MARLBORO – Brian Cohen called it a turning point. It definitely was for him.

Cohen, a one-time vice chancellor at City University of New York, joined the board of education here on Tuesday night and was promptly elected president.

He said a “fresh perspective” was needed and that voters over the last two years said they wanted change.

Valentina Mendez, who was nominated for another term as president, said experience is important and nominating Cohen, a first-time board member, as president was “candidly premature.”

No matter. Cohen was elected 5-4.

This was not merely a 5-4 vote for president.

The school district in this Monmouth County town of 41,000 has come to symbolize the philosophical split regarding public education in the state, and perhaps the nation.

Last fall’s election presented two teams of three candidates each.

The Marlboro Values Protected slate spoke of “parental rights” and was endorsed by Bill Spadea, a radio host running for governor. Spadea often condemns the current state of public education in New Jersey.
The other slate was Partners Improving Education. Two candidates on this team – Jenna Corraro and Cohen – were elected, providing the 5-4  vote in Cohen’s favor.

The animosity here did not end on election day. A criminal complaint was filed against Corraro by Danielle Bellomo, a fellow board member, for allegedly stealing campaign signs after the election. Bellomo was the one winning candidate on the MVP slate.

Nonetheless, Tuesday’s reorganization meeting was rather cut and dry,

Before the meeting, Cohen spoke of a pivotal change on the board. He put it this way in a statement:

“On January 7, the Marlboro Township Board of Education will undergo a major leadership change and install a new Board President and Vice President that reflects a clear demand for change by the community. This is the culmination of a grassroots movement for a better future for Marlboro schools. In 2023, three candidates challenging the then-majority were elected, and this year, two more followed suit, including myself, creating a new majority ready to refocus on educating children. This reorganization reflects a profound shift in the board’s majority toward a leadership approach centered on educational excellence, inclusivity, fiscal responsibility, and strong community partnerships.
For Marlboro, this transition is more than a procedural change; it’s a turning point for Marlboro Township. The new board majority, and new leadership, will be committed to repairing relationships with administrators, educators, parents, and stakeholders, ensuring the district’s financial health, and, above all, restoring confidence in the Board of Education as a champion for students and the community.

I’ve already held several constructive meetings with Superintendent Michael Ballone, Business Administrator Vincent Caravello, other administrators, and current board members, all of whom share a palpable sense of optimism about the opportunities ahead under this new leadership.

I firmly believe this story resonates deeply in today’s climate. Marlboro’s transformation is a powerful narrative about what happens when a community comes together to prioritize students, education, and collaboration. It speaks to positive change that can occur when communities pay attention to school boards, and the consequences when they don’t.”

As Cohen assumed the presidency, he acknowledged the 5-4 vote, but expressed hope that going forward there will be more unity and fewer 5-4 votes.

That’s an understandable hope, but it may not be all that attainable.

Just for the record, Chad Hyett was elected vice president.

The vote was 5-4.