RED BANK – Ben Forest will not be seeking another term as president of the Red Bank Board of Education.
At the Nov. 17 Board of Education meeting, Forest announced that he will step down after serving three years as the board of education’s president.
“The last three years have been challenging at many levels and it was made doable because we have a great team here. It’s been a real honor serving as president here,” said Forest.
Forest said he would like to give other members an opportunity to experience the role.
“There are certain things you do as a board president that other board members don’t often see. I have a rather unique relationship with whoever is the superintendent. I am more engaged and involved than I was as a board member,” said Forest, who has been a member of the school board for 11 years.
“It’s very educational and it certainly gives me an understanding of what we’re doing here much more so than I had previously.”
He has mentioned that he felt that it was healthy for the board if members “took turns” as board president.
According to Forest, his tenure as president has seen many highs and lows.
“The first 18 months of being board president was basically kind of hell,” he said. Forest remarked on difficulties surrounding the budget as well as hiring a new superintendent.
“But in the last 18 months, it’s actually been pretty good being the board president. Things are running well and I think we’re running on all cylinders. I think it might be good to go when things are running well.”
Forest also cited personal concerns as another reason why he felt it was time for him to step down.
During public comments Carol Boehm, president of the Red Bank Borough Education Association, thanked Forest’s service as the president.
“Mr. Forest, thank you for your three years of service, there’s big shoes to fill for you,” said Boehm
The Board of Education will vote on a new president in January.
Members of the board of education serve for three-year terms. Forest’s seat will be up for re-election in 2016.
The Red Bank Board of Education governs the district two schools, Red Bank Middle School and Red Bank Primary School.
Contact Michael Nunes at mnunes@gmnews.com.