Freehold Township School Board Celebrates Student Gains in Reading and Math Proficiency

The recent Freehold Township School Board meeting highlighted notable improvements in student performance, particularly in reading and math proficiency, as well as ongoing efforts to enhance educational tools and curriculum across the district. The board reviewed student achievement data from the I-Ready diagnostic assessments, discussed curriculum strategies, and addressed future educational goals.

A comprehensive presentation on student performance, measured by the I-Ready diagnostic assessments, revealed significant gains in both reading and math across the district’s elementary and middle schools. The adaptive nature of the I-Ready test allowed for a analysis of student growth, showing that from fall to spring, the percentage of students performing at or above grade level rose dramatically. In reading, the figure increased from 19% to 46%, and in math, from 15% to 50%.

The board attributed these improvements to targeted interventions and instructional strategies that emphasized foundational skills. The reading program’s focus on phonological awareness and phonics was credited with reducing the number of students performing below grade level, while curriculum adjustments in math, particularly the integration of geometry throughout the year, further supported student progress.

The meeting also addressed the district’s strategy for continued educational advancement, emphasizing the role of the curriculum. The Envision curriculum, adopted for grades three through seven, will be extended to grades one, two, and eight next year.

In line with these curriculum enhancements, the board discussed specific performance goals for different schools, all of which exceeded expectations. Schools like Applegate and Kina surpassed their reading growth targets, while Donovan and Eisenhower did the same for math. Preschool students also excelled, with all graduating students able to identify and name the alphabet letters, surpassing an 80% goal.

Beyond quantitative goals, the district is implementing qualitative measures, such as restorative practices and responsive classroom training, to enhance educational quality. A coaching model has been introduced in middle schools, and professional development sessions are underway for the implementation team, focusing on the responsive classroom approach in elementary schools.

The board also explored the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into educational practices, forming a committee to draft guidelines for ethical AI use. The curriculum department is incorporating AI into professional development.

The meeting included discussions on financial obligations and the superintendent’s contract. The board certified the district’s financial standing, confirming no budget overextensions as of May 31, 2026, and sufficient funds for year-end commitments. Public participation was opened twice during the meeting, but no community members chose to address the board.

The finance, facilities, and transportation committee reported on year-end financial procedures, including motions totaling over six million dollars and planned financial transfers. A board member inquired about surplus expectations, with the committee chair indicating an anticipated surplus closer to $500,000.

In old and new business, a retreat for board members was mentioned, and feedback on the agenda was requested. The meeting concluded with the board entering an executive session to discuss personnel matters related to the superintendent’s contract and pending litigation regarding a construction claim.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.
Superintendent:
Neal Dickstein
School Board Officials:
Michael S. Amoroso, Elena O’Sullivan, Renata Brand, Michelle Lambert, Neil Garguilo, Todd Caissie, Carmela Spieler, Emily Crosby, Jeffrey Williams, Dr. Dianne Brethauer (Title IX Coordinator, Anti-Bullying Specialist & Anti-Bullying Coordinator)

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