The Bergen County School Boards Association (BCSBA) held its final meeting of the 2025–2026 school year on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Elmwood Park Memorial High School. The evening served as a powerful showcase of student talent and a celebration of the technical mastery and commitment required in modern school board governance.

The meeting began with a warm welcome from Dr. Anthony Iachetti, superintendent of the Elmwood Park School District. BCSBA President Dr. Letizia Pantoliano (Cliffside Park) called the meeting to order, emphasizing that the strength of the county lies in a shared commitment to educational excellence and student-centered leadership.

Spotlight on Excellence

The centerpiece of the evening was the recognition of Dr. Aarti Mallya, the 2025–2026 Bergen County Teacher of the Year. Tim Wieland, principal of Pascack Hills High School, introduced Dr. Mallya, a renowned Biology and Genetics educator celebrated for her ability to inspire students through complex scientific inquiry and a passion for lifelong learning.

Dr. Mallya’s remarks focused on how policies implemented at the system level must be effectively translated into classroom practice. She emphasized that impactful teaching involves making highly responsive decisions in real time and highlighted the need for governance systems that support focus, deep thinking, and resilience in students. Dr. Mallya also stressed the importance of relationships and intentional rigor in creating environments that foster authentic student growth and success.

State Leadership and Legislative Updates

The meeting provided members with a comprehensive update on the legislative and organizational landscape of New Jersey education:

  • Advocacy Update: Harrison Silver, NJSBA legislative advocate, briefed the membership via Zoom on the latest state-level policy shifts and advocacy priorities.
  • State Leadership: Michael A. Jacobs, NJSBA president, shared the vision of the 2025–2027 officer team, highlighting the importance of professionalized leadership.
  • Board of Directors: Michael Sprague, NJSBA Board of Directors delegate, provided a report on the Association’s recent fiscal and policy decisions.
  • Field Services: Melissa Del Rosso, NJSBA field service representative, discussed upcoming professional development modules and governance resources.
  • Dr. Anthony Iachetti, Superintendent of the Elmwood Park School District, welcomes school board members and administrators from across the county to Elmwood Park Memorial High School.

Honoring Milestones in Service

NJSBA County Activities Coordinator Robert Acerra presided over the presentation of milestone awards and individual certifications, acknowledging the significant time, effort, and continuous training Bergen County board members have invested in their roles.

Individual Board Member Academy Certifications:

  • New Board Member Boardsmanship: Melanie Alston-Balaputra (Hackensack), Shannon Carretta (Saddle River), Jeyson Flores (Englewood City), Nadia Hosein (Teaneck), Drew S. Krasny (Haworth), and Sookyung Park (Palisades Park).
  • Certified Board Member (CBM): Sheri Banks-Watson (Englewood City), David Bradler (Park Ridge), Barbara Costa (Cresskill), Gina Lorusso (East Rutherford), and Carrie Paretti (Elmwood Park).
  • Master Board Member (MBM): James A. Bogosian (Rutherford), Emily Kaufman (Saddle River), Elizabeth Mierzejewski (Elmwood Park), and Behrooz Pasdar (Emerson).
  • Certified Board Leader (CBL): Richard Fallon (Wood-Ridge), Allan B. Focarino (Garfield), Christina Holz (Rochelle Park), Emily Kaufman (Saddle River), and Karen Pena (Elmwood Park).

Years of Service Milestones:

  • 10 Years: Sergio Alati (Rutherford), Regina Barrale (Saddle Brook), Gustavo Gomez (Fairview), Teresa Kilday (Oakland), Janine Micera (Closter), and Rafael Morilla (Ridgefield).
  • 15 Years: Todd Fliegel (Allendale), William Holzmann (Paramus), Mary Ellen Nye (Ho-Ho-Kus), Theresa Riva (Dumont), and Edward Salaski (Tenafly).
  • 20 Years: William Barnaskas (Bergen County Special Services), Lisa Frato (Cliffside Park), Daniel Marro (Waldwick), George McDermott (North Arlington), and Philip Simotas (Alpine).
  • 25 Years: William Connelly (Bergen County Technical).

 

Leadership Elections & Installation

Following the elections held during the February virtual meeting, Robert Acerra administered the Oath of Office, officially installing the Executive Committee for the 2026–2027 term:

  • President: Dr. Letizia Pantoliano (Cliffside Park)
  • 1st Vice President: Laura Genovese-Behrmann (Ramsey)
  • 2nd Vice President for Legislation: Mary Katherine Norian (Oradell)
  • NJSBA Board of Directors Delegate: Michael Sprague (Norwood)
  • NJSBA Board of Directors Alternate: Richard Fallon (Wood-Ridge)
  • Immediate-Past President: Michael A. Jacobs (Ridgefield)
  • Executive Committee Members: William Barnaskas (Bergen County Special Services), Elisa Billis (Franklin Lakes), Patricia Fantulin (Midland Park), Lori Hoffman (Ridgefield), Diane Holzberg (Demarest), Isaac Park (Leonia), Behrooz Pasdar (Emerson), and Karen Pena (Elmwood Park).

President Dr. Letizia Pantoliano closed the meeting by thanking the Elmwood Park community and wishing all districts a strong, successful, and student-focused conclusion to the academic year.