The Cinnaminson board of education’s annual reorganization meeting on Jan. 3 included the swearing in of its new members and those reelected to their positions.
“All boards of education are required to have a reorganization meeting within the first week of the calendar year,” said school Superintendent Stephen Cappello. “The board also elected a president and vice president. Several other appointments took place as well.”
Three members – including one new to the board – were elected to three-year terms: Michael Bramhall, Christine Turner and Katherine Bleistine. Secretary/Business Administrator Melissa Livengood was appointed board secretary, Public Agency Compliance Officer to assist the state treasurer and district purchasing agent through January 2024.
The terms of Bramhall and Turner expired at the end of 2022, while Blestine, the newest member, fills the seat of Christine Trampé. Board President Laura Fitzwater and Vice President Turner were reelected to their positions.
Blestine, who got 2,808 votes in the November election, was described at the reorganization meeting as a breath of fresh air and youthful energy.
“It is certainly worth noting that, at 22 years old, Ms. Bleistine is the youngest member to hold an elected office in the township in recent history,” Cappello said.
Fitzwater has held her position since 2018. Turner – a board member since 2015 – will now serve her second year as vice president; she was first elected to the position last January.
While board members come and go, Cinnaminson saw three positions up for grabs in the recent election. The terms of four board members will expire at the end of 2023.
The board’s first official meeting will be on Jan. 17 at 7 p.m.
