School trustees sworn in; board president appointed

By Patricia Keller
WEST MILFORD ‑‑ West Milford Board of Education held its annual reorganization meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 2 in which three trustees were sworn in.
The top vote-getters in the November election were Lynda Van Dyk (4,074 votes), Nicole Fritz (3,950 votes), and Raymond A. Guarino III (3,349 votes). Board President Jim Foody lost his bid for re-election to the school board for a third term (2,260 votes). There were 27 write-in votes. Trustee Rodney Robbins did not run for re-election.
School Board Attorney Joseph Roselle administered the oath to the trustees, who each made a comment; thanking supporters, family members, and pledging to work collaboratively as members of the school board and to do their best to continue to move the district forward.
Business Administrator/Board Secretary Barbara Francisco requested nominations for the office of board president. Trustee Will Cytowicz nominated Greg Bailey, who declined the nomination. Teresa Dwyer nominated Van Dyk for the position. Cytowicz then nominated Dwyer for the position, which she declined. The school board as a whole then voted unanimously to appoint Van Dyk as president. She took her position at the head of the table, vowed to work hard, and thanked fellow board members for their support. She then called for nominations for vicepresident. Bailey nominated Teresa Dwyer for the position. Trustee Glen Huber nominated Steve Drew for the position, which he declined. Teresa Dwyer was then reappointed to the position via a unanimous vote.
Trustees also approved the meeting calendar, meeting agenda format, and committees. The Policy Committee will review the agenda format and make recommendations for future changes.
Debbie O’Brien is also on the current board.