Lawrence Township board elects Michelle Bowes president, Pepper Evans vice president

Michelle Bowes was nominated and affirmed as president of the Lawrence Township Board of Education at the board’s reorganization meeting, and Pepper Evans was installed as vice president.

The board secretary opened nominations, noting that a second is not required under district policy. A nomination for Michelle Bowes was made and, with no other nominations, members voted in favor. Later, the board nominated and confirmed Pepper Evans as vice president; Evans accepted the nomination.

The meeting included the formal recitation of the oath of office for new board members. Board members also read and signed the board member Code of Ethics, which emphasizes that members must refer complaints to the superintendent, avoid direct administrative involvement with staff and maintain confidentiality when required.

In reorganization business, the board approved its calendar of regular monthly meetings. The schedule sets closed sessions to begin at 6:30 p.m. and open sessions to follow at 7:00 p.m., with regular meetings to be held at Lawrence High School, 2525 Princeton Pike, unless otherwise noted. The motion to adopt the calendar passed by roll-call vote.

The board additionally adopted procedural norms for leadership selection and thanked outgoing and returning members during remarks. The meeting then continued into routine business and a legal training session led by the board solicitor.

The board moved to enter executive session later in the agenda to discuss HIB matters; no formal action was taken in executive session.