Board leadership elected amid division; president chosen 5–4, vice president 5–3

The Marlboro Township School District held its annual reorganization meeting where the board elected its president and vice president after contested nominations and public comment calling for civility.

In the president’s race, a nomination for Brian Cohn was recorded and board member Danielle Balomo was also nominated and given a lengthy endorsement emphasizing community support and leadership experience. In a roll-call vote the board tallied five votes to four and declared “Mister Cohen” elected president. During the process, the candidate referred to repeatedly in the meeting as “Mister Cohen” spoke of a desire to lead without a personal agenda and to seek unity on the board.

Danielle Balomo, who delivered an extended nomination speech, argued the board needed a change in tone and to place students ahead of personal pride. “Serving as board president is no small task … I am nominating Danielle because I believe this board needs a shift,” Balomo said in her remarks.

The board then opened nominations for vice president. Jenna Carrero and Michael Olonsky were nominated; each candidate made a statement. Carrero, who described roots in Marlboro and a background in education and school volunteering, won the vice-presidency in roll-call voting, 5–3.

Votes at a glance: president — Mister Cohen, 5–4; vice president — Jenna Carrero, 5–3.

Both officer elections followed the board attorney’s description of the bylaws and the roll-call procedure. Newly elected leadership and several members urged a focus on professionalism and collaboration going forward. The meeting proceeded to other organizational business and a scheduled executive session.

The board is expected to move forward with its agenda under the newly elected leadership; no additional formal challenges to the results were recorded before the meeting recessed to executive session.