Schools

Four New Board of Education Members Sworn In

James Macomber, Tara Martinez, Joelle Nappi and Kathleen Gentile all took their oath of office Jan. 3.

The Matawan Aberdeen Board of Education welcomed four new members to the board with a swearing in ceremony at their reorganization meeting Jan. 3. 

James Macomber and Tara Martinez will represent Aberdeen for a three-year term on the board. Joelle Nappi will represent Aberdeen for a one-year unexpired term and Kathleen Gentile will represent Matawan for a three-year term. 

The new members shared an excitement for the challenge ahead.

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"I'm just excited the way it worked out and I think we have a good team," said Martinez. 

Gentile is hoping to keep the district moving forward to improve student achievement. 

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"I have a lot vested in the school district. I have two sons, one graduated and one's still in the school district. I see great things happening and I want to continue great things ahead," she said. 

Nappi echoed her sentiment, highlighting changes that the district will have to deal with in the near future.

"I think the board has a lot of tasks ahead of them, especially right now with so much change coming with the new teacher evaluation model and everything that that's going to bring," she said. 

Macomber noted he is looking forward to continuing to work with the children in the district. 

"I've been part of this community for a long time. I was a teacher here; I was a coach here. I'm no longer in either one of those capacities but it's a way for me to be involved in the educational process for the kids. I know a large majority of these kids," he said.

The board of education's next meeting is on Monday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. at the administration building on One Crest Way in Aberdeen.


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