Schools
School Board Swears In Three Members at Reorganization
Two newcomers and one incumbent took oath for three-year terms
Two new members and an incumbent were sworn in to their terms on Middletown’s school board last week.
Vincent Brand, who won another three-year term with nearly 13 percent of the vote, took the oath of office with new members Michael Donlon and Bob Banta during the board’s reorganization meeting last Thursday night.
Donlon and Banta took 17 and 11 percent of the vote, respectively, ousting incumbents Christopher J. Aveta and John Bennett Jr.
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Banta previously served on the board but had to resign his seat due to health concerns.
Former board vice president Joan Minnuies thanked Aveta, who served as board president in 2013, for his service.
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“You have accomplished so many things and you have so much to be proud of,” she said. “I just want to thank you for your integrity, the time that you dedicated and always putting students first.”
The board narrowly elected Sue Griffin its president and Leonora Caminiti its vice president when it reorganized.
During the meeting’s public comment portion, Aveta addressed his time on the board and urged members to continue to work for the students.
“We have to come together to come to a consensus and do what’s right for the students,” he said.
Minnuies also thanked Bennet, who as a 2011 High School North graduate gave the board a different perspective.
“Everyone was skeptical of having someone so young on the board,” she said. “I think you were an asset. You gave an opinion that some of us didn’t have—the opinion of the student.”Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
