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Sayreville Board swears in three new members; Lucy Bloom affirmed as president, Jeff Smith as vice president
Summary
At its Jan. 2 reorganization meeting the Sayreville Board of Education sworn in three newly elected members, unanimously affirmed Lucy Bloom as board president and Jeff Smith as vice president, and heard opening remarks celebrating increased board diversity.
Lucy Bloom was affirmed as president of the Sayreville Board of Education after the board unanimously voted to close nominations and approve her by roll call at the district’s Jan. 2 reorganization meeting. The board also unanimously affirmed Jeff Smith as vice president.
Three newly elected members — Carrie Chodkowski, Katya Hernandez, and Lady Maldonado — were formally sworn in during the meeting. Each took the oath of office that affirms support for the U.S. and New Jersey constitutions and compliance with statutory qualifications and disqualifications referenced in the oath (e.g., RS 19:4-1; N.J.S.A. 18A:12-1).
Why it matters: officer elections and the swearing-in set leadership and membership for the coming year, directing committee assignments and agenda priorities. Members used the occasion to emphasize commitments to students and community representation.
Board action and votes: the meeting record shows roll-call votes for the affirmations and the reorganization agenda. The board chair opened nominations for president, Mr. Smith nominated Lucy Bloom, nominations were closed and the board voted to affirm Bloom; Mr. Smith was later nominated and affirmed for vice president by roll call. All recorded votes on these reorganization items were unanimous among those present.
New members’ remarks and board response: the newly sworn members thanked voters and family members and pledged to serve the district’s students. A board member observed a milestone in representation, stating, “For the first time, this board includes not just 1, but 2 women of color,” and called the addition of the new members “groundbreaking.” The comment was offered as a reflection on board diversity and recent staff recruitment efforts.
Procedural note: the board opened and closed a public-comment period on the reorganization agenda; no members of the public spoke during that window.
Votes at a glance: - Affirm Lucy Bloom as president — Motion: affirm Bloom; Mover: Mr. Smith; Seconder: Mrs. Pabon; Vote: unanimous 'Yes' by the roll-call roster recorded in the meeting. - Affirm Jeff Smith as vice president — Motion: affirm Smith; Vote: unanimous 'Yes' by roll call. - Approve reorganization agenda — Motion and second recorded; Vote: unanimous 'Yes' by roll call.
What’s next: With officers in place the board transitioned to its business agenda and scheduled budget and committee work for the year. The meeting adjourned after routine items and brief remarks.
