Residents interested in serving on the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education now have two opportunities to get involved.
The board is seeking applicants to fill a temporary vacancy created by the resignation of Hopewell Township representative Hope Cotter, who is stepping down after relocating to Hopewell Borough. Cotter’s resignation became effective June 30.
The appointed board member will serve from August through early January, completing the remainder of the calendar year before voters elect someone in November to serve the final two years of Cotter’s unexpired term.
That special election means four Hopewell Township seats will appear on the November school board ballot this year — three regular three-year terms and one two-year unexpired term.
Temporary appointment
The Board of Education is accepting letters of interest and résumés from qualified Hopewell Township residents interested in serving until January.
Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, July 22. Candidates selected for interviews will meet with the full board during a public meeting on Thursday, July 30, where each applicant will have approximately 20 minutes to discuss their qualifications and interest in serving the district.
Interested applicants should email a letter of interest and résumé to Board President Thaddeus Thompson at [email protected], with a copy to Gina Nobile-Liskowacki at [email protected].
The board said it welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences who are committed to supporting educational excellence and student success.
Serving on the board includes establishing district policy, overseeing public resources, supporting the superintendent and helping shape the long-term direction of the Hopewell Valley Regional School District.
Four seats on the November ballot
The vacancy also changes this fall’s election.
Prior to Cotter’s resignation, three Hopewell Township seats were already scheduled to appear on the Nov. 3 ballot as the terms of current board members expire.
Now, voters will also elect someone to complete the remaining two years of Cotter’s term.
Candidates interested in running for any of the four Hopewell Township seats must file nominating petitions with the Mercer County Clerk by 4 p.m. Monday, July 27. Candidate kits are available through the district business office, online and through the Mercer County Clerk’s Office, although completed petitions must be filed directly with the county.
The Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education consists of nine elected members representing the district’s three municipalities. Hopewell Township is represented by seven members, while Hopewell Borough and Pennington Borough each elect one representative. Members serve three-year terms, with vacancies filled by board appointment until the next annual school election.
