Hackensack School Board Welcomes New Trustees and Appoints New Elementary Principal
- Meeting Overview:
In a development during the Hackensack School Board meeting on August 5, 2026, Mabel Vonia and Vicki Farhey were appointed to fill two vacant trustee positions, while Donna Petron Wall was confirmed as the new elementary school principal. The meeting, held at the Padavano Education Center, addressed board vacancies, educational leadership, and community involvement.
The appointment of Mabel Vonia and Vicki Farhey as new trustees was a key highlight of the meeting. Following the resignation of former trustees Shivonnie Pringle and Mark Stein, the board conducted interviews with applicants in an executive session, which led to the unanimous selection of Vonia and Farhey. The chair emphasized the importance of community involvement and praised the appointees for their strong community ties and commitment to the school district.
During the public comments, newly appointed trustee Vicki Farhey expressed her gratitude and excitement about joining the board. She acknowledged the valuable conversations with fellow board members and expressed eagerness to collaborate on future initiatives.
The meeting also celebrated the appointment of Donna Petron Wall as the new elementary school principal. Her extensive experience in educational leadership, including her previous roles as acting principal and director of early childhood education, was highlighted. Trustees extended enthusiastic congratulations to Wall.
In addition to the appointments, the board addressed concerns regarding the special services department. In light of the recent tabling of a personnel item, assurances were given that the department remains adequately covered, with support from the athletic director and the supervisor of special services. Parents were encouraged to reach out with any concerns.
The emphasis on community engagement and the importance of working together was a recurring theme. Trustees took the opportunity to congratulate the newly appointed trustees and the new principal, encouraging ongoing involvement and support for the district’s goals.
Thomas McBryde
School Board Officials:
Jennifer Harris, Mark Stein, Leila Amirhamzeh, Demetrius Carroll, Lissette Cordero-Outen, Eugina Gilmore, Kenneth Martin, Shivonnie Pringle, Julio Bendezu, Lydia Singh (School Business Administrator/Board Secretary), Jr. (Superintendent of Schools)
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
08/05/2026
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Recording Published:
08/06/2026
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Duration:
40 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Bergen County
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Towns:
Hackensack, Rochelle Park, South Hackensack
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