Last evening, history was made in the Town of Dover when Daniella Mendez, the first trans woman ever elected to a New Jersey Board of Education, was unanimously elected by her colleagues to serve as the Board’s new President.

The vote took place at the Dover Board of Education’s Annual Re-Organization Meeting.

“Following the failure of the School Referendum last month, I began canvassing my colleagues for support because I believed a change in leadership was required,” said Mendez.  “To my surprise, the support for this move was overwhelming.  We all agree that it’s time to chart a new path, and seek out new ideas, in order to solve the problems plaguing our school system.”

First elected in November 2021, Mendez previously served on the Board’s Policy Committee, Mine Hill Ad-Hoc Committee, and as Chair of the Curriculum Committee.

“When the residents of Dover entrusted me with a seat on our Board of Education, I promised to never stop advocating for students who have been underrepresented and voiceless.  In my first year, I have done everything possible to turn those words into actions,” Mendez said.

“I am extremely aware of what my being President of the Dover Board of Education means to many, and am grateful to my colleagues for the trust they have placed in me.  I look forward to getting to work alongside all of them to move Dover Public Schools in the right direction.”

Joining Ms. Mendez in Board leadership will be Scott Miller, who was elected to the position of Vice President.  Miller is a former member of the Dover Board of Alderman and is in his 13th year on the Board of Education.