15:26The meeting began with a spotlight on student achievements, particularly in sports. Jesse was commended for her outstanding performance in varsity basketball, consistently scoring in multiple 20-point games and averaging 11 points per game, leading the Lady Hawks in assists. Meanwhile, Tyler’s contributions to the boys’ bowling team were celebrated, with a remarkable division-leading average of 217, a high game of 267, and a high series of 755, placing him among the top 20 bowlers in New Jersey. These accomplishments embody the board’s motto of “Excellence by example,” emphasizing the importance of recognizing student achievements.

Following the accolades for these students, the board welcomed an audit report presentation. The report noted that the Manchester Board of Education had filed the audit ahead of schedule, an achievement considering only 30-35% of boards had met the deadline. The district received its 29th consecutive certificate of excellence in financial reporting. However, the audit highlighted a decrease in the general fund balance by $1.6 million, attributed mainly to rising transportation costs and increased health benefits. Despite these challenges, the district maintained a healthy fund balance of approximately $5.1 million. The audit underscored the collaborative efforts of district staff in achieving these results.

29:05Attention then shifted to educational opportunities, particularly the expansion of dual enrollment courses through a partnership with Stockton University. The introduction of courses such as “Intro to Digital Studies,” “Computer Science Overview,” and “Intro to Creative Writing” will enable high school students to earn college credits. This initiative is part of a broader goal to establish an associate degree pathway, allowing students to graduate high school with an associate degree. The dual enrollment program, which currently has over 100 students enrolled, offers financial advantages, especially for those eligible for free or reduced lunch, who will receive tuition waivers for Stockton courses. This initiative aims to cater to high-achieving students and provide them with a head start in their college education.

Additionally, new Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including “AP African-American Studies” and “AP Seminar,” were proposed. “AP African-American Studies” offers students the chance to explore the African-American experience through diverse sources, integrating standards from social studies and English language arts. “AP Seminar” is designed to prepare students for college by fostering interdisciplinary learning and developing analytical skills through research and presentations. These courses aim to broaden the students’ educational experiences and prepare them for future academic endeavors.

The board also discussed budgetary constraints, reviewing financial plans submitted by schools and departments. Preliminary reviews are underway, with plans for discussions in early February. The board emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced budget while exploring potential funding increases to optimize resource allocation.

The meeting also featured a community engagement initiative where students assisted senior residents at Leisure Village West with technology, resulting in the donation of over 100 boxes of cereal to the students as a gesture of gratitude. This initiative highlights the importance of community involvement and the positive impact of student-led projects.

0:00As the meeting concluded, the board expressed appreciation for the dedication of staff members, particularly recognizing the retirement of a long-serving educator. The session wrapped up with an invitation for public comments.