Last night, Mr. Kenneth Ralph was appointed to the Board of Education in the Pascack Hills Auditorium as its newest member.

His appointment follows the resignation of Mr. Alfred Murphy, a long time Board member. Murphy served, among many other positions since then, as the mayor of Hillsdale from 1980-1987. He officially resigned his position on the Board of Education on July 27, citing his health as the main issue.

“It’s technically a resignation,” said Mr. Jeffrey Steinfeld, President of the Board of Education, “but I think of it more as a retirement because he’s been so involved [in the community] for so many years.”

With the position vacant, the board posted articles in local papers and on their website, soliciting applications. Seven people applied for the position and all were reviewed by the board.

“They were all interesting candidates. They all brought different things to the table,” Steinfeld said. “It’s nice that there’s that level of civic interest.”

Ralph, the chosen applicant, is a lifelong resident of Hillsdale and a father of three. He worked as an assistant  prosecutor for the county for 25 years. Ralph now works as an attorney at Bruno & Ferraro in Rutherford, NJ.

“I’m interested in learning more about the schools and what I can do to help,” Ralph said. “I’ll do what needs to be done to make a contribution here.”

As prosecutor, Ralph was barred from doing “most civic and volunteer positions”. According to Steinfeld, after leaving the Prosecutor’s office, Ralph decided that he wanted to apply for a position on the Board of Education.

“That made a big impression. As soon as he could do it, he stepped forward,” Steinfeld said. “That meant a lot. We believe he’s willing to make a strong commitment.”

Mr. Erik Gundersen, Superintendent of Schools, gave Ralph a tour of both Pascack Hills and Pascack Valley today.

“[Murphy’s resignation] is a loss for the community that he can’t serve anymore,” Ralph said, “and it’s an honor for me to take over the seat for the remainder of the term he was elected to.”

Ralph will remain on the Board of Education until the term ends in January 2018.