Board of Education reorganized following resignations

Last night, five members of the Port Jervis School District Board of Education resigned. The candidates who received the largest number of votes in the May 20 election were appointed to fill the positions at the May 21 board meeting.

Earl Walker, Jr. was appointed by the board to fill the one-year balance on the seat that has been open since December 2007. His term runs through June 30, 2009.

Brandy Nicolette, Roger Kalin, William Smith, and Ron Cecchini were appointed to fill four of the seats vacated by Ken Jones, Brendan Hess, Robert Habig, Steven Banks, and Anne Horsham for the remainder of this year’s term, which ends June 30, 2008. On July 1, Ms. Nicolette, Mr. Kalin, and Mr. Smith will begin their three-year terms. Mr. Cecchini will serve a one-year term, ending May 19, 2009.

One seat on the nine-member Board of Education remains open. In accordance with state law, the school board can appoint a district resident to fill this position for one year. The school board has instructed the district to advertise immediately for this position. The goal is to have the position filled by July 1, 2008. District residents who are interested in applying should contact the District Office at 858-3175. Applicants will be interviewed by the school board.

"While the resignations represent a major change to the school board, the Port Jervis School District has the proper process is in place to move our schools and educational programs forward for the remainder of this school year," said Superintendent John Xanthis.

"The end of the school year is always an extremely busy time for our schools as we prepare for the Regents, final exams, award ceremonies, and graduation. Now is the time for everyone in the district to look forward and to continue to work together to meet the needs of our students."

Posted May 22, 2008