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Harrison Township Board elects new officers and approves personnel changes and hires
Summary
The Harrison Township Board of Education elected Shannon Williams president and Jennifer Bowen vice-president, approved multiple personnel actions including a teacher leave, transfers and new hires, and authorized interim hiring authority for vacancies between meetings.
During its Dec. 16 meeting the Harrison Township Board of Education completed its annual reorganization and approved a slate of personnel actions submitted by Superintendent Dr. Missy Peretti.
Alexis Rubino moved to nominate Shannon Williams for Board President; the nomination carried by roll call vote. Janette Coslop moved to nominate Jennifer Bowen for Vice-President; that motion also passed by roll call. Christopher DeSanto, the Business Administrator and Board Secretary, administered the oaths of office to the newly elected officers.
On personnel matters the board authorized the superintendent to hire replacements between meetings when necessary to maintain operations, contingent on required criminal-history and certification checks. The board approved a leave of absence for Laura Sabatano, a first-grade teacher at Harrison Township School, effective April 20, 2026, using 20 accumulated sick days concurrent with FMLA and continuing with unpaid NJFLA leave through June 30, 2026, with an anticipated return Sept. 1, 2026. The board accepted the resignation of bus driver Dawn Errico (effective Nov. 30, 2025) and the retirement of bus driver Elizabeth Gentile (effective Feb. 1, 2026).
To cover leaves the board approved the involuntary transfer of Meghan Hack from interventionist at Pleasant Valley School to sixth-grade teacher (Jan. 5–March 30, 2026) and the transfer of Betsy Patterson to cover that role. It also approved employment of Lauren D'Ariano as a school nurse (effective Jan. 5, 2026), Emily Kupsey of Woolwich Township as a long-term substitute at Harrison Township School (Jan. 12–June 30, 2026, with a BA, Step 1 salary thereafter), and Nadia Cornew as long-term CST secretary (effective Dec. 17, 2025). The board additionally approved a list of substitute and support staff for the 2025–26 school year pending required clearances.
Most personnel motions carried on roll call votes recorded in the minutes. The board also approved one homebound instruction placement (student #26234) with hours and dates to be determined.
