Secaucus board fills vacancy, appoints Mary Echols after executive-session deliberations

The Secaucus Board of Education appointed Mary Echols to a vacant board seat on Nov. 20, voting 6–2 after public interviews and closed-session deliberations.

President Diadetta opened the evening’s candidate interviews and said the board would conduct public interviews and deliberate in executive session. Two rounds of nominations were held after the board returned to public session: an initial vote on Dina Gervasio failed, recorded as three yes and five no votes; the subsequent vote on Mary Echols passed, with roll call showing Bartletta, Diadetta, DeBarry, D'Ambre, Howard and Lewis voting yes and Geller and Lyons voting no. After the vote President Diadetta said, “Congratulations, Mary Echols.”

Candidates spoke publicly before deliberations. Mary Echols described stability as “creating an environment where everyone … knows what the district is working toward and can trust that we’re moving in the direction consistently,” and said strong partnerships between the board and superintendent are essential. Dina Gerbasio emphasized trust and communication, saying stability comes from “consistent, transparent leadership” and urged hiring a permanent superintendent to restore confidence.

Public commenters also addressed the board during the forum. Anthony Grenieri urged greater transparency in the selection process and called for deliberations to be held in public; he cited frequent superintendent turnover and test-performance concerns as reasons for public scrutiny. Steven Zambrano spoke in support of another nominee.

The appointment followed the board’s stated process: public interviews, executive-session deliberations, and a public vote. The board did not announce additional conditions tied to the appointment during the meeting. The newly appointed member will serve the remainder of the unexpired term, per board practice.

The board adjourned after brief member remarks and holiday well-wishes.