NORTHVALE — After what District Superintendent Sylvan Hershey coined a "very public interview process," the Northvale Board of Education selected Gina Corrado as an interim school board member.

Due to the resignation of Board member Lisa Mazurek, Corrado will serve on the school board until the term expires in April.

Corrado has three years of experience on the Northvale school board, having stepped down from the position once her term ended in 2007.

The mother of two high school-aged children joins the school board at an opportune time. Saddled by pending teacher contract negotiations, the school board also readies itself for another budget-constricted year.

"Now that I’m more settled, I feel more comfortable in making sure the students’ needs are met, [in] negotiating contracts and helping with the budget," Corrado told the school board at the Jan. 28 meeting.

Education officials interviewed Corrado and recreation committee member Paul Bazela at the meeting. Seated in front of a crowd, the two candidates answered questions about their relevant experience and motivation in applying for the vacancy.

"Both would contribute greatly [to the board]," said school board member Jennifer England. "I can say that it [the position] requires a weeklong of training and since training would not be available, I vote for Gina."

School Board President Brian Lent said that considering the state of school affairs, Corrado is the most knowledgeable about the job requirements.

After casting a unanimous vote, the school board congratulated Corrado and handed the interim member a folder with board-related documents.