Jill VanNess Named to School Board

Jill VanNess was appointed the newest member of the at Tuesday night’s board meeting.

VanNess was interviewed by the existing board along with four other candidates to fill the position left open by Nick Anzano, who left the board in August, citing overwhelming work commitments. VanNess will complete Anzano's term, which was scheduled to be up for reelection in April 2012.

VanNess has been the president of the Jefferson Township Middle School PTA for the past three years. Prior to that, she served as recording secretary for three years. She currently serves as the vice president of programming for the Jefferson Township High School PTSA.

“I’m very excited to be part of the board,” VanNess said. “I think the biggest issue facing the district right now is that there seems to be little trust between the community and the board. I’m hoping to help bridge that gap, and restore the trust between the residents of town and the board.”

"The tipping point for me was Jill's involvement in the community and the schools," said board member Frank Cuccio regarding his decision to back VanNess. 

"I thought Jill was the best candidate because she was the only one we interviewed who said that while this is a seven-month seat, she would look at it as a long-term position and run again," said board member Judy Castiglione.

Other candidates interviewed for the open spot included Gregory Burnett, Pamela Fadden, Jack Frost, Jr. and Matthew Gould.