Attorney Inzelbuch this morning released the following statement in response to being approved as the Board of Education Attorney:

I am honored to be selected for the position, and, thank G-d for the conviction and courage of the Board to look for a “change of course” in the best interests of the Lakewood public schools and overall community.

May G-d bless the Board with continued strength and vitality to serve the Lakewood public schools and all the children of Lakewood, however, in a more collaborative manner with the State when and if possible.

As I previously indicated, my wife and I will review this privilege to serve the Board and determine our position prior to July 1.

This review will focus, in part, on a detailed analysis to truly establish if I can further the public and non public children of this community’s legal educational rights, and, advance the interests of Lakewood schools in the courtroom, Trenton, and Washington at the direction of the Board (without the distraction, unnecessary pressure, and shenanigans) at a greater level than currently.

The level of support and blessing from all segments of the community including the Mayor, the Senator, the Township Committee, the Police Chief and officers, educators, State officials, and most importantly, parents /guardians and educators of the Lakewood public and non public community, is invigorating. (See letters here.)

It is my hope after speaking with the Board, Monitors, lawyers, my Rabbi, and other stakeholders, and assessing the overall situation, that I will genuinely conclude that I can make a greater and positive difference to Lakewood children who, sadly, I believe from my actual legal experiences on their behalf over the last 4 plus years, have been systematically denied a thorough and efficient education and a free and appropriate education, and have been subjected to disparate politics and gamesmanship.

I hope to arrive at that decision prior to July 1 (when the appointment is to begin) and advise the Board of same. Until such time, I will continue to represent the children and families of Lakewood who have entrusted me with their children’s lives.

Regardless of the outcome herein, I will continue my statewide practice of representing families and children throughout the State as I accomplished previously when I represented the Board from 2002-12.

Be well.

Michael I Inzelbuch