Westfield Board swears in three new trustees and elects Rob Bonaccio president

The Westfield Board of Education on May 5 swore in three trustees elected April 21 — Kent Diamond, Patrick Duffy and Anthony Tesetori — and elected its leadership for the coming year. Rob Bonaccio was chosen board president and Kristen Sonic Schmelz was elected vice president in roll-call votes.

At the start of the reorganization meeting the clerk announced the election results and administered the statutory oath. Each new trustee recited the oath that includes allegiance to the U.S. and New Jersey constitutions and a statement of legal qualifications: "I, Kent Diamond, do solemnly swear ..."; "I, Patrick Duffy, do solemnly swear ..."; and "I, Anthony Tesetori, do solemnly swear ...". The swearing formalized three-year terms for each trustee.

Nominations for president followed under Policy 1.52. Mary Wiggins nominated Rob Bonaccio, who received an enthusiastic endorsement from the nominator: "Rob has an impressive ability to ensure every perspective is thoroughly explored," Mary Wiggins said during remarks supporting the nomination. After no additional nominations, the board conducted a roll-call and elected Bonaccio president. Kristen Sonic Schmelz was nominated and elected vice president in a subsequent unanimous roll-call vote.

Board rules cited during the organization state that officers serve one-year terms. The clerk recorded roll call attendance and noted that all members present voted in favor of the officer elections. The meeting record shows no recorded oppositions or abstentions on the officer votes.

The leadership changes come as the board prepares for regular business later in May, including committee presentations and action items on the May 12 meeting agenda. The board set its next regular public meeting for May 12, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in Cafeteria B at Westfield High School.