Get A Closer Look At Westfield's Board Of Education

Westfield, NJ -- As Westfield Public Schools roll into the fourth marking period the Board of Education is continuing to work on district goals and initiatives.

The nine volunteers elected who serve on the Westfield Board of Education include:

1. Ginny Leiz,
2. Gretchan Ohlig (President),
3. Peggy Oster (Vice President),
4. Christopher Langhart,
5. Mitchell Slater,
6. Mark Friedman,
7. Brendan Galligan,
8. Charles Ostroff,
9. and Robert Garrison.

“Our Board members devote many hours to ensuring that the Westfield Public Schools continue the tradition of excellence,” stated Superintendent Margaret Dolan in a release.

Along with meeting twice a month for public meetings the Board also serves on many committees and organizations.

Here is a breakdown of what each member does.

BUDGET & FINANCE – Chairperson Mark Friedman is joined by Christopher Langhart, Gretchan Ohlig, and Mitch Slater, with Robert Garrison as alternate.

CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION & PROGRAMS – Chairperson Peggy Oster, as well as Ginny Leiz, Gretchan Ohlig, and Robert Garrison, with Mitch Slater as alternate, comprise this committee.

FACILITIES – Brendan Galligan chairs this committee, whose members include Ginny Leiz, Peggy Oster, and Charles Ostroff, with Gretchan Ohlig as alternate.

LONG RANGE PLANNING – Ginny Leiz is Chairperson, with Mark Friedman, Brendan Galligan, and Mitch Slater, with alternate Charles Ostroff.

POLICIES - Chairperson Christopher Langhart, as well as Brendan Galligan, Robert Garrison, and Gretchan Ohlig, with Ginny Leiz as alternate, comprise this committee.

LEGISLATION – Brendan Galligan is Chairperson, serving with Christopher Langhart, Robert Garrison, and Charles Ostroff, with Peggy Oster as alternate.

TECHNOLOGY – Mitch Slater chairs this committee and is joined by Ginny Leiz, Peggy Oster, and Charles Ostroff, with Mark Friedman as alternate.

NEGOTIATIONS – Chairperson Ginny Leiz, as well as Brendan Galligan, Christopher Langhart, and Gretchan Ohlig serve on this committee.

Each school in the district is represented by a Board member who attends PTO meetings and reports on Board business.

The school liaisons include:

• Westfield High School – Gretchan Ohlig;
• Edison Intermediate School –Ginny Leiz;
• Roosevelt Intermediate School – Peggy Oster;
• Franklin School – Christopher Langhart;
• Jefferson School – Gretchan Ohlig;
• Lincoln School – Peggy Oster;
• McKinley School – Ginny Leiz;
• Tamaques School – Mitch Slater;
• Washington School – Charles Ostroff;
• and Wilson School – Robert Garrison.

In addition, Board members serve as liaisons and attend meetings of local and educational organizations.

The following organizational meetings are reported on by Board of Education liaisons:

• New Jersey School Boards – Ginny Leiz;
• Union County School Boards – Christopher Langhart;
• Union County Educational Services Commission – Ginny Leiz;
• Parent-Teacher Council (including Special Education Parents Committee) – Peggy Oster;
• District Staff Evaluation Committee – Gretchan Ohlig;
• Recreation Commission – Christopher Langhart;
• Library Board – Charles Ostroff;
• Garden State Coalition of Schools – Peggy Oster;
• Town Council – Gretchan Ohlig;
• Tri-County Boards for Quality Education – Ginny Leiz;
• and Green Team – Ginny Leiz.

More information can be found on the Board of Education website. All Board members can be contacted at: wboe@westfieldnjk12.org.

-- Lorre Korecky