Lacey Township Board names Carrie Opitz to fill vacancy after interviews

The Lacey Township Board of Education on Nov. 18 interviewed four candidates to fill a recent vacancy and unanimously nominated Carrie Opitz to the seat. After a private executive session to consider the interviews, the board reopened public business, accepted a nomination for Opitz and recorded a unanimous roll-call confirming the selection.

Opitz, a lifelong Lacey resident who has three children in district schools, described her volunteer experience as PTA treasurer at Mill Pond and Cedar Creek and cited a professional background in accounting and regulatory compliance at Hackensack Meridian Health. In the public interview she said she applied to "protect public education for our schools and for Lacey Schools" and emphasized improving community trust and advocating for funding.

The chair thanked all four applicants — Jennifer Kleinians, Regina DeCenzo, Carrie Opitz and John Sotelo Jr. — for participating in interviews. Following the nomination and a motion to close nominations, the board took a roll-call vote: Mister Armada (yes), Mister Bell (yes), Missus Armada (yes), Missus Walker (yes), Mister Connerty (yes) and Missus Claus (yes). The board president said the district will conduct a background check and then swear in Opitz at the next board meeting.

The vacancy was discussed in executive session along with confidential student, legal and personnel matters; board members said the interviews were followed by private deliberations before the public vote. The board noted incoming members will receive training and orientation ahead of the formal start of their terms.

What happens next: Opitz will complete a background check and the board plans to swear her in at the next scheduled meeting pending clearance.