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Garfield Board of Education certifies election results, swears in new members and elects Putterer president
Summary
At its May 6 reorganization meeting the Garfield Board of Education read official April 21 election totals, administered oaths to four newly elected members and elected Arlene Putterer president and Marissa Irizarry vice president; the board approved its meeting calendar, the district Code of Student Conduct and participation in a cooperative pricing system.
The Garfield Board of Education on May 6 read the official April 21, 2026 school board election results, swore in newly elected members and selected new leadership at its annual reorganization meeting.
Board officials announced the certified vote totals for the three-year terms: Alan B. Focarino 533 votes, Adrian Diaz 492, Albin Gabba 488; Carmen V. Briante and Abdelkader Sardena followed with 484 and 481 respectively. For the one-year unexpired term, Shawn Rezio (recorded in the oath as Shawn Daniel Redzio) received 444 votes and Aleah Sanchez 328.
Following the results, judicial and law-enforcement officials administered oaths of office. Hon. Giuseppe Rendazzo swore in Albin Gabba, who recited the statutory oath, saying in part, “I, Albin Gabba, do solemnly swear…” Hon. Joseph Conte administered the oath to Alan B. Focarino; Sheriff Anthony Carotenuto swore in Adrian Diaz; and Hon. Louis G. Aloia administered the oath to Shawn Daniel Redzio.
Why it matters: The reorganization establishes the board’s leadership and roster for the coming year and completes formalities required by state law before trustees begin taking official actions.
After the oath ceremonies the board proceeded to internal elections. A trustee moved to nominate Arlene Putterer for board president; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote. The board then nominated Marissa Irizarry for vice president (seconded on the record by Alan Gabbay); that motion likewise passed on roll-call.
The board also handled routine governance items. Trustees voted to approve the board meeting calendar for the coming year, the district Code of Student Conduct and to participate in a cooperative pricing system for procurement. The public-comment portion of the meeting drew no speakers.
Trustees offered congratulations to newly elected colleagues and thanked district staff for ongoing support, singling out Dr. Tomko and district administrators for regular responsiveness to board concerns. The meeting closed after a motion to adjourn carried by roll call.
What’s next: The board will carry out its committees and regular business under the newly elected president and vice president; no additional hearings or votes were scheduled during the reorganization meeting.
