Chester School Board Makes Changes for 2013

The Chester Consolidated School District made some changes during their Thursday reorganization meeting as they swore in three members and voted for new officers in 2013.

Returning board member Christine Hofstetter took the oath for the three-year term with newbie Carolyn Kleppe-Collins and write-in candidate Mike Tomasco. Hofstetter, Kleppe-Collins and Tomasco were sworn in by board secretary Mary Jane Canose.

In their first official action as a group in 2013, the board nominated and unanimously approved Kerri Wright as president for 2013. Wright previously served as vice-president.

Board member Heather Ronco was nominated and confirmed to take Wright's place as vice-president.

Despite all of the new blood and officer votes, the school board is still down one member since the resignation of Laura Fishman at the end of December.

Fishman's term on the board does not expire until the reorganizational meeting following the 2013 November election and the new board member would be serving out that term.

According to Canose, the legal requirements to become a member of the board of education are as follows:

• He/she is a citizen of the United States
• He/she is at least 18 years of age
• He/she is able to read and write
• He/she has been a resident of Chester Borough or Chester Township for at least one (1) year
• He/she is not disqualified as a voter pursuant to N.J.S.A. 19:4-1
• He/she must fulfill the requirements of the New Jersey Ethics Act.

Interested candidates are asked to submit a letter of interest which includes the candidate’s qualifications, resume and reasons for wanting to become a board member. Candidates will also be asked to appear before the board to further share their views and respond to questions from the board members in a public session.

Letters and resumes from interested candidates requesting consideration for the position must be received by 4 p.m. Jan. 14, Canose's office at 50 North Road, Building 4, Chester, New Jersey 07930. Interviews will be held at the Board of Education meeting on Monday, Jan. 21.