Board of Education Appoints New Member

The Matawan Aberdeen Regional School District Board of Education appointed a new member at a special action meeting Tuesday night. 

The position was advertised over the summer after member Pat Demerest, of Aberdeen, resigned.

Two candidates for the position, James Macomber and Patricia Phillips, were present at the meeting and were given the opportunity to explain their qualifications and experiences.

Both Macomber and Phillips expressed experience and qualifications in the educational community, along with a desire to help foster the children’s growth in the educational system.

After the question and answer session, the board appointed Phillips as the new member on the board. Although she has no children of her own, Phillips has been part of this district’s educational system for 33 years.

Recently retired from her position as Assistant Principal and Director of Student Personnel at the high school, Phillips, 60, said she is not ready to leave behind her passion for education just yet.

“I wanted to serve the community in another capacity, seeing as I just retired,” says Phillips, “I feel that I can serve the community in this capacity, the total community, not just the high school. I want to be a voice for all of the kids in Matawan.”

Phillips expressed her desire to serve the community, listen and advocate for the children, collaborate with other board members in the best interest of the students, help students learn how to prosper in this new economy and to let community members know they have board members who listen and care about the real issues in the educational system. Phillips also explained how membership to the board was one of her career goals and a dream come true.

After her appointment to the board, teary-eyed Phillips stood up and took the oath, making her position official. Granting her the final motion of the evening, Phillips brought this meeting to a close.

“We’re very pleased to have the privilege of appointing Mrs. Phillips to the board this evening. Mrs. Phillips brings with her many years of experience and wisdom, and we are confident that she will serve the district well,” says Charles Kenny, board president. 

The next meeting of the Board of Education will be Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. at Matawan Regional High School.