WEST ORANGE, NJ - Outgoing board member Gary Rothstein was recognized for exceptional service to the West Orange community on Dec. 19 during the final board of education meeting on Dec. 19.

During his term, Rothstein and the rest of the board were tasked with several unexpected challenges, including a pandemic, hiring a new superintendent, compliance issues, the establishment of a pre-school program, and replacing former Superintendent Dr. Scott Cascone following his resignation in April, 2022. The board subsequently hired Dr. Lauren Schoen as Interim Superintendent and Hayden Moore, former Principal of West Orange High School, as Assistant Superintendent. Moore will assume full-time responsibilities as Superintendent in September, 2023.

"It has been an honor to serve on the Board of Education and to advocate on behalf of our students and community," said Rothstein.

"I’m proud to have helped manage our district through the COVID years, to have helped further the cause of diversity, equity, and inclusion, to participate in re-writing our district’s policies, and to hire our Interim and new Superintendent. West Orange is a beautiful place to live with outstanding public schools. We have much to be grateful for," he added.

Robert Ivker will be sworn in as the newest board member in January at the Reorganization Meeting.

(L-R) Board Liaisons Giannah Dorvil and Lance Zeligson, board member Brian Rock, Board President Jennifer Tunnicliffe, Board VP Gary Rothstein, board member Melinda Huerta, and Interim Superintendent Dr. Lauren Schoen.