Members of the Metuchen Board of Education honored Jonathan Lifton on Dec. 16 for more than 15 years of service to the district.

Board members — including the president, fellow trustees and superintendent Dr. Caputo — praised Lifton’s steady leadership, institutional knowledge and role in negotiations with district unions. Dr. Caputo said Lifton “served the district with grace and expertise,” and board colleagues recalled Lifton’s involvement in long-running priorities such as the full-day kindergarten effort and contract negotiations with the Metuchen Education Association (MEA).

Lifton thanked colleagues, staff and his family, and noted his appreciation for collaborative board work. “I truly have never served with a board member whose primary…was the betterment of the district for the students,” he said, reflecting on relationships and negotiations he chaired during his tenure. Lifton also acknowledged administrative leaders — including Dr. Caputo and business administrator Mr. Harvey — for their partnership.

The board presented Lifton with a commemorative award and members offered personal tributes; Lifton told the audience it had been “the honor of my life” to serve and thanked the community for five terms of service.