John Tavis In As New Board of Education President

Board newcomer late Tuesday was elected the newest President at the board's regular meeting.

The vote to install Tavis was 6-1 with board member Joseph Tonzola abstaining. Member Donald Herbert cast the lone vote against Tavis. Board Vice Presient Laurie Cannon was absent.

Board member Anne Moonan nominated Tavis. There were no other nominations.

Tavis, the former superintendent of the Oceanport school district, becomes the third board president since the April school elections.

"We have a lot to do," Tavis said during an interview after the meeting. The district does not have contracts for its teachers and principals, and is looking for a new superintendent to replace James Habel, he said.

Tavis said he has been working in education since 1971 and as a former superintendent -- he retired after five years in 2002 -- he could particularly help with the district's own search to replace Habel.

"I felt this is one thing that I do have some experience with, especially with trying to hire a new superintendent, I kind of know what it really takes," Tavis said.

Moonan, who nominated Tavis for the position, said his knowledge and experience made him an obvious choice.

"I think he can bring a little bit extra to us with board questions that we may have," Moonan said after the meeting. "He's a great communicator, he's a very smart man and he's so very, very kind."

Herbert refused to say why he cast the sole vote against Tavis.

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