The recognition of educators took center stage as several teachers and staff members were honored for their contributions to the Montville School District. Miss Maria Haburn received the Teacher of the Year award, garnering an unprecedented number of votes from her colleagues over the past eight years. Her acknowledgment was met with applause, reflecting her impact on the school community. Christopher Connelly was distinguished as a secondary school teacher of the year by Princeton University. His impressive academic background includes degrees from Seton Hall and Fordham University, and he joined Montville after a long tenure at another respected institution. In addition, Miss Lisa Shapira was named Educational Services Professional of the Year, recognized for her 18-year commitment as a paraprofessional. Miss Laura Riva, who began her teaching career in 2007 and joined Montville in 2008, also received a Teacher of the Year award. This series of recognitions highlighted the dedication and excellence of the Montville educators.

Alongside the focus on educators, the board also celebrated student achievements in both academics and sports. The meeting began with a report on sports milestones, noting the boys’ basketball team’s remarkable record of 8-2, including a victory at the Panic Holiday Tournament. The girls’ basketball team showed resilience with a comeback victory against Mendham, despite a 5-6 record. The wrestling team continued their dominance with an undefeated record of 11-0, and the hockey team achieved a notable 6-0 shutout against Madison. Academic achievements were equally impressive, with students from the math club excelling in the New Jersey Math League and others winning accolades in the state-level Singtolearn Chinese contest.

The board also spotlighted Antonio Gidus, who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout through a project at Woodmont Elementary School. His initiative to build benches for an outdoor classroom was lauded, especially for its benefits to students with allergies. The project involved significant fundraising efforts and contributions from local organizations. The board passed a resolution to commend his work and presented him with a plaque.

In administrative matters, the business administrator provided an update that auditors are scheduled to present an audit on February 4. Discussions also touched on ongoing construction projects, the district’s financial health, and potential elementary enrollment projections for 2025-2026.

Community engagement was another focal point, with reports on activities at local schools. Hilldale School noted strong parental involvement during a recent Zoom meeting. Plans are underway to survey parents about food preferences, and new playground equipment, including swings, was purchased. An outdoor garden is planned for the spring. Valley View School successfully raised $40,000 through a Tricky Tray event, with discussions ongoing about how best to allocate those funds, including potential shading solutions for outdoor classrooms.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for public participation, although no residents chose to speak on agenda items. The board moved to consider and approve consent resolutions across various sections, including facilities, finance, personnel, and curriculum. Amendments regarding salary adjustments in the personnel section were clarified to ensure accurate implementation.