Gottlieb, Conlon honored for school board service
BY PATRICIA KELLER
WEST MILFORD — Two trustees of the West Milford Board of Education bid farewell to their positions as Board members on Tuesday, Dec. 16th, the final meeting of their three-year elected terms. Matthew Conlon and Wayne Gottlieb were acknowledged for their years of service to the school district on the board, and each was presented with a plaque of appreciation. Neither Conlon nor Gottlieb sought reelection in the November school board election.
Their terms were extended by eight months, as was the case of all school board members serving on the board at the time the Board, when the BOE voted in October of 2012 to move school board elections from April to November. The first November election that included board of education candidates on the ballot was held in 2013, which added eight months to the sitting trustees' terms to bridge the gap of time between the old and new election dates. The new terms of elected trustees begin in January following the election, concurrent with other elected public positions.
Trustee Wayne Gottlieb
Gottlieb served as a “prominent member” of the West Milford Township Board of Education from 2005 until December 2014, according to the board's recognition resolution. He was elected and re-elected to his position for three consecutive terms by the public vote, serving more than nine years as a trustee.
Gottlieb was well-known for his familiarity of current legislation and laws related to education; demonstrated on numerous occasions being well-versed in the policies, procedures, and requirements of board members and of the structure of meetings as per local, county and state school boards associations and Robert’s Rules of Order; and rarely hesitated sharing his knowledge at meetings. He presented research and historical-based facts to support his opinions - seeking to change those that weren’t congruent with his own - but respectfully agreed to disagree on the occasions when he was outvoted by the board majority on the matters at hand.
Gottlieb often attended school board training seminars in addition and prior to those that are now required by the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA), and was awarded the title of "certified board member" by the NJSBA in 2012.
Gottlieb has served as the board vice president, chaired the Personnel/Student Affairs Committee, and the Negotiations Committee; served on the Budget and Finance/Transportation/ Operations/Capital Improvements Committee, and the Policy Committee; and was the liaison for Legislative and Technology Committees, the New Jersey School Boards Association, and Passaic County School Boards Association.”
West Milford School Board President Inga Koeppe said that one thing she learned about Gottlieb right away “was his strong belief and support of the public education system and that all children are entitled to a good public education. Mr. Gottlieb was always prepared and always did his research, and was famously not without an opinion that often wouldn’t change; but without a doubt, he’d always back up why he had that opinion to give.”
True to form, Gottlieb took the opportunity to advise his fellow board members on relevant current issues and what he perceives as potential repercussions, specifically commenting on a lease agreement adjustment with the township council for the Hillcrest property and also weighing in on an earlier presentation of the annual financial report, with a warning to the board to be careful of keeping too much surplus money.
Trustee Matthew Conlon
Conlon served as a trustee for one term, from 2001 until now. He also previously served as the student representative to the board during his senior year at West Milford High School, from Aug. 2009 to June 2010. Conlon remained active in the school community after his graduation, regularly attending BOE meetings, and often spoke at meetings as a concerned member of the voting public. In 2011, Conlon successfully ran for a trustee seat with the slogan, “Because our children deserve better.” He became the second youngest board member in the township’s history at age 19.
Conlon served on the Education Committee, Budget and Finance/Transportation/Operations/Capital Improvements Committee, Policy Committee, Technology Oversight Committee, Parks and Recreation Committee, and the joint committee of the township and board of education.”
Koeppe commented on Conlon’s enthusiasm, commitment, and continued dedication to providing the students of West Milford with a top-quality education, and for being a voice and advocate for issues of concern to students.
"It has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve the great people of West Milford in this capacity during this time period,” said Conlon.
To the students he said, “You are the reason I ran for the board in the first place. You are the reason we are all here. I thank you for embracing the programs and initiatives executed by this Board and for your continued dedication to your own education. It is my sincerest hope that this board has helped prepare you for the infinite number of opportunities that you will have to succeed in life.”
Looking forward
The two seats will be filled at the board’s Reorganization Meeting in January by Rodney Robbins and Jim Foody, who is a former board trustee. Trustee Marilyn Schultz was the only incumbent on the November ballot for a three-year seat and was re-elected.