Franklin school board bids farewell to president

FRANKLIN — Franklin Borough School Board of Education President Mary Alonso chaired her last meeting on Monday, Dec. 15, losing her bid for re-election.

Alonso served eight years as school board president, the longest tenure anyone has served at the head of the board.

Sarah Zydon was elected to the Board of Education in the November election.

Board of Education Vice President Louise Murphy thanked Alonso for her time and dedication to the distrtict. She said Alonso handled challenges professionally, and issues discussed were conducted fairly.

Principal Patricia Pfeil said she always admired Alonso and said she always put the students' well-being first. Pfeil said she was Alonso's boss at one time and loved working with her.

Other board members said Alson was fair-minded and she was praised for her persistence in challenging times.

Superintendent Thomas Turner said Alonso has been "incredibly diplomatic" during her time as school board president. He also said she had the ability to find a blaance between the needs of Franklin Elementary School and the funds available to the school.

The school board approved Roberta Santiago to keep time and score for basketball games at at $65 per day.

Kathleen Cahill was approved to serve as a substitute teacher for the 2014-15 school year at %80 per day.

Kathleen Cahill was approved to serve as a substitute teacher for the 2014-2015 school year at the rate of $80.00 per day.

The board will reorganize for 2015 on Monday, Jan. 5, where the next president will be decided.