Welcome A‘Board’

By Haley Nelson

This past January, Pinelands welcomed our new Board of Education members Patty Martin and Lisa Betty. To allow the student body an opportunity to better acquaint themselves with the new members I conducted interviews to get to know them on a more personal level. Patty Martin has lived in Bass River for the past twenty-two years and had her daughter graduate from Bass River Elementary while she was a PTO member and class parent there. When asked about her experience there, she said “working and volunteering with such a fabulous group of students, parents and teachers is something I will always cherish. It was here that I witnessed a group of people, working together for the betterment of the school, community and most importantly, the success and achievements of all students.” On now being a part of the Board of Education at Pinelands she says “I consider it an honor and privilege to represent the students and community.” She also told me her interests include, “Gardening, the outdoors (when it's not freezing), and spending time with my family and friends.” She also says she has “Two Belgian Malinois, Darby and Cassidy, two of the most ball obsessed pups that have ever existed!”

I also had the pleasure of talking to Lisa Betty who, before becoming a part of the Board, used to live in New York CIty and worked as an engineer. She now works for Barnegat High as a math teacher and lives in West Creek, a community which she loves. Lisa Betty has two kids Tyler, who graduated Pinelands in 2020, and Kaleb who is currently a senior here. Her family also includes a dog named Danny and a cat named Bucky as well as a new puppy they’re in the process of adopting. When asked about any hobbies she told me, “I love to garden and workout every morning at 5:00 A.M..” She also expressed a love for reading, especially historical literature that empowers women. When asked what made her decide to become a board member, she explained that she is “A firm believer in helping the community,” and is thankful to be in a position to do so. Ms. Betty also briefly spoke about The Arrow Program, which she created to help provide students within the community volunteer opportunities. Lastly, when asked what Ms. Betty was most excited to do as a board member she said “It’s all still a learning process, but I’m lucky to be working with such smart people doing their best to make Pinelands better.”

We want to thank both Patty Martin and Lisa Betty, as well as all the members of our board here at Pinelands, for volunteering their time and putting in the work to make our school a better place.