Timothy Quinn is the new president, and Andrea Spalla is the new vice-president of the Princeton Regional Schools Board of Education.

At its reorganization meeting last week, outgoing President Rebecca Cox said that she was upholding a tradition established by previous presidents in serving just two, one-year terms, and then bowing out. Ms. Cox nominated her successor, saying that she and Mr. Quinn, who had been vice-president during her tenure, were “partners for the last two years,” and that he is “more than well-prepared to lead the Board.”

The reorganization meeting provided an opportunity to welcome and administer the oath of office to recently elected Board members Martha Land and Patrick Sullivan, and returning member Rebecca Cox. All three will be serving three-year terms.

Superintendent Judy Wilson and several Board members made a point of thanking area residents for approving the 2012-13 school year budget by a vote of 1,193 for and 360 against. Ms. Wilson noted that while “voter turnout was not as high as it usually is,” this may have been due to the fact that there was one uncontested race (Mr. Sullivan, in the Township), and a “non-controversial budget.”К

After his election, Mr. Quinn assumed the seat of meeting Chair, which had been temporarily filled by Board Secretary Stephanie Kennedy. He said that he looked forward to working with “a remarkable, very intelligent Board of Education that will foster collegiality and openness in community and among stakeholders.” As they do each year, the Board members then took turns reciting their Code of Ethics.

Adoption of the schools’ K through 12 curricula, including courses, textbooks, workbooks, and ancillary materials for the 2012-13 school year followed. Curriculum areas include language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages; visual and performing arts, technology, career education, and physical education/health.

Incoming Finance Committee Chair Dan Haughton reported that, with the current school year winding down, the state had mandated no major purchases after April 15. Efforts to reduce costs in the coming year include a 25 percent (a “six-figure number”) discount in kilowatt hours as the result of participation in an energy-saving consortium; and a $150,000 to $200,000 savings as a result of changing the district’s prescription drug carrier. Purchasing supplies through a state arrangement will also provide a break.

Facilities Committee Chair Dorothy Bedford said that while renovations will occur at all district six schools during the coming year, it was agreed to focus on making John Witherspoon Middle School the most energy-efficient building among them.