Westwood BOE to consider new superintendent, recognize student achievements Thursday

Westwood Regional School District BOE 2024
Westwood Regional School District BOE 2024, from the district website.

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—The Westwood Regional Board of Education holds its regular meeting on Thursday, Sept. 26 at Westwood Regional High School. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. with an executive session, followed by a public session at 7 in the Hurley Theater.

A key agenda item includes the proposed appointment of Dr. Patrick McQueeney as the district’s new superintendent. If approved, McQueeney’s contract will commence on or around Nov. 1 and run through June 30, 2029.

In addition, according to a 24-page meeting agenda, the board will honor several student achievements. Eleventh-grade student Ean Ralston will be recognized for earning the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in the Scouts BSA program.

The board will also celebrate students who earned Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar distinctions. A total of 19 students will be recognized for earning AP Scholar, 17 students for AP Scholar with Honor, and 10 students for AP Scholar with Distinction for their exemplary college-level achievements.

Furthermore, the board will recognize students honored by the College Board’s National Recognition Program. These students, including Logan Ehrenfels, Anthony Garcia-Ocelotl, Caleb Haury, Sophie Lebron, Barbara Montes-Ocelotl, Daniela Reboiro, and Daniel Shotkin, scored in the top 10% of test takers and achieved high academic marks while identifying as first-generation, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Indigenous or Native, or from rural areas.

The meeting will also address updates to the school calendar, organizational chart revisions, and public forums. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate.

Board composition

In Westwood (WW), the group includes Jason Garcia, the current president, and Laura Cooper, both serving terms expiring in 2025. Andrea Peck, the vice president, and Kristen Pedersen are serving terms that expire in 2024. Nicole Martin has a term expiring in 2026.

In Washington Township (WT), Loni Azzolina and Heather Perin are both serving terms expiring in 2026. Douglas Cusato’s term ends in 2025, while Jorge Pertuz’s term expires in 2024.