The meeting commenced with the swearing-in of the newly elected board members. Jennifer Schmidt, John Malo, and Berlinda Rodriguez each received a notable number of votes, 915, 828, and 989, respectively. These members were sworn in following the standard procedure, affirming their commitment to uphold the constitutions of the United States and New Jersey, and to perform their duties faithfully.

Following the induction of new members, the board proceeded to the selection of its president and vice president. Dr. Martinez was nominated for president and won the board’s unanimous support. Mrs. Orth was nominated and elected as vice president, also receiving unanimous backing from board members.

Mr. Bernard Gomes used his final board meeting to congratulate the incoming members and thank the Ridgefield Park community, administration, and the board for their collaboration.

The meeting continued with a roll call of the current board, confirming the presence of all members, including Mr. Brian Cooney, Mrs. Jodie Craft, Mr. Nick Fytros, Mrs. Diane MacNeill, Mr. John Malo, Dr. Ricardo Martinez, Mrs. Michelle Orth, Mrs. Berlinda Rodriguez, and Mrs. Jennifer Schmidt. Dr. Martinez, in his new role as president, expressed optimism for the future and emphasized the board’s openness to public feedback and collaboration with the district staff and teachers.

The board collectively affirmed their commitment to the code of ethics, with each member reading a portion of the code and attesting to having received it. The code serves as a guide to ensure that all board actions are carried out legally, ethically, and with the educational welfare of children as the top priority.