Trustee Jane Samuelson was elected president of the Valley Central Board of Education during the district’s annual reorganization meeting July 8, while newly seated board member Nicole Drost won a closely contested vote for vice president.

Samuelson was elected president by a 6-1 vote. Trustee Robert Oakes nominated her, with a second from Trustee Angela Terralavoro. Former Board President Joseph Bond cast the lone dissenting vote.

“Nothing personal, I just don’t think it’s good. I don’t think that’s what the people want,” Bond said. “So, just wanted to state that.”

The vice presidency drew more debate. Terralavoro nominated longtime board member Diana Revoir, seconded by Bond, while Oakes nominated Drost, a newly elected trustee, with a second from new board member Barney Zipkin. Drost won the seat 4-3.

Bond and Terralavoro both raised concerns about a newly elected member moving directly into a leadership role.

“I think it’s very challenging being a new board member, let alone trying to be vice president immediately,” Bond said. “And if the president isn’t here tomorrow or resigns tomorrow, you then become president. So I think it’s actually unfair to ask you to take this role at this time, but again, it’s nothing against you personally.”

Terralavoro echoed the sentiment, noting the time and training board members typically log before taking on leadership positions.

“I think we can all agree we are not the same person we were on day one when we started five years ago. It takes time,” Terralavoro said. “Most of us have attended a ton of professional development after work, on weekends, whenever we can, taking time away from our families to get to this role. I think it’s almost kind of unfair to bypass all those steps and go right into leadership.”

Oakes, who nominated Drost, said he had watched her campaign for the board and believed she was ready for the responsibility.

Revoir, who has served on the board since 2019, thanked colleagues for the nomination and said she was willing to serve in whatever capacity the district needed.

Drost acknowledged she was new to the board but said she was prepared to serve in either role.

“I know that I’m new and I have a willingness to learn,” Drost said. “So, whichever way the vote goes, I’m happy to serve as VP and hopefully live up to that or remain a trustee.”

Samuelson was first elected to the school board in 2022. She is a licensed New York State Professional Engineer, working as a civil engineer for the consulting firm Engineering & Surveying Properties, P.C.

Drost was elected to her first term on the school board in May. She is a 14-year district resident with three children in Valley Central schools, works professionally in project management and has served on the district’s strategic planning committee. She described herself as committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility and long-term planning.

Following the votes, board members were administered the oath of office, and the board proceeded with the remainder of its annual reorganization business.