.”