By Andrew Martins, Managing Editor
Members of the Hillsborough Board of Education recently took time to commend Debashis “Dev” Dutta for his service on the board as his successor gets ready to take his place next month.
During the Dec. 12 and Dec. 19 meetings, school board members thanked Mr. Dutta’s efforts in support of the district.
“It has been an honor and I appreciate your work, especially on the negotiations committee this time around, with all the long nights we put in,” school board member Gregory Gillette said. “You did a great job and I wish you continued success.”
Originally elected to be board back in November 2013, Mr. Dutta served on a number of committees, including the operations committee and the education committee.
Mr. Dutta also served on the school board’s negotiating team, which worked earlier this year with the Hillsborough Education Association to set the latest contract agreements for teachers and other district employees.
District officials also touted Mr. Dutta’s dedication to the expansion of Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) opportunities within the district.
Though Mr. Dutta did not send his children to the Hillsborough School District, he worked over the years to its benefit.
“This has been a humbling learning experience,” Mr. Dutta said. “(My family has) lived in the community for more than 20 years, so this was one way for me to give back.”
Earlier this year, voters in Hillsborough Township selected incumbent members Thomas Kinst and Gregory Gillette, as well as newcomer Jean Trujillo, to serve on the Board of Education for the next three years.
Mr. Dutta’s term will officially come to an end at the end of the year, but his final meeting was Dec. 19. Ms. Trujillo will take her place on the board during its reorganization meeting on Jan. 9.
With a focus now on the incoming members, Mr. Dutta said he hopes Ms. Trujillo will work to keep an open mind about how the board and the district operates in the beginning.
“There will be a lot of learning, so don’t try to jump in on certain things,” Mr. Dutta said. “Spend some time listening to others, especially the board members who have been on for more than 10 years. Listen to what the public and unions have to say.”
Though his term is coming to an end, Mr. Dutta said he plans to continue contributing to the district and the overall community in some fashion.
“I am very appreciative of the work that Dev has done on behalf of our students and staff over the past three years,” Superintendent Dr. Jorden Schiff said. “His dedication to balancing the needs of our students and staff with the concerns of the community, has made his a well respected voice on our board.”
