Schools

New BOE Member 'Looking Forward' to Challenge

Ed Quigley appointed as the newest BOE member last week to fill one-year unexpired term.

The newest Jefferson Township Board of Education member says he's excited to serve on the board and help improve the district in any way he can.

Resident Ed Quigley, who was appointed at last week's meeting, said he was inspired to join after he had several conversations last year with board members and District Superintendent Joseph Kraemer.

"I've always had an interest in how the board works," he said. "I never really knew all that much about the comings and goings of it, and my children reached an age where I felt like it was my turn to pay back."

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Quigley, whose daughter, Kayla, is a senior at the high school, and son, Patrick, is a freshman, said he felt like this was his last opportunity to really try to make a difference in the district.

While he said he doesn't have any specific goals at this time and said he will take on each issue as they come, Quigley hopes to bring his background in construction to help the board when needed.

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"It's my turn to basically give back and to serve," he said. "If i'm needed somewhere I'd be happy to be appointed on to some committees and to go from there."

The township resident currently works as electrician in New York City, where he has worked for about 30 years, and said he hopes to bring his experience to help out on various projects.

Quigley has also volunteered in the township throughout the years through different organizations.

He served as the little league coach when his son was on the team. More recently, he started a community-based youth group at the Milton United Methodist Church for teens in the township.

"We saw a need for something for the older kids. There was a pretty well established Sunday school for the kids, but as the kids got older in high school and middle school you kind of didn't see as much of them anymore."

Quigley said the group, which he helped form five years ago with one other resident, has been successful with a large turnout of students.

Quigley said when he sat on the board for the very first time at last week's meeting, he felt welcomed by the other members, and is excited to start his term.

"I'm really looking forward to this experience and filling in wherever the needs are and doing my best," he said.

Quigley received 85 write-in candidate votes in this year's election. He filled the one-year unexpired term that had been open since former board member Judy Castiglione abruptly resigned in September.

When the term ends Dec. 31, he will start his own one-year term beginning Jan. 1.


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