The discussion surrounding Title III funding emerged as a central topic during the public comments section. A speaker highlighted the difficulties the district faces in securing adequate financial resources for the growing ELL population. Dr. Thomas Farrell, the district’s superintendent, responded by acknowledging these challenges, noting that Title III funding is minimal compared to other sources. He explained that state funding typically covers the bulk of ELL expenses, but the absence of Equalization Aid exacerbates the problem. Dr. Farrell also mentioned ongoing efforts to leverage his recent appointment as president of the Ocean County Superintendent Association to advocate for better funding opportunities. He expressed optimism about addressing these funding issues in an upcoming workshop in Trenton.

In addition to the ELL funding issues, the board discussed various facility upgrades across the district. The finance and facilities committee reported on the ongoing HVAC projects and the addition of a power purchase agreement project at Brick Memorial High School. This project involves the removal of old solar panels, roof replacement, and the installation of a new solar array. The committee is gathering further information and expects to provide updates at the next meeting.

Another facility-related discussion centered on the Electric School Bus Grant. The district is exploring various options for infrastructure and software related to electric buses, with one proposed path potentially costing approximately $350,000 annually. Other options under consideration include full ownership and installation by the district.

The committee also addressed the status of the air conditioning project at Lake River Middle School, with updates on inspections and costs. Due to delays, the Veterans Memorial Middle School’s boiler replacement and air conditioning project are now scheduled for the summer of 2025. Some schools are nearing completion of their air conditioning upgrades, while others face delays due to parts shortages. The committee emphasized the need for careful coordination to ensure timely completion of these projects before the school year progresses.

Community engagement and student support initiatives were also prominent during the meeting. The special education committee reported on its collaboration with the Brick Township Police Department to create a database identifying students and adults with special needs. This initiative aims to assist emergency responders in handling situations involving individuals with special needs. Additionally, the Parent Academy is set to launch soon, featuring various events for parents of students in preschool and special education.

Student representatives from Brick Memorial High School and Brick Township High School provided updates on their respective schools’ activities. Kristen McWade from Brick Memorial highlighted the freshman welcome event, the excitement surrounding the first week of school, and various sports achievements. Paula Kobian Ramos from Brick Township discussed the freshman orientation, the recognition of Patriot Day, and the commencement of club meetings and sports competitions.

Junior ROTC Cadets’ activities were another point of interest. On September 7th, seven cadets participated in orientation flights with the Civil Air Patrol at Lakid Airport, where senior cadets had the opportunity to control the plane under a pilot’s guidance. The cadets also performed a color guard ceremony for a football game and participated in a commemorative event on September 11th, climbing the high school stairs to symbolize the Twin Towers’ height and honor the victims of the attacks.

In the second public comment period, Charles Bacon raised concerns about the student-to-teacher ratio in elementary schools and the strain on resources due to increased ELL enrollment. He urged the district to pursue additional funding aggressively and suggested that class sizes for each grade be posted on the district’s website for transparency. Bacon also questioned the administration’s efforts to restore S2 funding and called for strategic planning to address ELL and special education needs.

Board member comments included personal anecdotes, appreciation for school staff, and calls for community support for upcoming events. One member shared their child’s positive experience starting preschool at Herbertsville Elementary School, while another encouraged parents to communicate issues directly with the school rather than airing grievances on social media.