President, Vice President Selected To Lead Westfield School Board

WESTFIELD, NJ — Incumbent Robert Benacchio was once again chosen to lead the Westfield Board of Education(BOE).

At Tuesday night's BOE meeting, Benacchio along with incumbents Kristen Sonnek-Schmelz, and Mary Wickens were all sworn in to serve another term on the board.

All three were victorious in the April school election over Violetta Watson.

Benacchio was nominated to serve as Board President again by Leila Morrelli.

"Rob's first term as a board member was impressive. Not only did he sit on each committee as well as co-chair both finance and curriculum, he served first as vice president and most recently as president," said Morrelli. "He’s been actively involved in his three years and is an active liaison to the schools he is assigned, and has contributed greatly to the passing of the budgets in the referendum."

Morrelli added that Benacchio is committed to transparency and communication with the community.

"His governance has been organized as well as compassionate, and it is clear that he values all stakeholders and considers all perspectives," said Morrelli. "He has shown a great deal of self-reflection and growth, given feedback, and genuinely has a bird's eye view of the district. Rob’s experience in all aspects of the board makes him a perfect candidate for this leadership position."

Additionally, at the meeting, Sonal Patel nominated Sonnek-Schmelz as Vice President.

"Over the past three years on the board, Kristen has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and insight," said Patel. "Her collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment to both our students and this board make her an ideal candidate to help guide our district into its next chapter. I’m confident that Kristen will continue to service with integrity and excellence in this leadership position."

Benacchio was unanimously approved as President and Sonnek-Schmelz was unanimously approved as Vice President for the 2025-26 school year.

"Thanks so much for the members of the board for having faith in me," said Benacchio. "We have a lot to get done. We have referendum projects to get moving on. We have curriculum to continue to improve. And we have a district to continue to be proud of. I couldn’t think of eight better people to do it with."

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