Board Of Education Appoints New Member

Barnegat school district's newest board of education member, Frank A. Caputo Jr., brings to the table a combined 35-plus years of business, administrative and school experience.

Caputo was sworn in Sept. 8. "I enjoy doing positive things," said Caputo. "I believe in a quality education. Children are first. It's a good board, and I want to add something to it."

He replaces Elaine Taylor, who resigned from her position for personal reasons, according to board President Lisa Becker.

“Her other time constraints at home put demands on her, and she can’t devote the time that she feels the district deserves,” Becker said.

When the term expires this spring, Caputo plans to run for office again. "I was planning to run prior to this appointment," he said.

Caputo, a Hidden Lake Circle resident, is retired and also a member of the township's zoning board of adjustment. Prior to moving to Barnegat, he served on the Belleville zoning board for three years where he was elected chairman.

Caputo served on the Mount Olive Board of Education from 1995-2000, and was elected to the Belleville and East Rutherford boards of education, as well.

Though he is officially retired, Caputo continues to work as a sales consultant in the amusements and entertainment industry. His business experience includes working as an events coordinator starting in the mid-1970s with the advent of the Meadowlands in East Rutherford.

Caputo holds a master's degree in Administration and Supervision from Kean University and has completed advanced studies courses as recently as 2001 at Montclair State University.

He has worked in the education field as a teacher, drug counselor and school administrator for his entire career.

Caputo and his wife have two grandchildren in the Barnegat school system, one in third grade and the other in kindergarten. 

"I like Barnegat," Caputo summed up. "The municipality is trying to do the right thing."