Schools
3 New Hillsborough School Board Members Sworn In
Allison Laning-Beder was sworn in remotely as she was unable to attend the meeting due to a family member testing positive for COVID.
HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Three new members joined the Hillsborough Board of Education as they were sworn in on Monday night.
Jason Albanese and Elaine Jackson were sworn into office at the Jan. 3 reorganization meeting.
Allison Laning-Beder was sworn in over the phone as she was unable to attend in person due to an immediate family member testing positive with a "breakthrough COVID infection," she said.
Find out what's happening in Hillsboroughfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The board had to specifically pass a resolution to allow Laning-Beder to attend the meeting over the phone.
The next board of education meeting is set for Jan. 10 but Laning-Beder said she is unsure if she will be attending that in person as well.
Find out what's happening in Hillsboroughfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"I am following all state and federal guidelines. At this point, I do not know if I will be able to attend next week's meeting in person," said Laning-Beder.
Additionally at the meeting, the board voted to appoint a new president and vice president.
Former Board President Jean Trujillo asked members to keep her at the helm.
"When I received information about the business office I acted swiftly so going into 2022 there is a lot of work that needs to be done in the district," said Trujillo.
Trujillo was referring to the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office investigation into the school district's finances after Business Administrator Aiman Mahmoud abruptly resigned. Read More: Prosecutor Investigates Hillsborough School Finances: Report
The board members felt differently and opted for a change when Paul Marini was selected as the new president.
"I believe given the situation we are in now, I believe a change in leadership is necessary," said Marini.
John Oliver was also selected as the board's vice president with everyone in agreeance except Trujillo who abstained.
The board's next meeting will be held on Monday, Jan. 23.
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