Farewell to Fallon, Seelig at Board Meeting

Monday's final meeting of the Watchung Hills Regional Board of Education for the year also capped the long school board careers of Peter Fallon and Paul Seelig, two members credited with guiding the school through several tulmultuous years.

And while the other board members happily sang their praises, that didn't mean a little good-natured ribbing couldn't be added.

"It's not often I want to say 'thank you' to a lawyer for doing anything—but in your case, I'm happy to," board member Gerry Binder said to Fallon, an attorney with Coughlin and Duffy, a law firm in Morristown.

Binder and other board members praised Fallon's guidance to the board during the recent teacher contract negotiations, and his input on school policies and contracts.

Seelig, who wasn't able to attend the meeting, was noted for his patient leadership of the board during his terms as president.

"I've never seen anybody work as hard as Paul did and we wouldn't be the school we are without him," Fallon said.

Fallon and Seelig joined the board in 2006, after both served on elementary school boards in Warren and Watchung, respectively. Both received copies of a board resolution noting their contributions.

"We don't often get to recognize the achievements of board members," Board President Robert Horowitz said. "What is it, at the end of the day, that each of us would like to say is our legacy when we leave? I think it would be that we have had a positive impact on the lives of the children who come sot the school."

Based on the board members' comments, that legacy is secure for Peter Fallon and Paul Seelig.