Green Brook School Board Looking for New Members

Five-year Green Brook Board of Education member Mindy Markus-Rodden bid farewell to the board Monday, days ahead of her family's move to a new residence in Warren.

"Leaving this town gave me lots and lots to think about—I'm very sad about it," she said.

Markus-Rodden's departure complicates an already confusing November election for board seats, although board members hope to fill the vacancy quickly ahead of the election.

Three members have regularly expiring terms: board President James Benscoter, Gerry Binder and Anna Maillaro, but only Benscoter and Binder filed petitions to run in the November general election.

That leaves one additional three-year term open.

Plus, Andrew Boccio—who filled the unexpired term of James Sartor when he moved out-of-town—is also leaving Green Brook, opening a spot for someone to run for a one-year term on the ballot.

And the person named to fill Markus-Rodden's seat can only do so until the end of December—so a fifth spot on the ballot is open.

Superintendent Richard Labbe said he expected the New Jersey Attorney General's office will issue an extension for residents interested in running in November to file (although we hesitate to add Jeffrey Chiesa was appointed to fill the Senate seat of Frank Lautenberg, leaving a vacancy in that post). 

So, for anyone keeping score, at this point, voters can expect to cast ballots for three, three-year terms with Benscoter and Binder definitely on the ballot. Voters will also see two, one-year terms on the ballot—and names may be added later to the ballot.

In the meantime, anyone interested in joining the board should email Dr. Labbe to learn more about how to file for the election, as well as the responsibilities of board members.