West Milford Board reelects Claire Lockwood as president; endorses absent trustee Tara Reccano for vice‑president appointment

Claire Lockwood was elected president of the West Milford Board of Education at the district's 2026 reorganization meeting, and trustees approved a formal endorsement asking the county superintendent to consider Tara Reccano as vice president once Reccano is sworn in.

The meeting opened with the pledge and a moment of silence, followed by an announcement of November election results naming Tara Reccano, William Stovich and Peter Lippy to three‑year terms. The board requested that Mister Kudahi administer the oath of office; William Stovich recited the oath and was sworn in.

Lockwood was nominated and, after a second, approved by voice vote. "Thank you everyone, for putting your trust in me for another year," Lockwood said, adding that she looks forward to continuing work with colleagues and administration.

Trustees discussed the vice‑president role after learning Reccano was absent and unable to attend because she was stuck in Curaçao. Members noted that a newly elected trustee must be sworn in before formally taking a seat; the board discussed options, including temporarily endorsing Reccano to the county superintendent, who has statutory authority to appoint a vice president if the board fails to elect one at the reorganization meeting. One trustee moved that the board formally endorse Reccano as its requested vice president to the county superintendent upon her swearing; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

Board counsel/administration advised that the oath can be administered outside a public meeting by an authorized official (for example, the board secretary) so Reccano could be sworn in privately and the board would then send a letter to the county superintendent conveying its preference. Trustees discussed that county processing could take several weeks to a few months, though staff said it may be quicker in routine cases.

The board adopted the meeting agenda by motion and voice vote and moved items 8.1 through 8.12 together; after no discussion a roll call vote recorded members present voting to adopt the reorganization resolutions. The chair closed old business and the board heard a new business item informing members of the December 23 death of longtime teacher Ralph Cook, credited with establishing the district's TV science and theater programs and mentoring students. Trustees expressed condolences and discussed honoring him.

During public comment Caitlin Babcock, CPAC chair, announced that CPAC's monthly meeting was rescheduled to Jan. 28 at Highlander Academy and that an informal virtual parent meeting would be held Jan. 19; she said the flyer includes the meeting link. After public comment was closed the board adjourned.

The county superintendent will make the formal appointment if the board does not elect a vice president at a future meeting; the board indicated it will notify the county of its endorsement after any required swearing‑in.