T/E School Board Swears In New Members, Reelects President and VP

At Tredyffrin/Easttown School District's School Board meeting Monday night, five school board members were sworn in, including two newly elected members. The board also unanimously reelected Karen Cruickshank and Betsy Fadem as school board president and vice president, respectively. 

As the longest serving member of the school board not up for reelection, Betsy Fadem administered the Oath of Office to the five board members elected or re-elected in the . Reelected school board members Jim Bruce, Karen Cruickshank and Pete Motel were sworn in, along with new members Liz Mercogliano and Kris Graham.

Board members were then asked for nominations for the office of school board president. Bruce nominated Cruickshank, and no other nominations were given. The board unanimously elected Cruickshank to another term of service as school board president.

"Thanks to all the board—one of best parts about this position is being able to work with some really phenomenal people," Cruickshank said.

Fadem was nominated for vice president with no other nominations, and was also elected unanimously.

The board then moved swiftly through a consent agenda.

I'm looking forward to [this year]," Cruickshank said after the meeting. "These are really, really challenging times for public education, there's no doubt about that. … That said, in some respects, it may be a lot more interesting. … We really have to look outside the box, we have to make some tough financial decisions again this year, we're going to end up lobbying the state hard to look at how it funds public education. … We're going to continue to look internally to see what we can do here in the district."

"I'm just so proud," Cruickshank continued. "I think this is probably one of the best districts in the state to work in. We have a terrific board, fantastic administration, great teachers—you couldn't ask for a better combination than that. So it's a pleasure to work with the school."

A special board business meeting will be held Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the preliminary 2012-2013 budget. The next regular board meeting will be held Monday, Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m. in TEAO Room 200 at 940 W. Valley Rd., Wayne.