LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ — With state and local leaders joining a standing-room-only audience, the Linden Board of Education formally reorganized its leadership Tuesday night (Jan. 7) as three members -- including one returning and two newcomers -- were sworn in during the board’s annual reorganization meeting at School No. 1.

Prior to the swearing-in ceremonies, Board Secretary and Business Administrator John Serapiglia announced the certified results of the Nov. 4, 2025 Board of Education election, which filled three seats for full three-year terms on the nine-member board. According to the official tally, Brianna Armstead received 2,351 votes, Phillip Campo received 1,923 votes, and Craig Halloran received 4,155 votes.

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗝𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘆 𝗟𝘁. 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗿-𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗱𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹, a longtime education leader who served 26 years on the New Brunswick Board of Education, including six years as president, administered the oath of office to Armstead, who begins a new three-year term following her re-election. Armstead was joined by Campo and Halloran, both newly elected to the board, who were sworn in by Derek Armstead Mayor of Linden completing the board’s newest slate.

The meeting also marked a leadership transition within the board. 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭, with the two members exchanging roles as part of the annual reorganization process. Berghammer had served as board president for three years beginning in 2023, while Thomas had served as vice president during that same period.

In administering the oath, Caldwell underscored the significance of local school boards in public education, emphasizing the direct and practical nature of their work.

“So often people overlook this, but this is where the rubber hits the road—where you’re dealing with everyday problems,” Caldwell said, calling school board service “a major deal.”

The ceremony unfolded before an audience of family members, friends, and community supporters, reflecting strong public engagement in the district’s governance and the shared responsibility carried by all members of the board.

A graduate of Linden Public Schools, Armstead thanked elected officials, family members, and community supporters for their presence and continued encouragement. She described her service on the board as both personal and purposeful.

“Serving on this board has been some of the most fulfilling experiences of my life,” Armstead said.

Armstead said her focus remains on student advocacy and expanding access to real-world learning opportunities. She cited her involvement in school visits, student activities, field trips, and fundraising efforts that support enrichment initiatives, including the district’s immersive Disney Film Workshop. She also referenced the role of faith and community support as she begins her new term, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and sustained commitment.

“This is only the beginning,” she said.

Campo thanked residents who supported his candidacy, expressing appreciation to voters for the opportunity to serve. He was described during the meeting as a dedicated citizen with a strong connection to Linden and its schools.

Halloran also acknowledged the friends and supporters who assisted his campaign and said he is eager to begin his work on the board.

“I am looking forward to working with my colleagues on the board, and I am looking forward to helping the children to the best of my ability,” Halloran said.

With the reorganization complete, the Linden Board of Education begins the year with a full complement of members and leadership in place, continuing its work on behalf of the district’s students, families, and community.

The rest of the 9-member board includes Kimberly Ullisse, Rempee Kalia, Lymari Cintron and Antoinette Pino. Linden High School student Anaise Matos serves on the student representative on the board.