School Board Election Tuesday; Further Information on City Board Hiring of Professional Services

By Bill Cleary

Tuesday, the annual school election is being held throughout the state. In Gloucester City Polls are open from 2 PM to 9 PM.

There are four individuals seeking the three seats that are opened for full terms (three years). They include: Kathleen P. McHugh, Bob Bennett Sr., Jacqueline Borger and write-in-candidate James Everett.

And there are three individuals seeking the one seat for a one-year unexpired term; James Everett, Edward Hubbs and John Schmidt.

Instructions on how to cast a write-in-vote is written on the sample ballot that you should have received in the mail if you are a registered voter. If you are confused then take the instructions with you when you go to cast your vote.

Residents are also being asked to cast a vote for or against the amount to be raised by local taxes, which is $2,976,018.

As for a recent letter that appeared on CNB written by a Concerned Citizen with the headline \”Are Some Gloucester City Board Members still being pushed Around by Supt.?\”

The letter inferred that the School Board had already decided not to re-appoint School Physician Dr. Carl Vitola and Board Solicitor Len Woods.

According to sources School Superintendent Paul Spaventa did recommend to the Board that both individuals be replaced. However, that decision will not be voted on until the Board’s reorganization meeting on April 24^th.

Dr. Vitola has served the district for more than a decade. And Mr. Woods’s law firm has represented the Board for four years.

Each year the contracts for professional services are renewed for a one year term. The Professional Services are: School Board Attorney, School Board Auditor, Architect, and General Physician. The filing deadline for those interested in these positions is April 18th. The contracts begin April 25th.

It is not unusual for the Superintendent to recommend someone else to provide these services. Ultimately however it is the majority members of Board that make the final decision on who is appointed to these positions.

My sources suggest that the present members of the Board will bow to the recommendations of the Superintendent when it comes to the re-appointment of Dr. Vitola and Mr. Woods.

It appears then that the future of Dr. Vitola and Mr. Woods employment depends on who is elected in Tuesday\’s election.

Residents who are supporters of both men should ask the candidates if they intend to vote to rehire the doctor and the solicitor.