Reinman Road resident Kathy Helewa is the newest member of the Warren Township Board of Education, after her selection to fill the unexpired term of Patricia Toubin at Monday's meeting.

Helewa has been active in the Woodland School PTO, where her two children are students.

"I definitely appreciate all that Warren Township has done for my kids and my family," Helewa said when asked the candidates were asked why they wanted to serve on the board. "I have an innate sense of fairness and consensus building tat I think would not only serve the commuity at large, but the board itself."

Helewa also said she would "appreciate every dollar" the district receives, "and by 'appreciate,' I mean value." She also said she would like to see communication between the board and residents be more "circular."

The board also interviewed Mountain Avenue resident Desiree DeNourie, Patricia Zohn, of Mountainview Road, and Arthur Pravato. Board Vice-president Mildred Spiller noted all of the candidates impressed the board, and encouraged them to consider filing for election to the board in the fall.

"We have come to a consensus," Spiller said, after the board met in a closed session for about 30 minutes considering the selection. "This was an extremely difficult decision." 

After taking the oath of office, Helewa acted on her first official task: making a motion to adjourn the meeting.