The Manchester Township Board of Education, at their January 16 meeting, called on citizens to work together toward school improvement as it recognized the contributions of colleagues throughout the state during School Board Recognition Month in New Jersey.

“The Manchester Board of Education embraces the goal of high-quality education for all New Jersey public school students,” read a resolution adopted by the board.  “New Jersey can take pride in its schools, which rank among the nation’s best in indicators such as high school graduation rates, class size, college entrance exam participation, and Advanced Placement offerings and test scores. We urge all citizens to work with their local boards of education and public school staff toward the improvement of our children’s education.”

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. William E. DeFeo, read excerpts from Governor Jon S. Corzine’s proclamation declaring January 2008 as School Board Recognition Month in New Jersey.  The proclamation recognizes that school board members in New Jersey devote countless hours, at no pay, to the oversight of school operations as they endeavor to meet the challenges facing public schools and help students achieve state academic standards. [view proclamation]

“I often talk about the successes of our staff, administrators and students, but our Board of Education deserves credit for being a Board that really cares about the children of our district and does not have their own agendas,” remarked DeFeo.  “Their contributions are immeasurable and we value their cooperation and devotion to our children.  I want to thank them personally and on behalf of everyone in the district.”

Members of the Manchester Township Board of Education are: James Kenneth Pate, Steve Placido, Gary Rhodes, Mort Sternin, Jane Stiers, Mary Walter, and Donald Webster, Jr.; all of whom have served on the board for ten years or more. April Chillemi is the Lakehurst Representative to the board