HOWELL – Members of the Howell Board of Education have chosen David Flaherty to fill an open seat on the school board.
Flaherty, a sergeant with the Howell Police Department, was sworn into office at the Sept. 26 board meeting. He was appointed to fill the seat of former board member Elizabeth O’Connell until April 2008.
The other residents who sought the appointment were Peter Bruno, Michael Chin, Frank Galuppo, Susan Weisenberg and Francis Scheideler Sr.
Superintendent of Schools Enid Golden said Flaherty was selected for a number of reasons.
“He is knowledgeable of the school system, he holds very impressive degrees, he has served on the board’s committees, he is very involved and he is devoted to serving his community. The board thought he would be a tremendous asset,” Golden said.
Flaherty said he is humbled and proud that the board has so much confidence in him. He said he believes in lifetime learning and said this appointment is another step forward.
“You can never have enough education. I have gone to school quite a bit. It is a process that is ongoing,” he said.
Flaherty holds a certificate in labor studies from Rutgers University, a Bachelor of Arts degree in social sciences from Saint Peter’s College and a Master of Arts degree in human resources, leadership training, and development from Seton Hall University.
In addition to his education, Flaherty has demonstrated leadership in other roles. He presently serves as president of the Howell Township Superior Officers Association; he has been a state delegate for Howell PBA Local 228; he was a member of the Planning Board; and deputy mayor in 1991, among other accomplishments.
“My father and mother always instilled in me that I was part of the community. They told me it was my job to make it better and to give back to it,” he said.
Flaherty said what he plans to contribute to the board is his educational background and understanding of the community.
“I have lived here all my life since the fifth grade. I have worked and served in the town in different capacities. I understand the government and because I have these previous experiences, I have an advantage and somewhat of a learning curve,” Flaherty said.
Flaherty said his wife, Michelle, and daughters, Christine, Courtney and Meghan are just as excited about his new position as he is.
As he put it, “Anything that gets me out of the house, they’re happy about it.”
Flaherty said the first things he will do as a board member is observe, get comfortable and learn as much as he can.