Township BOE Decides to Fast Track Board Vacancy

The Gloucester Township Board of Education on Monday decided to set a deadline of Nov. 27 for prospective candidates to apply for a vacant seat on the board.

The surprise move came at the end of a nearly 3-hour meeting in which the board considered and passed 35 resolutions on a printed agenda and three add-ons. 

Members Ellen Reese and Linda Gilch urged colleagues to move quickly to fill the spot to give the board a full complement of nine members. Board member Joseph Gunn argued for more time for candidates to come forward, but voted for the resolution that unanimously passed. 

The vacancy was created by the resignation of longtime member Andrew Lalli, who announced he was stepping down last week. Lalli and board President William Collins did not attend Monday's meeting. Lalli's resignation is effective at the end of this month.

The board agreed to post a notice for candidates to submit a letter of interest and a resume to the board secretary by the close of business next Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving.

Lalli's resignation came a week after Collins was the lone incumbent not be reelected in a field of six candidates for three available seats. Reese and Gilch were reelected and newcomer Dominic Gagliardi beat out Collins for third place.

The board meets twice, for a work session and action meeting, in December. Members said they could appoint a replacement during one of the meetings.