SAYREVILLE – Four departing members of the Sayreville Board of Education have been recognized for their service.
The board’s Dec. 15 meeting marked the final appearance of Phyllis Batko, Christopher Callahan, Danielle Pieloch and Karen Rubio as members of the school’s governing body. Their terms will officially end on Dec. 31.
Batko and Rubio did not seek re-election in the Nov. 3 race, while Callahan and Pieloch were unsuccessful in winning an available three-year term on the ballot.
Alison Napolitano, Eloy Fernandez and Eileen Pabon won the three-year terms in the Nov. 3 election, as certified by Middlesex County on Nov. 20. Patrick Walsh won a one-year, unexpired term as a write-in candidate.
All four departing members received a plaque in recognition of their service to the Sayreville School District.
“We would like to thank each and every board member for their outstanding service to not only our school district, but, most importantly, to our students and staff,” Superintendent of Schools Richard Labbe said on Dec. 15. “You are all remarkable human beings, you are all incredible leaders and you are all going to be sorely missed by not only the members of this board and our administration, but by our entire school community.”
Batko joined the board in 2005 and, prior to her departure in 2021, was the longest-serving member.
“Since I started as superintendent, you [Batko] have been here and not only have you impressed me on a financial level, you are by far one of the smartest people I’ve ever met with regard to finances,” Labbe said. “You demonstrated that so often during our finance meetings, but also with regard to student achievement. Much of the growth in our advanced placement program is due to the efforts of Mrs. Batko. I can’t thank Mrs. Batko enough for utilizing her skill sets to help our district progress as it has so much in the past several years.”
Callahan joined the board in 2018 and served one three-year term.
“Not only was his heart always in the right place, he brought to this school district his superior skill sets with regard to technology and personnel,” Labbe said. “He helped us make great strides in both those areas.”
Pieloch was appointed to the board this year to fill a vacant seat.
“Mrs. Pieloch, you couldn’t have come at a better time,” Labbe said. “Someone with your superior knowledge and health care and your leadership capabilities, you are exactly what we needed. Maybe we didn’t know that at the time when we were interviewing for you, but call it an act of God or whatever you want, we got someone we desperately needed in terms of directing us through this terrible pandemic that we’re going through, based upon your superior knowledge in the health care industry and, more importantly, your leadership within that industry.”
Rubio, as with Callahan, joined the board in 2018 and served one three-year term.