Roof work to start in June

Reconstruction contract OK’d; two join the school board, By Jennifer Knocha Hardyston Township’s Board of Education swore in three new members and accepted the resignation of one member last Tuesday night. Christine Clavin was chosen as the board’s new president. Dr. Kevin Johnson was elected board vice president. Jerry Lanzalotto, who had last served as board president, sent in his resignation, citing medical reasons. The board’s newest members Gregg Hoffman and Dorothy “Dot” Beltramine were sworn in for three-year terms along with incumbent Anita Collins. “My kids have benefited from a great education here. It’s time to give back,” said Hoffman, a 20-year resident of the township, with one child in the district. Beltramine, who also has a child in the middle school, sees joining the board as a natural extension of the work she already does with the PTA. “It will be important to do whatever I can to help the school,” she said. “Education is very important and the students deserve the best they can get.” Project gets green light The first thing they will be getting is a new roof on the middle school, which is a relief to acting Superintendent/CSA Anthony Norod. “I said it on election night and I’ll say it again now. It feels like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders.” Voters approved a $1.7 million referendum for the roof replacement, but with state aid equaling 40 percent of the total project, the cost to taxpayers will be significantly less. The board voted to award the contract for the construction work associated with the new roof to Jersey Roofing Company of West Paterson, based on the recommendation of the consulting architects, ARMM Associates. The reconstruction is expected to begin in June and be completed in time for the new school year. Filling a vacancy Former board president Lanzalotto, who resigned as of the reorganization meeting, was one of the major players in getting the new roof passed, Christine Clavin, the board’s new president, said he will be missed. “I’m honored to step into his shoes. It was great last year and it’s great to step into some really big shoes.” Norod also expressed his regret at Lanzalotto’s departure. “I had a chance to work with him and I felt he was a very dedicated individual. His reasons are his reasons and I wish him well.” Parent Sue Murdock also praised Lanzalotto’s devotion to the district, especially his efforts to work with the Crystal Springs community to help get the roof referendum passed. The board now has 65 days to find a new board member, or a new one will be appointed by the county.