Ed board re-elects DeRosa

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

In its first meeting since regaining powers over governance and finance from the state, the Jersey City Board of Education unanimously elected former history teacher William DeRosa its president and Ed Cheatam its vice president Monday night.

DeRosa had been chairman of the district's "advisory board." Cheatam replaces former schools superintendent Franklin L. Williams as the board's second in charge. Williams' name appeared on the school board ballot earlier this month, but he didn't campaign for re-election.

On April 17, the board adopted a transition plan that effectively ended state control of the district after 19 years. The state will continue to monitor the district in the areas of instruction and program, personnel, and operations management.

Former Councilwoman Frances O. Thompson was sworn in on Monday as a new member of the school board.

In November, voters will decide if the school board will remain an elected board or switch to one appointed by the mayor.

Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy has said he's in favor of a "hybrid" board that would be comprised of three elected members, three appointed members and three standing positions filled by local college officials.

KEN THORBOURNE