Mattessich Appointed Board of Education President

The Westfield Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint vice president Rich to the position of BOE President at the Board meeting held on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m.

The appointment comes following former president resignation. Board member David Finn will serve as the Board’s vice president. All Board members and Superintendent Margaret Dolan were present. 

Nine candidates submitted resumes to fill the seat vacated by Walker. The applicants will be interviewed by the Board in early January in a public meeting. 

Robert Morrison of the firm Hodulik and Morrison, P.A. presented the annual audit of the 2010-2011 school year.

The BOE more than doubled funds in its capital reserve. Currently, the reserve stands at over $2 million, as compared with last year's $868,000.

A $150,000 surplus exists in the area of cafeteria funding as a result of effective management.

“We are convinced that controls are working as they are supposed to be working,”  Morrison said.

Auditors also reported that in light of Attorney General Paula Dow's findings in regard to former Board Administrator,  who pled guilty in October to accepting roughly $13,000 in windows and doors from a contractor that he recommended be hired by the school district, they found no irregularities in the Board's processes. Auditors believed this was an isolated incident.

He further stated that all the tests of compliance that his firm ran for the Westfield Schools had positive results.

It was announced that each of the schools in Westfield has held, or will present, a winter concert. Board Member Jane Clancy, who recently attended the concert said it was a “wonderful” event. For a schedule of winter concerts, visit the district's website.

The BOE also congratulated EIS for raising $4,000 in this year’s Hoops for Heart event which raises funds for children through the American Heart Association. 

The Board also announced WHS sophomore earned the honor of being accepted in to the Young Playwright Inc.’s Advanced Playwriting Workshop in New York City.

Ginny Leiz, who has served on the school board for 11 years, thanked Morrison for the firm’s services and the audit material outcomes. She commented that the processes were undertaken with concern and diligence.

Clancy also suggested that the public be aware of the many opportunities available through the Westfield Recreation Commission including for teens as well as the trips run by the commission.

Board Member Mitchell Slater reported that the Technology Committee will be continuing their discussion about wireless technology for the district.

Residents can view the meetings on the Westfield Public School website. Meetings are videotaped by Westfield resident Emily Bailey.