June 1, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 7 Midland Park Trustee Paula Lein resigned from the Midland Park Board of Education last week, citing a need to “prioritize my commitments.” Her three-year term would have expired in April, 2012. “I had a difficult year last year, and my husband and I decided I needed to re-prioritize my commitments. We realized I don’t have the time to devote to being a trustee. I am no longer able to give the position the justice it deserves,” Lein said. “I enjoyed the time I spent,” she added. “I’m happy for you and your family. We will miss you,” said board President Robert Schiffer after Lein’s unexpected announcement at the end of the board’s regular Paula Lein resigns from board of education meeting. Among the milestones in the district during her five-year tenure, Lein pointed to the new food service, the hiring of three superintendents - one interim and two “permanent”, technology updates and the voters’ approval of four out of five school budgets. She served on the Finance, Curriculum, Personnel, Public Relations, Service Review and Policy committees. A 12-year resident, Lein was first elected to the board in 2009. She is a member of the Church of the Nativity Parish, where she volunteers as a CCD teacher and is a former member of the Nativity Moms Group. She also served as the co-chair of the Cultural Arts Committee in The 14U Midland Park Panthers had a great showing in the Tenafly Safe at Home Tournament. Front row: Carly Comito, Julie Carey, Carly Benjamin, Madison Mercadante, and Sam Skretkowicz. Middle row: Jamie Greer, Meaghan Murray, Julia Obssuth, Rachel Farmer, Katie Kontos, and Zoey Adams. Back row: Coach Tom Carey, Coach Doug Adams, Coach Chris Kontos, and Coach Judy Farmer. Great season the PTA. A graduate of Ramapo College with a degree in Business Administration, she is staff accountant for J. Velocci & Associates in Randolph. She and her husband, Neal, have two daughters, Melissa and Emma. Schiffer said the board will appoint someone to fill out the remainder of Lein’s term, which begins on June 21 and runs until April. He said the board would interview prospective candidates before making a selection. People who want to be considered for the position on the board should send a brief resume and letter of interest by June 17, 2011 to Stacy C. Garvey at 250 Prospect Street, Midland Park, N.J. 07432. School board members must be registered voters who have lived in the district for at least a year. They must be able to read and write, and cannot hold a contract with or claim against the school district. For information on the roles and responsibilities of a school board member, prospective candidates may call Paul Breda, field service representative for the New Jersey School Boards Association, toll-free at (877) 294-6416. Additional information is also available from the NJSBA web site at www.njsba.org.