Schools

High School Board Seeks Replacement to Fill Pepe's Term ... And Then Some

Timeline for finding someone to complete the term—and candidates seeking office—outlined.

The Watchung Hills Regional Board of Education launched the search for a replacement for Louis Pepe Tuesday, with a timeline for replacement that may mean a two month term or possibly one to the end of the year.

Thanks to the passage of Senate bill 3148—the law enabling school districts to move elections to the fall signed by Gov. Chris Christie Tuesday after the State of the State address, school board members' terms that would have ended at the end of April are likely to be extended to the end of the year, if the board chooses to accept the move of elections.

But with too many questions about how the change might impact everything from budgeting for programs to the school budget, board members aren't ready to commit to the change just yet.

Find out what's happening in Warrenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Regardless, the board has until March 10 to name a replacement for Pepe or have the county superintendent make the appointment. Board members hope to avoid that, and outlined the process and timeline for interested residents:

  • Interested residents of Long Hill should submit letters expressing their interest to the board by 3 p.m. Feb. 15. A form may be developed to make it easier for applicants, as well as the board, but is not currently available.
  • The board will conduct public interviews at the Feb. 21 meeting, with a vote possible after a closed-session discussion.
  • If the board is unable to reach a decision or chooses not to vote at the Feb. 21 meeting, a vote could be held at the March 5 meeting.
  • The appointed board member will serve out the remainder of Pepe's term...whether until April or December.

Candidates for Pepe's seat in the election—as well as one seat each in Warren and Watchung—have a different timeline.

Find out what's happening in Warrenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Candidates for the school board must file nominating petitions by 4 p.m. Feb. 27. Petitions are available from the board offices or from the New Jersey School Boards Association.

Elections will be held April 17...maybe.


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