Jessica Rapp has been selected as the new business administrator and Board secretary for Livingston Public Schools (LPS). The Board of Education approved the appointment during its Tuesday, June 18, meeting. Rapp is expected to begin her new position on August 19.
“I am excited to join Livingston Public Schools, where the mission of empowering all to learn, create, contribute, and grow resonates deeply with my own values,” Rapp said. “I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and look forward to collaborating with the board members, staff, and community to create an environment in which all students can be successful.”
LPS’ current business administrator and Board secretary, Thomas Lambe, announced on May 23, that he will be resigning effective July 22, after just over one year in the position.
He will officially begin his tenure at Mahwah Public Schools on July 23.
“Mrs. Rapp impressed the entire interview committee with her knowledge, energy, and ability to respond confidently and accurately to challenging questions and scenarios,” superintendent of schools Matthew Block said. “She demonstrated a deep understanding of school business practices. She is approachable and connected with the people on the committee. She promises to be an outstanding addition to the Livingston leadership team.”
Rapp eamedher bachelor’s degree in finance from Seton Hall University. She holds two master’s degrees, one in administrative science and another in business administration, both from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
In her current position in the same role at the Lakeland Regional High School District, which she has held since July 2022, Rapp is responsible for the preparation and management of the annual school budget.
Additional responsibilities of her current role include grant management, supervising the request for proposal process, overseeing the annual district audit, managing risk and general liability, and directly managing finance and administration, transportation, facilities and food services.
Prior to joining the Lakeland Regional High School district, Rapp held the same title with the Ringwood Board of Education.
Rapp and her husband, Jim, have two children, a son (18) and a daughter (16). She is a volunteer for her local parent teacher organization, as well as for the cheerleading booster club at Lakeland Regional High School. Rapp has served as the secretary and president for Passaic County Association of School Business Officials (PCASBO). In addition, she has served on several district and regional committees and is a trustee for New Jersey Association of School Business Officials (NJASBO).
