Those wanting to fill the township vacancy must apply by Dec. 13
By Ruth Luse, Managing Editor
Veteran Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education member Carl Swanson, 78, has resigned, effective today (Nov. 29), for health reasons.
Dr. Swanson submitted his resignation to board President Linda Mitchell Wednesday night.
Under state law, the board has 65 days to appoint a replacement for Dr. Swanson. The interim board member would serve until the next regular election of the board, set by state law for April 15.
However, “given the importance of numerous pending issues before the board, most notably the development of the 2008-09 budget,” said JoAnn Meyer, district director of communications and development, “Ms. Mitchell said she intends to expedite the process.”
According to Robert Colavita, board secretary, the legal requirements to become a school board member include: be a registered voter in Hopewell Township; be a citizen of the United States of America; be 18 years of age; be able to read and write; have been a resident of Hopewell Township for at least one year; shall not be directly/indirectly interested in any contract with or claim against the board; must fulfill the requirements of the New Jersey Ethics Act.
The appointment will be effective until the organization meeting following the April 2008 annual school election.
The board intends to appoint a qualified resident to this vacancy according to the following time schedule:
— A letter of application, which includes the candidates qualifications, resume, and reasons for wanting to become a board member, should be received by Robert Colavita, board secretary, no later than noon on Dec. 13 at the Administration Building, 425 S. Main St., Pennington, 08534.
— The board will interview qualified candidates at the regular board meeting on Dec. 17.
— Following deliberations, the board will appoint and seat the replacement board member at the Dec. 17 regular meeting.
Interested residents may contact Mr. Colavita at 737-4000 ext. 2201.
THE LONGEST-SERVING member of the board, along with former running mate Ed Gainsborg, Dr. Swanson was one of Hopewell Township’s seven elected representatives. Hopewell Borough and Pennington Borough each have one representative— Melvin Myers and Kevin Doran respectively.
”During the past year my participation on the Board of Education has been interrupted by bouts of illness which have resulted in less involvement by me on board matters than I feel either the board or the community deserves,” Dr. Swanson wrote to Ms. Mitchell.
”Most recently I have concluded that for the remainder of my current term, which ends next April, my participation will continue to be less than I wish it to be. Therefore, with great reluctance I write to inform you that I resign my position as a member of the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education to take place immediately,” Dr. Swanson said.

