“The process of selecting members of the Board of Education is a serious responsibility,” explains Mayor Radest. “Much thought and reflection goes into my decisions, including valuable input from seasoned members of our community. As a former member of the Board of Education, including a term as President, I bring additional perspective and experience to this task.”
Radest continues: “Summit is uniquely fortunate to have continuous, excellent management of our schools, and board appointments that work to the benefit of the entire community. I have seen first-hand how we can maintain our reputation for educational excellence while continuing to be careful stewards of our tax revenues.”
In making appointments to the Board of Education, Radest looked to honor a long-term policy for representation from all areas of the city, recruiting applicants with a balance of talents and expertise. “Vanessa, Chris, and Emile bring great value to the Board as experienced professionals and thoughtful members of our community. I am confident that they will make valuable contributions to Summit schools, as we continue to build upon our successes and look for creative solutions to our challenges. I thank them for the time and dedication these volunteer positions will require, and feel pleased and honored to have their commitment to serve.”
Vanessa A. Primack resides in the Washington School district, and is married with three children. An attorney in the field of labor relations, Primack most recently was the Director of Labor Relations for the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation.
Chris Bonner is from the Jefferson School district, and is married with one child. A former member of the United States Armed Forces, Bonner is currently a School Operations Director for KIPP New Jersey, the award-winning charter school system in Newark.
Emile George lives in the Brayton School district, and is married with one daughter and two grandchildren. He is a retired employee of the Summit school system, serving most recently as Assistant Principal of Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School. George is currently an adjunct professor of Education at Fairleigh Dickinson University.