Galloway Township school board elects James Gentile president, installs new members

James Gentile was approved as board president at the Galloway Township Public School District’s reorganization meeting on Jan. 6, 2025, after the board administered oaths to newly elected members. The board also approved its calendar, parliamentary procedures and bylaws for the coming year and adjourned the meeting later that evening.

The meeting opened with the presiding officer reading the public-notice statement, citing "public law 231," and confirming that notice was posted to the press, the municipal building and the district website on Jan. 6, 2025. The board then led the Pledge of Allegiance, and the presiding officer announced that oaths would be administered by board solicitor Amy Halkalco to Belinda Chester, James Gentile and Cath Kathleen Hank.

An unnamed board member nominated James Gentile for board president, saying, "I nominate Jim Gentile for board president." The motion was seconded and carried by roll call: Missus Avery — yes; Doctor Bachelet — yes; Missus Chester — yes; Mister Dace — yes; Mister Gentile — abstain; Missus Hank — yes; Doctor Promenser — yes. Following the vote, the meeting was turned over to President James Gentile, who outlined reorganization items including establishing the board calendar, adopting Robert’s Rules of Order for parliamentary procedures, appointing Suzette Carmen as assistant representative to the negotiations committee, setting notice-fee procedures, adopting divisional bylaws and policies, ratifying contracts and adopting the statutory code of ethics that will govern board members.

The board then opened nominations for vice president. A nomination and second were received for Dr. Brashear Blau. The roll call recorded one abstention and otherwise unanimous support: Missus Avery — yes; Doctor Brashear Blau — abstain; Missus Chester — yes; Mister Dace — yes; Mister Gentile — yes; Missus Hank — yes; Doctor Permenter — yes. The motion to approve Dr. Brashear Blau as vice president carried.

A separate motion to approve agenda items 1.11 through 1.18 (calendar, parliamentary procedure, committee appointments, bylaws, contract ratifications and code of ethics) was made and approved by roll call with all recorded votes in favor. The board opened the allotted public-comment period (three minutes per person) and, seeing no speakers, closed it. A motion to adjourn passed by voice vote and the meeting ended.

Votes at a glance - James Gentile elected board president — outcome: approved (Yes: Missus Avery; Doctor Bachelet; Missus Chester; Mister Dace; Missus Hank; Doctor Promenser. Abstain: Mister Gentile). - Dr. Brashear Blau elected vice president — outcome: approved (Yes: Missus Avery; Missus Chester; Mister Dace; Mister Gentile; Missus Hank; Doctor Permenter. Abstain: Doctor Brashear Blau). - Items 1.11–1.18 (board calendar, Robert’s Rules adoption, committee appointments, bylaws, contract ratification, statutory code of ethics) — outcome: approved unanimously.

The meeting adjourned after the organizational business concluded. No public commenters spoke during the scheduled public-comment period.