Schools

New Board Members To Be Sworn In Tuesday Night

Four to join the Board of Education at organization meeting Tuesday as votes to set ground rules may test campaign promises

The four new members elected to the Board of Education last week are scheduled to be sworn in tonight at the panel’s organization meeting.

, , and are scheduled to be sworn in tonight at the board’s meeting at the Intermediate School, 2801 Allaire Road. The board is also scheduled to choose its officers at the 8 p.m. meeting.

Cervantes, Tavis, Tonzola and Moonan each won seats on the board. Cervantes, Moonan and Tonzola each won three-year terms while Tavis won a 1-year unexpired term in the April 27 polling.

Find out what's happening in Wallwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

. Incumbent James Carhart did not run for re-election.

On the agenda for tonight’s meeting is a resolution calling for the approval of all board policies, including a recently adopted policy that exempts the board from having to make an audio recording of its public meetings.

Find out what's happening in Wallwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The policy was changed at the board’s December 14 meeting, by an 8-1 vote. Only member Eva Applegate cast the sole vote against the change, according to meeting minutes.

The policy had previously said the board “shall’’ make an audio recording of its meetings and make that available for public inspection for at least 45 days following the each meeting.

The new policy gives the board a choice in whether it makes an audio recording its meetings, saying the board “may’’ make a recording, according to meeting minutes.

Several residents spoke against the change, according to the minutes of that meeting.

, and  -- running as a slate -- each specifically made reference to more open communication with the public a centerpiece of their campaigns. 

Cervantes in an e-mail on Tuesday said she and her running mates intend to examine the audio taping policy, and others, following tonight's meeting.

"It is most definitely our intention to look at those policies and others once we begin our work  on the board,'' Cervantes said. "First we must be assigned committees by the board president. Then we can make suggestions about how to improve communication between  the board and community."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here