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Hunterdon Central board appoints Claudia Gray to fill Raritan Township seat
Summary
The Hunterdon Central Regional High School District board voted 5-3 to appoint Claudia Gray to the vacant Raritan Township seat through Dec. 31, 2025 after interviewing three candidates; the choice drew public comment criticizing ideological voting and prompted calls for the board to prioritize experience and students.
The Hunterdon Central Regional High School District Board of Education on Jan. 27 appointed Claudia Gray to fill the vacant Raritan Township seat through Dec. 31, 2025 after interviewing three candidates and taking nominations and roll-call votes.
Board President Lisa Santangelo opened nominations and the board proceeded to two separate nominations: Reverend Williams and Claudia Gray. The board voted 5-3 to appoint Gray. The roll call recorded yes votes from Mrs. Duggan, Miss La Costa, Mrs. Peterson, Mrs. Rothel and Mrs. Santangelo and no votes from Mrs. Gong, Dr. Halpern and Mrs. Kellogg.
The appointment followed interviews of three candidates earlier in the meeting. Reverend Williams described professional experience in project engineering and faith leadership, service on the Hunterdon County NAACP education committee, and involvement with Family Promise National. Two other candidates spoke about community, nonprofit and parental experience; transcripts do not clearly attach a full name to those two candidates. Gray was not at the table when the appointment was announced; the board president said staff would follow up regarding paperwork and a background check.
The choice prompted several public comments during the meeting's resident forum. Ed McLaughlin of Delaware Township said the board’s selection appeared to be driven by ideology rather than qualifications and urged members to “make this about students” rather than politics. Longtime Raritan Township resident Virginia Perotti said she was “ashamed” by the vote and asked the board to seat members with varied and relevant experience. Other speakers urged civility and inclusion in board deliberations.
The board conducted the appointment vote as an open-session action after a brief executive-session recess; board members confirmed notice had been posted and the meeting was held in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.
No additional formal action tied specifically to the appointment was recorded at the meeting; the board president said Missus Spitzer would contact Gray about onboarding steps including paperwork and a background check.
The newly appointed member’s term will run through Dec. 31, 2025. The board did not adopt any new policies regarding appointments at the meeting.
Notes: Reverend Williams’ remarks at the candidate interview described experience with fundraising, leadership in a faith community, and prior coaching; those biographical details are included only where explicitly spoken.
