Two Wyckoff BOE Seats Up for Grabs Following Resignations

Two school trustees resigned from the Wyckoff Public School Board of Education Monday night, leaving the seven-member body with a pair seats up for grabs.

Both Catherine Runge and Jill Mortimer resigned with the remainder their 2013 term left, according to Board of Education President Rob Francin.

Mortimer the superintendent of schools in Moonachie, has been "working night and day to get that district back up and running as the schools were destroyed" by Hurricane Sandy, Francin said.

The vacancies come just nine weeks after elections in which township voters chose to seat Danielle Swenson, John Carolan, and Kathy Bowers on the school board.

The two men who had run for the position but were not elected, Bob Buono and Chris Della Pietra, could throw their hats in the ring for the pair of vacant one-year terms.

Della Pietra told Wyckoff-Franklin Lakes Patch Tuesday that he was "planning to seek consideration by the board for the vacancy."

Buono could not be reached for comment. 

"Both Dr. Mortimer and Mrs. Runge served with distinction in their two years on the board," said Wyckoff Public Schools Superintendent Rich Kuder. "It is with regret that the board accepted their resignations.

"Dr. Mortimer's thoughtful discernment and participation in all aspects of the board's activities were deeply appreciated and Mrs. Runge's passion for setting high achievement expectations for all students and perceptive insight were respected by all members."

The board has begun advertising the vacancies on its website, and will accept letters of interest until the end of business on Jan. 16.

It's believed that the board hopes to select one or both candidates for approval by its Jan. 21 meeting.

In other Wyckoff Board of Education news, Francin was re-elected board president and Lisa Martone was elected vice president at the Monday night meeting, and Bower, Carolan and Swenson were sworn in.

"[The new trustees] are all uniquely qualified and I am certain will continue to elevate the level of discussion and commitment to our students," Francin said Tuesday.

Those interested in the vacant positions must submit letters of interest by Jan. 16 at 5 p.m. to:

Business Administrator Alan C. Reiffe
Wyckoff Board of Education
241 Morse Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481

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