East Windsor School Board Swears in Abel, Chooses Laverty as New President

The held its annual re-organization meeting Monday evening. The board welcomed one new member, swore two existing members into new terms and chose a new president and vice president.

Lisa Abel, a middle school teacher in the New Brunswick school system, last week by a vote of 774-578. At the meeting this week, she said that she has the background to execute the job and that she will draw upon her 16 years of teaching experience to help the district continues its mission of helping the students.

“I hope to bring a fresh perspective, and a different perspective,” Abel said. “I am very much a child advocate and that is what I am here for. The district’s demographic is changing and I want to give whatever I can to help. [Voters] obviously wanted some changes and I will do the best to do whatever I can.”

Superintendent Ed Forsthoffer also congratulated Abel on her election.

“I am anxious to meet with her. I’m anxious to work with anyone,” Dr. Forsthoffer said. “It’s kind of what I say about students, I’ll teach anyone, and as far as board members go, I’ll work with anyone. That’s the value of a board of education – you have nine individually thinking members and it has always been good to find out what their thinking is, what we’re trying to achieve and using that information to move forward.”

Board member Bruce Ettman congratulated Abel but also said on the record that the work Weisman accomplished was significant. “She (Weisman) was a great board president and great board member. I hope, Ms. Abel, that you fill her shoes,” he said.

In addition to the installation of Abel, the board selected a new president and vice-president. Robert Laverty, who has served on the board for 10 years, received a unanimous vote certifying him as the new president. He works for the state analyzing health care programs such as Medicaid,

The selection of vice-president went to Kennedy Paul, another veteran of the school board. The board also re-installed members Suzann Fallon and Susan M. Lloyd who ran unopposed during last week’s election. All elected terms on the board are for three years.

“I think our great success during the time we have served during the [former superintendent] Ronald Bolandi administration led toward changing the culture, making it child centered and a focus on academic success,” Laverty said.