2 Incumbents, Running mate gain three-year terms on school board

Incumbents Frank Giordano and Allan Bernardini were swept back into office in Tuesday’s school board election and will be joined on the nine-person panel by running mate Thomas Ulrich, successful in his first bid for public office.

Giordano and Bernardini will be starting their fourth three-year terms in office when the Vineland Board of Education re-organizes on April 25 at 6 p.m. at the administration building, 625 Plum Street. Giordano has served as board president for most of that time.

According to unofficial totals, Giordano was the top vote getter with 1,303. Bernardini had 1,278 votes and Ulrich rounded out the top three with 1,250.

Ulrich, a Vineland Police detective lieutenant, will be taking the seat formerly held by Jessica Deckard, who did not seek a new term.

The other candidate on the ballot was George Oliveri, a local businessman, who polled 749 votes in his first bid for public office.

Vineland voters also approved the school tax appropriation of about $20.3 million by an 897-617 count.

The school board’s other members are Jacqueline Gavigan, vice president; Mayra Arroyo, Anthony Fanucci, Ron Franceschini Jr., Christopher Snyder, and Paul Spinelli.

“It’s gratifying to receive this vote of confidence from the voters,” said Giordano. “I’m also pleased that Allan is back and I think Tom will be a welcome addition to our board.”

“I want to thank everyone for their support,” said Bernardini. “I look forward to another productive term. We have a lot of work still to do and I’m pleased to be again serving with Mr. Giordano, my other colleagues on the board, and now Mr. Ulrich.”

“I am grateful for the support I received, and I also want to thank everyone who voted for Mr. Giordano and Mr. Bernardini,” said Ulrich. “I look forward to getting onboard and addressing issues of importance.”

Tuesday’s votes were tabulated electronically and reported on the Cumberland county web site.