Dec. 18 was the final regularly secluded meeting of the Evesham Township School District Board of Education for 2014, and it was the final meeting in which board member Dave Silver would be serving on the board.
First elected in 2011, Silver chose not to run for re-election earlier this year, citing among other things the needs of his growing children, and increased responsibilities at work and in running Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey, the Evesham-based charity that provides care packages and surprise welcome home events for members of the armed services.
At the Dec. 18 meeting, board president Joseph Fisicaro Jr. presented Silver with a plaque to honor him for his service, and said he had the utmost respect toward Silver and the board would miss his presence.
“I personally feel that I have become a better board member knowing you and hearing your insight on many things,” Fisicaro said. “In the last year in particular, we have talked a lot, and I have always appreciated everything you have brought to this table and the metaphorical table of this board of education.”
Fisicaro said although Silver was leaving the board, he knew Silver would still be a “very important cog” for the school district and township from all his hours participating in various forms of volunteer work.
“You know no other way and that’s what’s so incredible about you,” Fisicaro said. “I respect you, I love what you do, and even though you won’t be with us here, your impact on Evesham Township is still going to be felt for a very long time.”
Other members of the board also wished Silver well and thanked him for his service.
Board member JoAnne Harmon said she and Silver became friends when they both first ran for the board at the same, and with all the great things he had done for the district, she hoped he would enjoy some free time.
Board member Sandy Student called Silver a “renaissance man” and thanked him for his work on and off the board.
“I know your term was extended by the change in the elections, and we’re just glad you were here those extra few months, and we really appreciate it,” Student said.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, several residents also choose to use some of their time to thank Silver.
Resident Sue Wilder said Silver had become “the voice of many taxpayers in Evesham,” and resident Kenneth Mills said he thought Silver did a great job.
“I know that he’s had some soul searching moments when voting on some things, but he came through in the right ways,” Mills said.
Silver, for his part, thanked those who praised him, as well as his wife and children, who he said make him the person he is today.
Regarding his time on the board, Silver said he just hoped he made a difference in improving the education of children and hopefully gave teachers a better environment to do their jobs.
“The leadership here is fantastic, and everyone has the same goals of improving things and giving kids the best education a dollar can buy,” he said.
As he has done many times in the past, Silver used his time during the final moments of the meeting to promote a fundraising event for this district, and directed people to www.eveshameducationfoundation.org to learn about the Evesham Education Foundation’s upcoming annual “Win, Dine and Win” event on Friday, Jan. 30 where couples can support the district as they enjoy food, wine and casino games.
