School Board Elects New President and VP

A changing of the guard happened for the Jefferson Township Board of Eduation on Monday night, as three new members were sworn into the board, and a new president and vice president were elected.

Frank Cuccio, Stacey Poulas and Ron Smith each took individual turns reading their oaths while raising their right hands.

Business administrator Dora Zeno requested nominations for president of the board. Cuccio nominated Smith, and Robert Feldmann, who was the board’s vice president, nominated Cynthia Scott.

Scott was voted down by a 6-3 margin, and Smith won by the same margin, making him the new board president.

After changing chairs and presiding over the remainder of the meeting as president, Smith asked for nominations for board vice president. Scott and Matthew Millar were nominated. Scott declined the nomination, and Millar was voted in

Prior to the reorganization meeting, during the regular business meeting, the board honored outgoing members Julie Mastricola, Fay Servedio and Bob Vander Ploeg. Cynthia Scott, who was board president before the reorganization meeting began, presented each member with a plaque to honor his or her service to the board.

Mastricola and Vander Ploeg thanked the board and wished the new members luck.

“Every decision you make, decide based on what is best for the children,” Mastricola said. “Fay and I learned this at our board member training, and I think it will serve the new members well,” she added.

When it was her turn, Servedio spoke at greater length.

In a prepared statement marked by a tearful beginning and ending, Servedio, a six-year board member, commented on her years of service.

“I have witnessed many great changes during my time here,” she said.

One topic Servedio addressed was what some perceive as the communication problems between the board and the public.

“The school web site, and the Honeywell Instant Alert System, are excellent methods of communication,” she said. “And the board has always been forthcoming with the information we are able to provide.”

Servedio further noted that communication comes more easily with respect.

“We need to have open minds and respect for others’ opinions,” she said. “Attacking people personally is never a good idea.”