Region 16 Superintendent of Schools James Agsotine, right, is seen here during Woodland Regional High School’s graduation in June. Agostine’s last day in the district will be Jan 15. The Board of Education has hired Tim James, who’s currently serving as superintendent of schools for the Orange Elementary School District, as interim superintendent. FILE PHOTO

BEACON FALLS — The Region 16 Board of Education didn’t have to look very far to find an interim superintendent — just about 20 miles south.

The board approved hiring Tim James, who’s currently serving as superintendent of schools for the Orange Elementary School District, as interim superintendent of schools for Region 16 following an executive session at its Nov. 7 meeting.

“We’re very, very happy that (James) applied for the position because he seems to have a vigor and drive we want to embrace,” board Chair Priscilla Cretella said.

James was chosen from a list of about nine candidates to take over in Region 16 for the rest of the school year once current Superintendent of Schools James Agostine leaves to become superintendent for the Monroe school district.

Agostine said his last day will be Jan. 15 and James will start on Jan. 10 so the two can work together for a few days to ease the transition.

Agostine said James is a terrific person, who has experience in regional school districts.

“He’s an excellent candidate,” Agostine said.

James was already planning to retire from Orange at the end of this month prior to the board’s search for an interim superintendent.

James said his retirement plans were due more to time served than a lack of energy and willingness to continue his career in education. James agreed to take the interim position, he said, because he feels he can provide some energy and experience to Region 16.

“I just have too much energy to retire,” James said.

James will be paid about $680 a day to be interim superintendent, according to school officials. James salary is based on Agostine’s base salary of $153,000 divided by the number of days, 224, James is expected to be in the position. James will not receive any benefits from the district.

James’ educational career spans 41 years, beginning at the age of 22 as a teacher in Long Island, N.Y. James has spent 23 of those 41 years as a superintendent. He’s been superintendent in Orange for the past seven and a half years. Prior to the position in Orange, James was superintendent in Region 6, which covers Warren, Morris, and Goshen.

James earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Elon College, now Elon University, in North Carolina, a master’s degree from Adelphi University in Long Island, N.Y., and a professional diploma in educational leadership from C.W. Post College in Long Island, N.Y.

As interim superintendent, James said his plans are to work with the board, administrators, and school staff to help them achieve their goals during the time he’s in the district.

James will be coming on board at a time when the district could be moving forward with a school building project and will be engrossed in budget preparations.

The $46.7 million school project will go to a referendum on Dec. 20.

James said he’s been a part of four building projects in his career, all of which came in under budget and on time. He said hopefully the referendum will pass and he’ll be able to help the board move forward with the plans.

James said he is experienced in putting budgets together for regional school districts. He said he understands the budget process in a regional district and wants to come in and help maximize the taxpayers’ dollars.

“I think my experience in regional school districts will be an asset to the board and communities in doing a budget and working through the process,” James said.

The board will begin searching for a full-time superintendent soon after Jan. 1. James said he does not plan to apply for the position.

Mayor: Rep. Bob Chatfield (2,040), Dem. Charles Mallon (591)

Town Council: Rep. Douglas B. Merriman (1,830), Rep. Robert E. Doyon (1,708), Rep. Jeffrey B. Slapikas (1,518), Rep. Stanley Pilat (1,584), Rep. Thomas J. Galvin (1,692), Dem. Michael R. Scaviola (737), Dem. Theresa Cocchiola Graveline (932), Dem. Patricia Sullivan Geary (1,026), Dem. Carl L. Graveline (860), Dem. Mark E. Casey (687)

Town Clerk: Rep. M. Carrie Anderson (1,954), Dem. Marion E. Charest (588)

Treasurer: Rep. David R. Young (1,744), Dem. Lorraine V. Dixon (774)

Tax Collector: Rep. Diane M. Lauber (2,237)

Board of Assessment Appeals: Rep. Lisa E. Mason (1,924), Rep. Marie J. Kluge (1,924), Dem. Janice A. Mallon (803)

Planning and Zoning Commission: Rep. Alan F. Havican (1,684), Rep. Alexander A. Delelle (1,507), Dem. Whitney J. Caporaso (714), Dem. E. Gil Graveline, Jr. (1,008)

Zoning Board of Appeals: Rep. David J. Jones (1,025), Dem. Suzanne V. Loud (1,158)

Board of Education: Rep. Lisa M. Degoes (2,130), Rep. Robert A. Hiscox (2,026), Rep. David T. Wartko (2,032), Rep. Donna M. Cullen (2,087)

PROSPECT — Republican incumbent Mayor Robert J. Chatfield secured his 17th consecutive term Tuesday with a landslide victory over Democratic challenger Charles F. Mallon. Chatfield won 78 percent of the vote, defeating the first-term Town Council member, 2,040-591.

Mayor Bob Chatfield stands tall after winning his 17th consecutive term

Throughout his campaign, Chatfield’s message was simple: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

And it appeared that the vast majority of Prospect voters shared this sentiment with the beloved “Mayor Bob,” who will now be entering his 33^rd straight year as mayor of the town.

Chatfield called the victory “gratifying,” saying, “I’m very grateful to all the people who supported me, and even those who didn’t; I’m still their mayor, and I’ll continue to work very hard for them and save their money.”

When asked about his priorities in the new term, Chatfield said he’d continue trying to get more grant money for Prospect, saying some of the money for the proposed Algonquin School site was already “working through Congress.”

He indicated he might consider stepping down when this term ends in two years, as he’s getting older.

Mallon, who ran on a platform of change, promised a more transparent government than the one that has occupied Town Hall since 1977.

Mallon has said that since Chatfield holds many positions in town (mayor, public works director and assistant fire chief), he often represents the requestor of funds as well as a chief voice in their allocation.

Mallon said he was “surprised [the election] was such a landslide … I attribute it to being not as well-known,” especially among the “biggest block of voters in the town,” senior citizens. Mallon was barred from entering the senior center, where Chatfield visits often, on the grounds that he was politicking and Chatfield was not (see story on page 13).

Mallon said he and Chatfield ran a clean, non-negative campaign against one another, but he still believes with conviction that a change is needed in Town Hall.

“I believe we’ve become complacent … maybe it’s going on deaf ears or people didn’t believe it, but I believe it,” he said. “I’m discouraged in that we continue down the same path. I still think we need a change.”

Mallon feels building a strong business base is paramount to the town’s future successes.

“Without that tax base, homeowners will be paying the brunt of [the town's taxes],” he said, adding that the now-defunct Chamber of Commerce and/or economic development commission should be reinstated.

By attracting a business tax base, Mallon said, the town could offset the costs of Region 16 teacher salaries, which will likely increase when contracts are renegotiated, and the replacement of Algonquin School, which was been “on the books to be replaced” for 25 years.

But Mallon’s party saw little support Tuesday as the total votes for Republicans outnumbered total votes for Democrats, 8,275-3,683.

Chatfield’s Republican Party maintained their majority (5-4) seating on the Town Council as well as the town clerk’s position (M. Carrie Anderson), the treasurer’s seat (David R. Young), and the tax collector’s spot (Diane M. Lauber, who ran unchallenged).

The Republicans also hold all of Prospect’s four seats on the Region 16 Board of Education. Lisa M. Degoes, Robert A. Hiscox, David T. Wartko, and Donna M. Cullen all ran unopposed. Originally, there were four Democrats challenging; however, Democratic Town Council Chairman Michael Scaviola said these were just “placeholders,” who ran only to keep Republicans—or any unendorsed candidate—off an open ticket. They dropped out once the announcement deadline was reached.

Prospect voters at the polls share whom they’re voting for and why.

Town Council: Carl L. Graveline (D), Patricia S. Geary (D), Michael R. Scaviola (D), Theresa C. Graveline (D), Mark A. Casey (D), Robert E. Doyon (R), Thomas J. Galvin (R), Douglas B. Merriman (R), Stanley Pilat (R), Jeffrey B. Slapikas (R)

Town Clerk: Marion E. Charest (D), M. Carrie Anderson (R)

Treasurer: Lorraine V. Dixon (D), David R. Young (R)

Tax Collector: Diane M. Lauber (R)

Board of Assessment Appeals: Janice A. Mallon (D), Marie J. Kluge (R), Lisa E. Mason (R)

Planning and Zoning Commission: E. Gil Graveline, Jr. (D), Whitney J. Caporaso (D), Alan F. Havican (R), Alexander A. DeLelle (R)

Zoning Board of Appeals: Suzanne V. Loud (D), David J. Jones (R)

Board of Education (four years): Lisa M. Degoes (R), Robert A. Hiscox (R)

Board of Education (two years): Donna M. Cullen (R), David T. Wartko (R)