New Members Sworn In To Ocean City School Board, New President Named

OCEAN CITY, NJ — The new Board of Education began its term at the reorganization meeting on Wednesday, as the new members were sworn in.

The four new members ousted incumbents back in the November election, with Catherine Panico, Liz Nicoletti and Robin Shaffer running on a platform opposing the sexual education standards that were a major topic during the election. Read more: Sex Ed Opponents Oust Incumbents In Ocean City Election

The three, who ran on a ticket together, were sworn in, along with fellow newcomer Kevin Barnes.

Chris Halliday was voted board president in a 9-3 vote, but the board was unable to decide on a vice president.

Cecilia Gallelli-Keyes and Fran Newman were both nominated to serve as vice president, and after three rounds of voting, the board was deadlocked with both women receiving six votes.

The board's vice president will now be selected by the county superintendent, Dr. Judith DeStefano-Anen.

Additionally, in recent months, there has been a growing concern regarding anti-LGTBQ ideas and rhetoric in Ocean City schools, partially sparked by Panico, Nicoletti and Shaffer's participation in a rally against the sexual education standards, which focused on the LGTBQ education aspect. Read more: Petition Supports LGTBQ Students In Ocean City After Protest

This led to the formation of the PRISM Club, a club dedicated to LGBTQ+ students. Read more: LGBTQ Club Forms In Ocean City Schools, 'We Belong' Say Students

Jakob Pender, who at a previous meeting said he had tried to start a gay-straight alliance at Ocean City High School but was told by staff it was not wanted, asked that the new board members follow the code of ethics.

"All students should be made to feel welcome and have the same rights, no matter what their gender identity, sexual identity, religion or anything," Pender said.

Carolyn Rush, a Sea Isle City resident, said that there are students who go to Ocean City schools who think negatively of the LGBTQ community and asked the board to do anything they can to stop bullying.

She said that just as with everyone else, members of the LGBTQ community deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.

"It's important that these students feel safe and secure," Rush said. "This is where they come for an education, but it's also where they come to feel that safety and security."