JACKSON – An opening exists on the seven-member Jackson School District Board of Education following the resignation of board member Vicki Grasso.
Interested residents may file a letter of interest with the board. The deadline to file a letter of interest is Sept. 11 and the open seat is expected to be filled on Sept. 18.
Grasso, who joined the board in January 2016, resigned from her position in late August. She said she is honored to have served the students of Jackson and proud of the work the board has done. She called her decision to resign “bittersweet,’’ but necessary.
“With three kids who have changing schedules for activities, on top of a full-time job, I realized I can’t give 110 percent, which is what the students and residents of Jackson deserve,’’ Grasso said. “It has been my pleasure to serve on this board and I know the Jackson legacy of commitment and excellence will continue to thrive.’’
Board President John Burnetsky said Grasso was a devoted member of the panel who always put children first.
“She was a dynamic influence on this board and her passion and input will certainly be missed,’’ he said.
In accordance with state law, the board is looking to appoint someone to fill the position until January 2021. The individual who receives the appointment, or any other qualified individual, may file a petition to run in the November 2020 election to fill the remaining full year (2021) of the unexpired term.
Individuals who would like to be considered for the appointment are asked to submit a resume and cover letter outlining their reasons for wanting to serve on the board of education and their qualifications.
The materials may be mailed to the attention of Michelle Richardson, board secretary, Jackson Township Board of Education, 151 Don Connor Blvd., Jackson, NJ 08527, or sent via emailed to jsd@jacksonsd.org with “Board Vacancy” in the subject line. Materials must be received by the school district by Sept. 11.
When the board meets in closed session on Sept. 18, all of the applicants will be invited to make a brief (five minutes maximum) statement that elaborates on their resume and cover letter; their reasons for wanting to serve, qualifications, expectations for service and areas of priority.
When the board returns to public session at 5:30 p.m., the board members will vote to appoint someone to the vacant seat, according to district administrators.
To become a school board member, an individual must be a U.S. citizen; be a resident of the district for at least one year at the time of election or appointment; be able to read and write; be a registered voter in the district where the person is submitting the nomination petition (or being appointed); not be disqualified as a voter; not have been convicted of certain crimes; not be the mayor or a member of the governing body of the municipality; and not have a direct or indirect contract with or claim against the board.
