Mountain Lakes BOE reorganizes, discusses renovations

MOUNTAIN LAKES — The Board of Education welcomed one new member during a recent reorganization meeting and re-elected Elena Goldthwaite as president.

Goldthwaite, whose three children attended district schools, was re-elected president unanimously for the second year in a row. Goldthwaite has been on the board since 2012. She will serve on the finance, negotiations, program and personnel committees.

“I am honored to have been elected to a second term as board president. I look forward to working with the board towards the successful completion of our referendum,” she said.

Dr. Jack Gentul, who has been on the board since 2014 and served two previous terms (1999-2005) was re-elected in a unanimous vote as vice president for the second year in a row.

The board will face major decisions in the coming year, including renovations that have some residents worried about their funding.

Newly-elected board member, Dr. James Hirschfeld called the proposed $36 million referendum, which includes renovations to all three district schools, “the largest issue which is before the board.”

Hirschfeld was elected for a three-year term and will be serving on the program, policy, and communications committees. He has three daughters in the school system and practices ophthalmology in Parsippany.

According to Hirschfeld, the board has been getting feedback from residents that they are concerned about the cost of the project.

Goldthwaite said the project includes adding classroom spaces to all schools, upgraded spaces in which to hold band, choral, drama and art classes, expanded cafeterias and security upgrades.

Another recently-approved motion was the creation of a biotech academy at Mountain Lakes High School, Hirschfeld said, adding it's slated to begin in September.

Current board members Joe Cataliotti and Joanne Barkauskas renewed their terms for another three years during the January reorganization meeting as well.

Cataliotti, who will be serving on the facilities, communications, extra curricular, and personnel committees also said the referendum is the highest priority on the board’s agenda this year.

“We are in the process of finalizing our proposal that will go to the state for review,” said Cataliotti, adding that the public will vote on it in September.

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