Two School Board Members Resign In Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ - Lynn Benner and Charles Ostroff have resigned their posts as members of the Westfield Board of Education, leaving two vacancies to be filled.

Citing new work-related conflicts, Ostroff, who was re-elected in November, said he is “saddened” that he can no longer serve on what he considers “a great Board.”

“I am grateful for my time on the Board and for the people who I have met during my tenure,” he said.

Ostroff’s resignation was effective Monday.

Elected in November of 2017, Benner sent a letter of resignation.

“This was not an easy decision for me to make,” she said the letter. “In the past year, I have enjoyed and learned much from the collaboration with my fellow board members and Superintendent Dolan. I have witnessed the dedication and respect with which the board provided the greatest educational rewards to the Westfield community.”

Benner's resignation was effective Tuesday.

Ostroff chaired the Budget and Finance Committee and served as a member of the Facilities, Long Range Planning, and Technology committees. Benner served on the Legislation and Policies committees.

Following the resignation announcements by Benner and Ostroff, Board President Peggy Oster thanked them for their service and professionalism.

“The contributions Mr. Ostroff and Mrs. Benner have made to the Board and to the students of Westfield have been tremendous. Both have volunteered considerable time and expertise to maintain the tradition of excellence in Westfield Public Schools,” said Oster.

In the wake of these abrupt departures. the Westfield Board of Education is seeking applicants who are interested in serving on the Board through December 2019 to fill the vacancies.

The process for the Board of Education to select a member from the applicant pool is for the Board to interview applicants in a closed, executive session.

Westfield citizens interested in filling the Board vacancies through December 2019 should submit their resume or letter of intent to Board Secretary Dana Sullivan, Westfield Public Schools, 302 Elm Street, Westfield, NJ 07090 by 4 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2019.

To be considered for a seat on the Board of Education, a candidate must be:

• A citizen of the United States of America
• At least 18 years of age
• Able to read and write
• A resident of Westfield
• A registered voter in Westfield

The closed interview session will take place in the evening of Feb. 5, 2019 in the Board Room at 302 Elm Street. The time of that meeting will be determined later. The vote to select the candidates will be in public and is expected to take place at the board meeting that evening.

The newly appointed Board members would be required to run for the unexpired portions of Ostroff’s and Benner’s terms following the election process established by the County.

The election for an unexpired 1-year term for Mrs. Benner’s seat and a 2-year term for Mr. Ostroff’s seat would take place on Nov. 5. This election will be open to any Westfield resident.

Questions relating to the candidate application process can be directed to Dana Sullivan at dsullivan@westfieldnjk12.org or 908-789-4402.

(Photos provided)

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