Bayonne Board elects Mary Jane as president; Trustee Maio chosen vice president

At its Jan. 7 organizational meeting at the Alexander X O'Conor Auditorium, the Bayonne Board of Education swore in three members and elected Mary Jane as board president and Trustee Maio as vice president.

Mary Jane, who accepted a nomination for president, told the board she would "carry out the job functions to the best my ability" and said she favored more structure and decorum in meetings. An incumbent who said they had served as president for the prior two years also spoke before the vote. After discussion and recorded votes, members voted to elect Mary Jane president; the motion "passes," and she took the president’s seat.

Trustees then opened nominations for vice president. Trustee Maio was elected vice president following votes in the order the candidates were nominated. Board members approved the published agenda for the meeting with an option noted to revisit the planned workshop timing.

The organizational meeting began with the reading of certified election results for the Nov. 5, 2024 election and the administration of the oath of office to Jody Casayas, Melissa Gesi Rodriguez and Pamela Scane. Mr. Ed Florio read the oath and administered the swearing-in.

Votes on the leadership positions were recorded orally during the meeting; the board announced the motions carried. The board concluded the evening after brief remarks of thanks and a motion to adjourn carried.

Next steps: the board will proceed with its regular calendar of business; no additional formal actions on policy or personnel were taken during the organizational votes reported at this meeting.