Board honors former members, student rep.
BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer

EAST BRUNSWICK — The Board of Education bid farewell to some familiar faces but welcomed back another recently.

At its July 21 meeting, the board received visits from former members Susan Lamond and Dennis Lai, each of whom was honored with a resolution of appreciation from the board. The board also honored its former student representative, Eric Walker, who graduated in June.

It wasn’t all goodbyes though, as longtime Board Attorney Martin Pachman was rehired to serve as counsel. Pachman was rehired with a $6,000-per-year retainer for certain services spelled out in the contract. In addition, he will be paid $125 an hour for all other services.

Pachman, who no longer receives health benefits from the district, is not required to attend every board meeting, as he was prior to a renegotiation of his contract in 2003.

His new contract runs through June 2006. It was awarded without competitive bidding because the work is considered a professional service under the law.

Lamond and Lai both attended the meeting to receive the resolutions from the board. Both declined to run for new terms last spring, opening the door for newcomers Todd Simmens and William McCann to join the board in April. Another board member, Michael Danatos, ran and won a new term, but stepped down in June.

Lamond served on the board for nine years, beginning in April 1996. During that time she served on a number of committees, including student services, technology, policy, adult and community education, advisory and long-range planning.

She also “took a special interest in educational legislation, serving as the board representative on both the New Jersey School Boards and Middlesex County School Boards associations,” according to the resolution. She served as the board’s representative to the school Diversity Council and East Brunswick Educational Foundation.

“Susan was conscientious, diligent and forceful in advocating and supporting excellence in education,” the resolution said.

Lai served one term, beginning in April 2002.

During his term, he served on the board’s finance, long-range planning, student services, buildings and grounds, technology and policy committees.

Lai had a “special place in his heart for this diverse community,” the resolution said, adding that he “willingly and enthusiastically represented the board on the township’s Human Relations Council and will continue to serve on that council.”

The resolution said Lai was “gently steadfast” as a board member.

Walker was also honored with a resolution. He served as student representative for the 2004-05 school year, and helped with the ad hoc facilities committee and at the high school summit.

“Eric faithfully attended meetings, offering insight as a student and effectively communicating the Board of Education’s actions to his peers,” the resolution said.

Walker also “was a role model for good citizenship,” and encouraged all 18-year-olds to vote.