Cinnaminson School Board Debates Homeschoolers’ Extracurricular Access
-
Meeting Type:
School Board
-
Meeting Date:
03/19/2024
-
Recording Published:
03/19/2024
-
Duration:
124 Minutes
-
State:
New Jersey
-
County:
Burlington County
-
Towns:
Cinnaminson
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent Cinnaminson School Board meeting, the most pressing topic emerged as the debate over the participation of homeschooled students in extracurricular activities. Parents and community members brought forward concerns and experiences, advocating for policy revisions that would allow homeschooled children to engage in school sports and clubs. This issue was underscored by a parent’s detailed account of their children’s exclusion from such activities and their request for policy change. The public commentary extended to a discussion on inclusivity, with a former school board member supporting the cause and a parent voicing the challenges faced by students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The board acknowledged the matter, stating that the policy committee would evaluate the issue in an upcoming meeting.
The meeting also covered a range of topics including academic recognitions, budget considerations, and personnel matters. Moreover, the board accentuated the upcoming acknowledgment of winter season athletes.
The superintendent’s report was a focal point, covering the school district’s recent activities and initiatives. The report highlighted the celebration of National SEAL Day, the success of the CHS play “Oklahoma,” and the implementation of the NJ GPA graduation requirement for the class of 2025. Additionally, the superintendent shared the district’s progress on the fiscal year 2024-2025 school budget and the acquisition of a preschool expansion aid grant, which aims to enhance access to full-day, tuition-free pre-k programs.
The finance and personnel committee presented a report on the proposed budget for the upcoming school year, discussing the tax levy increase, state aid, revenue adjustments, and proposed budget additions. The preliminary budget submission was approved, with a comprehensive budget presentation scheduled for a subsequent meeting.
During the meeting, the board handled routine business, approving reports such as the board secretary’s report, treasurer’s report, and various others including the monthly transfer report and high school activities report. Items regarding personnel were also addressed, encompassing approvals for staff appointments, resignations, retirements, and leaves of absence, among other personnel matters.
In the curricular and instruction segment, the board sanctioned professional development requests, field trips, and instructional materials. They reviewed monthly reports on harassment, intimidation, and bullying, along with suspension reports and an adjustment to the school calendar.
The student representatives’ reports were bypassed; however, the presentation section acknowledged the Healthy High School challenge, where the district was awarded $500 for promoting healthy meals and snacks. Students from the New Albany School and Rush School were commended for their inventive contributions, and a middle school student was recognized for representing the school at the New Jersey School Boards Association’s eighth-grade dialogue event. Additionally, a student was lauded for their fundraising efforts for the American Heart Association.
Stephen M. Cappello
School Board Officials:
Laura Fitzwater, Ed Kenney, Katherine Bleistine, Michael Bramhall, Daniel Evans, Iii, Donna Marie Iacone, John Meeker, Christine Trampé
-
Meeting Type:
School Board
-
Meeting Date:
03/19/2024
-
Recording Published:
03/19/2024
-
Duration:
124 Minutes
-
Notability Score:
Routine
Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:
-
State:
New Jersey
-
County:
Burlington County
-
Towns:
Cinnaminson
Recent Meetings Nearby:
- 10/22/2024
- 10/23/2024
- 110 Minutes
- 10/22/2024
- 10/22/2024
- 29 Minutes
- 10/22/2024
- 10/22/2024
- 46 Minutes