The Moorestown Board of Education held its reorganization meeting virtually on Jan 5 with two new faces ascending to leadership positions. Caryn Shaw was named board president and Lauren Romano was appointed vice-president.
Jack Fairchild, Lauren Romano and Maurice Weeks were sworn in during the Tuesday night session. Fairchild and Romano were returning incumbents, while Weeks did not serve on the board in 2020. She did previously serve from 2016 to 2019.
Shaw takes over for previous President Sandra Alberti, who occupied the seat beginning July 2017. Alberti nominated Shaw, noting that she was eager to bring new leadership into the mix.
“I look forward to working with Caryn and the new leadership of the board going forward and (inviting) more voices into the conversation,” Alberti said.
Shaw thanked Alberti for her dedicated leadership during the past three years and said she’s learned a great deal from Alberti during her time as president.
“There’s been so many ups and downs, but your strength and your guidance, coupled with your strong background and passion for education, has been so helpful to myself and the board,” Shaw said.
Shaw received unanimous support from her eight fellow board members. She congratulated Fairchild, Romano and Weeks for signing up for three more years of service.
“In these very tumultuous times, it’s very noble that you would continue your service on the board,” Shaw noted.
Shaw has spent nearly 11 years volunteering for the district in one capacity or another. She said it’s an honor to serve as president and is thrilled at the opportunity.
The new board president did concede the months ahead will, undoubtedly, bring their challenges.
“I know this won’t be an easy year,” Shaw acknowledged. “We still have a lot to contend with related to COVID and the restrictions, and it’s been difficult for all of us.”
But she said amid the pandemic, members of the district have shown innovation, resilience, grit, compassion and creativity, and she’s hopeful these are the attributes the Moorestown community will bring with them as they move forward.
While Shaw received a unanimous vote, Romano did not. Board member Mark Villaneuva nominated David Weinstein to serve as vice president. Ultimately, Romano received seven yes votes and one no vote from Villanueva. Weinstein chose to abstain.
Romano echoed Shaw’s thanks.
“I feel really honored to have this opportunity,” she said. “We had talked about the opportunity to kind of evolve and change leadership seats, and so, I’m excited for this new opportunity.”
The next meeting of the Moorestown Board of Education will take place on Tuesday, Jan 19, at 7 p.m.
