The Coaster

By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI

Geneva Smallwood is the new president of the Asbury Park Board of Education.

The Reverend Geneva Smallwood left no doubt in anyone’s mind that she was very happy to be elected the new president of the Asbury Park Board of Education, jumping out of her chair and raising her hands in the air.

In a five to four vote Smallwood took the reigns from former president Robert DiSanto at the board’s reorganization meeting April 30 as many in the audience cheered.

Smallwood said this week, “I’ve been involved in education for a long time and it was a very good feeling – I couldn’t help it.”

Smallwood also thanked parents, teachers, administrators and her fellow board members for their support.

One of the first issues she would like to tackle is the situation regarding the paid suspended Superintendent of Schools Dr. Antonio Lewis.

“I’m sure all the board members would agree with me that the situation of our superintendent needs to be addressed. The leadership issue is very prominent in our minds.”

Smallwood said the board voted not to renew Lewis’ contract at a previous board meeting.

Although Lewis’ contract does not end until June 30 she said the board has been working with the state intervention team and said they are getting closer than they’ve ever been to resolving the situation. Lewis was suspended two years ago from his post.

Smallwood also said clarifying the role of the appointed state monitor Mark Cowell is also on her agenda.

She said she has been working closely with Cowell, who she says has had an open door policy with the board.

“I do feel going into the new school year that the board works very well with one another – there is a recommitment.”

Gregory Brewington, who was reelected to his second full term on the board was elected vice president by a seven to two vote. Newcomer Danny McKee was sworn in as a board member.

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 2:04 pm and is filed under Asbury Park, Education. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.