LAWRENCE: Kaplan and Aiyar bid farewell to school board

Leon Kaplan is a firm believer that a free public education is the bedrock of democracy, so nine years ago he welcomed the chance to serve on the Lawrence Township Board of Education.

By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
   Leon Kaplan is a firm believer that a free public education is the bedrock of democracy, so nine years ago he welcomed the chance to serve on the Lawrence Township Board of Education.
   Mr. Kaplan’s public service came to an end last week, with the expiration of his third term on the board. His service — and that of school board member Murali Aiyar, whose term also is expiring — was acknowledged by the board at its Dec. 11 meeting.
   ”Leon, this is your last meeting. You have been on the school board for nine years,” school board President Laura Waters said, before turning to the three Lawrence High School student representatives sitting next to the school board members.
   ”That’s half of your life,” Ms. Waters said to the students, with a smile.
   Ms. Waters admitted that she would not have served on the school board, if it were not for Mr. Kaplan. She said that she, Mr. Kaplan and school board member Bill Michaelson “came together” about 10 years ago over their concerns about how to move the school district “in the right direction.”
   The trio decided to run for the school board, she said, but not without first studying all aspects of education and the school board. They sat down and studied together twice a week for several months, she said, comparing it to a graduate school seminar in Lawrence Township public school education.
   That first election was “contentious,” but it was also an exciting time and a life-changing event, Ms. Waters said. Mr. Kaplan, Ms. Waters and Mr. Michaelson successfully ran for re-election twice. This time around, Mr. Kaplan chose not to seek re-election.
   Noting his belief and support for public education, Mr. Kaplan told the school board that he welcomed the opportunity to give back to the community — and that he, Ms. Waters and Mr. Michaelson believed that education in Lawrence could be improved.
   ”The majority (of voters) agreed with us,” Mr. Kaplan said.
   One of the most important things that a school board can do is to hire a superintendent of schools, he said. After former Superintendent of Schools Max Riley took a job at another school district, the school board hired Philip Meara to take the top administrative post. Mr. Meara has since retired.
   ”Where we are today,” Mr. Kaplan said, is the result of Mr. Meara’s perseverance, vision and demand for general excellence. He also pointed to the fiscally responsible school district operating budgets and the solar energy initiative, which has reined in energy costs.
   Then, it was Mr. Aiyar’s turn to address the school board. He told them that he had enjoyed his two-and-a-half years of service on the board. Although his service on the school board is ending, he said he is going to “be here for a long time.” His youngest child is in the second grade.
   Ms. Waters praised Mr. Aiyar, adding that he brought his background in science, technology and engineering to the school board. She said the school board was “thrilled that he gave us his time,” and that he was able to put science and technology issues into perspective for the board.