JACKSON – The Board of Education is inviting residents to apply for appointment to a board seat that is available following the resignation of the board president during the July 18 meeting.

Board of Education President Barbara Fiero announced at the July 18 board meeting that she would be retiring as of July 20 because she is moving out of the state. In accordance with state law, the board is now looking to appoint someone to fill the remainder of her term, which expires in January 2018.

Fiero began her involvement with the district by volunteering as a Holman PTO member prior to serving 14 years on the board.

“I have always felt really important to give back and to help out in any possible way, to say thank you for the education (of my children),” Fiero said. “Obviously I am a firm believer in a quality public school education. I think it’s every parents’ responsibility to do everything they can to guide their children and to aid the school district to provide that for their child.”

Board members present at the meeting, Vice President Scott Sargent, John Burnetsky and Michael Hanlon, all wished her well in her retirement and thanked her for her service.

Sargent credited Fiero with modeling the patience and strength it takes to be an effective board member.

“Just by you continuing to be consistent with who you are and how you approach being a school board member I watched and I said, this lady is getting things done,” Sargent said.

The Board of Education has begun the process of looking for someone to complete Fiero’s term.

“The process for filling a vacancy like this differs from a typical school board election in that the board will appoint someone for the remainder of the term,” said Business Administrator and Board of Education Secretary Michelle Richardson. “That individual – as well as anyone else in the community – would also have the opportunity to file a petition to run for election for the two, three-year terms that will be open in the election to be held on November 7, 2018.”

Richardson said the person appointed will take the oath of office and become a full member of the Board on August 15, 2017 and will continue to serve in that position through the reorganization meeting in early January 2018. The Aug. 15 meeting will be held 5:30 p.m. in the administration building, 151 Don Connor Blvd.

In order to be considered for this appointment, any interested party must submit a resume and cover letter that outlines the reasons for wanting to be on the board, qualifications for being selected, expectations for service, and areas of priority.

These materials can be mailed to the attention of Michelle Richardson, Board Secretary, at the Jackson Township Board of Education office located at 151 Don Connor Blvd., Jackson, NJ 08527 or emailed to jsd@jacksonsd.org. The board asks that you put “Board Vacancy” in the subject line of that email.

The deadline for receiving materials is Aug. 7, 2017.

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