Howell BOE Starts Summer By Saying Goodbye

As the Howell Board of Education started its summer meetings on Wednesday night, the members took time to start by recognizing two former colleagues and an administrator setting off on a new adventure. 

One former member recognized was Sherry Roses who lost her bid for reelection. Even still the Howell High School teacher has said she will continue to serve her hometown by joining the education committee and also working with the Howell Township Education Foundation.

Board president Tim O'Brien said he was honored that he and the current members were able to honor not only Roses, but also David Flaherty who were both in attendance. "For two years I had the pleasure of serving with both of these individuals who have given us so much of their time and talent to this community," he said. "For many years I sat right next to Mr. Flaherty and he and I and Sherry and others have seen this district go through some interesting times, but their counsel and leadership was always welcome and helpful in terms of charting a course for our school district."

Superintendent Enid Golden echoed those sentiments welcoming the pair back to the cafetorium of Middle School North. "I just can't tell you how great it is to see you after not having seen you for a few weeks when we used to see you all the time," she said with a laugh. 

After being lauded by her former board members and the administration, an emotional Roses thanked them and the community for the opportunities. "It has been a true honor to serve the community," she said. "Thank you to the administration, teachers and community. You've been wonderful and I look forward to serving."

Flaherty, who opted not to run for another term was also credited with being at the forefront of the district's shared services efforts. "You were very passionate about shared services," Golden said. "You really got us to scrutinize and really assess where we are with shared services."

It was more than his work at the dais that he was honored for on Wednesday. "Even more so than that Mr. Flaherty you made us laugh," Golden said. "You know that we get very tense around here so I want to thank you for the time that you served."

Living up to his billing, Flaherty made light of his farewell speech at the meeting while still giving credit to those that he worked with and for. "I just want to thank the entire community that did give me the opportunity when they elected me to the position," he said. 

Also attending her last meeting was Karen Jones, the outgoing Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Personnel. Jones will be taking over as the head of the Plumstead Township School District which includes New Egypt High School 

O'Neil said he and the rest of the members of the board were proud to see her taking off on this next adventure in her career. "I commend you and wish you the best of luck in your new career," he said. "They're very lucky to have you and we're sorry to lose you. We appreciate you being with us and all that you've done for our district."

With Thursday set to be her last day working for the district, Jones said she will take her time in Howell with her to her new position. "I want to take the opportunity to thank the entire Howell community, the Howell school board, the administration, and Dr. Golden who has been a tremendous mentor to me," she said. She also thanked the people she worked with from administrators to teachers, to the parents and students she has met over the years. 

While she is sad to leave, Jones said she will not forget her time in Howell. "It has been truly my pleasure and honor to work here. You are an amazing school community," she said. "I wish the district tremendous success as they continue forward and I thank you all for the privilege of being a colleague.

Before the night was done, the board took several more steps to prepare for the rapidly approaching school year.  Stay with Howell Patch for more news from the meeting.