Hoffman gives up school board president’s post

After two years as president of the Hardyston Board of Education, Ron Hoffman has returned to being a board member.

Dave Van Ginneken, the former board vice president, took over the top job in January.

Hoffman joined the board 12 years ago, when his adopted grandson entered pre-kindergarten.

“It has been a total learning experience since the board has faced many challenges over the years. I decided to search out training for myself and the entire board.”

He found that the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) has a wealth of knowledge and training for school board members. The organization provides training, advocacy and assistance for local school boards.

Issues related to the coronavirus pandemic posed additional problems for school boards in the past few years, he noted.

“It was an extra challenge during the past few years due to Covid-related issues and unregulated political pressure from various sides.

“We at Hardyston are very lucky, even though we had our school funding cut by over a million dollars,” he said.

“I am so proud of our board members being able to work together and becoming well-known around the state for what has been accomplished at Hardyston,’ he added.

Hoffman said Van Ginneken’s support and discussions with the Council of School Supervisors & Administrators helped the board operate smoothly.

Training and listening with an open heart and ears to experienced board members and staff are important for the board to operate with students and parents in mind, he noted.

He said he is grateful to everyone for trusting him in the president’s job. “I plan on returning again to president if God wills it.”