Governance
Board of Education
Nine community members, elected by their neighbors, who set district policy and approve the budget — in public, every month.
The Board
Nine seats, one district
Board members serve staggered three-year terms so there is always institutional memory in the room.
- MI
Margaret Ianelli
President
Term expires 2027
A Riverbend parent of three RHS graduates, now in her second term leading the board’s budget and facilities work.
- DC
David Cho
Vice President
Term expires 2026
Retired middle-school science teacher who chairs the board’s curriculum committee.
- PN
Patricia Nguyen
Member
Term expires 2028
Small-business owner on Main Street; represents the board on the transportation advisory committee.
- RF
Robert Falcone
Member
Term expires 2026
Civil engineer and Millbrook parent focused on the district’s long-range facilities plan.
- CJ
Carla Jimenez
Member
Term expires 2027
Pediatric nurse and Sycamore parent; liaison to the Special Services department.
- TB
Thomas Bright
Member
Term expires 2028
Local attorney serving his first term, with a focus on policy review and board governance.
- SW
Susan Whitfield
Member
Term expires 2026
Former PTA president at Oakview, now bringing that family-engagement lens to the full board.
- JO
James Okafor
Member
Term expires 2027
Data analyst and RHS alum; chairs the board’s technology and communications review.
- EB
Elaine Brooks
Member
Term expires 2028
Community volunteer and grandparent of two current students; focuses on food services and wellness policy.
Steven Park serves as the board's non-voting Secretary (Board Secretary (non-voting) · Business Administrator) — spark@riverbendschools.org · (973) 555-0148
Meeting Schedule
Regular meetings
The Board meets the second Tuesday of most months at 7:00 PM in the Board Room at the District Office, 15 Heron Way. Meetings are open to the public.
| Date | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 13, 2026 | 7:00 PM | District Office, Board Room | Annual reorganization meeting |
| February 10, 2026 | 7:00 PM | District Office, Board Room | — |
| March 10, 2026 | 7:00 PM | District Office, Board Room | Preliminary budget presentation |
| April 14, 2026 | 7:00 PM | District Office, Board Room | — |
| May 12, 2026 | 7:00 PM | District Office, Board Room | Public budget hearing |
| June 9, 2026 | 7:00 PM | District Office, Board Room | Final meeting before summer recess |
| September 8, 2026 | 7:00 PM | District Office, Board Room | — |
| October 13, 2026 | 7:00 PM | District Office, Board Room | — |
| November 10, 2026 | 7:00 PM | District Office, Board Room | — |
| December 8, 2026 | 7:00 PM | District Office, Board Room | — |
Dates occasionally change to accommodate holidays or budget deadlines. Any change is posted here and on the district calendar at least one week in advance.
Public Record
Agendas & minutes
Agendas are posted at least 48 hours before each meeting; approved minutes are posted after the following meeting.
-
Regular Meeting
June 9, 2026
-
Regular Meeting
May 12, 2026
-
Regular Meeting
April 14, 2026
-
Regular Meeting
March 10, 2026
-
Regular Meeting
February 10, 2026
-
Regular Meeting
January 13, 2026
Public Comment
How to take part
Every regular meeting includes two public comment periods — one at the start of the meeting for agenda items, and one at the end for any topic. Sign up at the sign-in table when you arrive; speakers are called in the order they sign up and are asked to keep comments to three minutes so everyone gets a turn.
Can't make it in person? You can send written comment to the board ahead of time, and it will be read into the record.
Reach the Board
15 Heron Way, Riverbend, NJ 07405
District policies, bylaws, and the current budget are posted in the document center.