During the public session of the meeting, a young student named Emma brought attention to the anti-Semitic symbols found in the school’s facilities. Her speech, where she conveyed feelings of sadness and fear, urged the school board to create a safer and more inclusive environment for students of all religions. This sentiment was echoed by Matthew Bergman, a parent who questioned the effectiveness of the superintendent’s approach in addressing anti-Semitic behavior. Bergman suggested a need for a shift from reactive to proactive strategies in combating such incidents.

The board chair responded to these concerns, recognizing the gravity of the situation and assuring that the administration is actively working to support and protect students.

In addition to these discussions, the meeting was an important occasion for the restructuring of the board and the assignment of various roles. Barry Walker, Rebecca Hassouna, and Michael M. Pepe were officially certified as elected members of the board. Each new member was sworn in, after which the board proceeded to nominate and elect its president and vice president. Barry Walker was selected as the president, with Jennifer Loughran securing the vice president position. The board members also adhered to formal procedures by reading and signing the New Jersey School Board Member Code of Ethics.

Further appointments included the nomination of town representatives, with Steve Singer and Michael Pepe appointed to represent Raritan and Bridgewater respectively. Additionally, in the context of broader educational collaboration, Barry Walker was elected as the representative to the Somerset County Educational Services Commission Board of Directors, with Lucy Li serving as the alternate. The board also designated Singer, Li, and Pepe as the delegates to the New Jersey School Association’s Delegate Assembly and Somerset County School Board Association.

The topic of representation sparked a debate among the board members, particularly concerning the appointments for Bridgewater and Raritan. It was eventually decided that Calistri and Li would share the representation of Bridgewater, while Pepe would represent Raritan. Questions about the specific roles and rights of representatives and alternates were raised, leading to clarifications; the representative would be the primary participant, with the alternate stepping in if necessary, and while alternates would have speaking rights, only the delegate could vote.

The meeting also focused on the formation of various committees essential for the operation and oversight of the school district, including those for Finance, Facilities, Transportation, Academic and Personnel Security, and Community Relations and Negotiations.

After addressing the range of topics and completing the election of officials and representatives, the board concluded the public portion of the meeting and moved into a closed session to deliberate on personnel matters.