One notable issue discussed was the potential renewal of Superintendent David Citadino’s contract. Numerous correspondences were read aloud, reflecting a strong consensus among parents, teachers, and community members advocating for his continued leadership. Michael Curtis, a parent, expressed support, saying, “Mr. Citadino has always put the students and staff of Old Bridge first and strives to foster an environment in which his students and staff feel safe and accepted.” Another supporter, Michelle Sparza, emphasized Citadino’s consistency and dedication, stating, “His leadership has been a steady and guiding force through it all,” and warned that losing him would be a significant loss for the district.

Karen Langan highlighted Citadino’s visibility and involvement in the community, noting, “Students today cannot say that about our superintendent because Mr. Citadino is everywhere and supports everyone.” Langan recalled a specific incident where Citadino comforted anxious students during an emergency: “I turned around and who did I see, Mr. Citadino with Daisy, his trusted four-legged companion.” The correspondences continued to praise Citadino’s approachability and commitment to student welfare. Victoria Bour remarked on his habit of being present in hallways and at events, stating, “He wanted his staff and his students to feel comfortable in the environment in which they were in.”

The tone shifted slightly when addressing potential delays in the contract renewal process. Katie Chong criticized the Board president’s recommendation to wait until after the November elections, arguing that it was a “selfish decision.” She asserted that the board needed to prioritize student needs over personal grudges, echoing sentiments found in other correspondences that criticized certain Board members for allowing personal disagreements to interfere with the decision-making process. Roxanna Aosta also urged swift action, saying, “Losing a superintendent of his caliber would be a major setback for Old Bridge and the children.”

In addition to the contract renewal discussions, logistical issues regarding transportation were addressed. A special committee had convened at the request of families to discuss concerns about late buses, identified as a $500,000 budget item. The administration conveyed that cutting this service was necessary due to budget constraints, and the committee explored potential solutions, though subscription busing or pay-to-play systems were deemed insufficient to cover costs. The board acknowledged the community’s input and suggested further investigations into alternatives, emphasizing the administration’s responsiveness to parental concerns.

Another portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) initiatives. The board highlighted the successful distribution of over 375 SEPTA booklets throughout Old Bridge. SEPTA reviewed granted wish lists and updated attendees on the completion of the GNC project, which had raised over $112,000 through community support after an initial funding opportunity fell through. This funding was used to create a classroom intended for long-term benefit to students.

A new campaign titled “Exceptional Nights” was introduced, featuring inclusive t-shirt and hoodie designs with the word “kindness” represented in both sign language and Braille. This campaign is set to conclude on September 30th, prompting members of the community to place their orders soon. Additionally, SEPTA announced its partnership with the Department of Special Services to host the first Old Bridge Special Education Resource Fair on January 30th at the Carl Sandburg Learning Lab. Dr. Tuy provided an overview of special education programs planned for the 2024-2025 academic year and confirmed SEPTA’s participation in the Family Academy night on November 12th, where Dr. Tuy will present on parent rights and special education.

The meeting also addressed ongoing school safety concerns, particularly regarding parking and traffic issues at Carl Sandburg School during special events. A board member expressed frustration over the situation, stating, “I did a football game with the fire department not too long ago… OEM and other Emergency Services would not be able to get in to help any student if something happened.” They reported that the Fire Marshall was currently issuing fines for illegal parking in fire lanes, with fines totaling over $66,000 at that moment. The board member emphasized the urgency of addressing these safety concerns, questioning the lack of communication with emergency services since their last discussion.

Public comments provided additional insights into community concerns and support for Superintendent Citadino. Carol Nappo shared a personal story about her daughter, a graduate of Old Bridge public schools, emphasizing the positive impact Citadino had on her experience. Nappo urged the board to support Citadino and expressed her belief that he deserves to leave on his own terms after over 12 years of service.