43
Liberty school board welcomes new member
Liberty
The board of education filled a four-month vacancy Tuesday.
James Jones, 38, was the lone applicant for the position at a troubled time for the district in fiscal emergency.
He replaces Gloria Lang, who resigned from the board in September for personal reasons.
Board members said several people approached them about applying for the position, but in the end, Jones was the only formal applicant.
“As both a property owner and a resident of Liberty, I have a commitment to stay here,” Jones said.
He also has three children enrolled in E.J. Blott Elementary and has lived in Liberty since 2003.
He was urged to apply for the position by Joe Nohra, who was elected school- board president at the meeting.
Jones said there is a vacuum in volunteerism from people of his generation.
Although he lacks the career education experience of the other four board members, Jones said he’ll bring an understanding of budgets and of government, having worked as an engineer for various government agencies throughout his career.
His four colleagues all work in the education field.
Board member David Malone, principal of Springfield Intermediate School, also was sworn in Tuesday. He and former board president Diana DeVito ran uncontested in November.
“This is a job for the few, the proud and the brave,” DeVito said.
The board also elected Malone as vice president.
“I feel a responsibility to not only my children but to all the students and residents of the township that all students receive the same great education that I received,” Malone said to the board.
The fifth board member is Christine Flanagan.