[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Chosen Freeholders of Mercer County as Ch. 2.25 of the 2003 Mercer County Code (Ord. No. 76-5). Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Pursuant to P.L. 2020, c. 67, effective 1-1-2021, the Code of Mercer County has been amended to delete the term “Board of Chosen Freeholders” and replace it with the term “Board of County Commissioners.” In addition, the terms “Freeholder” and “Chosen Freeholder” have been deleted and replaced by the term “County Commissioner.”]
A. 
The Board shall consist of the County Superintendent of Schools and 10 other residents of the County, eight of whom shall be appointed by the Executive and the remainder by the Governor.
B. 
Citizen members shall serve for four years each from November 1 and until the appointment and qualification of their successors. The first appointments under this section shall designate one person to serve for one year, two to serve for two years, two to serve for three years and two to serve for four years. The initial members shall serve from the time of their appointment, but the term of office shall be deemed to commence on November 1.
C. 
In accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:64A-8, the Superintendent of Schools shall serve ex officio.
D. 
The appointing authority of the County shall establish a trustee search committee of not less than five members who shall be residents of the County. The trustee search committee shall nominate individuals for consideration by the appointing authority of the County for appointment to the Board of trustees.
Any vacancy shall be filled in the manner of the original appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term.
Within 10 days after the initial appointment of members and thereafter annually in the month of June, the Board shall elect a chairperson, a vice chairperson, and such other officers as may be found necessary.