Brielle School Board Discusses Progress in Policies, Curriculum, and Facilities Upgrades
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
01/24/2024
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Recording Published:
01/24/2024
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Duration:
24 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Monmouth County
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Towns:
Brielle
- Meeting Overview:
The Brielle School Board convened to address a range of topics, with discussions centering on policy updates, curriculum development, and enhancement of school facilities. The meeting touched upon the success of co-curricular activities, including the bands and chorus concert, and acknowledged the Fine Arts program’s contributions. The $30,000 grant awarded for the Manasquan School’s Esports program was a notable highlight. Furthermore, the board detailed progress on the Playground Committee’s plans and the media center project. Superintendent Stacie Poelstra provided administrative updates, including the geography bee and student progress benchmarks. The action items approved encompassed curricular programs, district operations, policies, and HR matters, while the payment of January 2024 bills was authorized.
One of the most points of discussion was the receipt of a $30,000 grant for the Esports program at Manasquan School. Such programs are becoming increasingly relevant as they offer students diverse opportunities for engagement and skill development beyond traditional academics.
In the realm of policy and governance, the Policy committee’s work in revising and updating board documents drew attention. Since 2019, the board has been identifying and correcting missing and revised policies, a critical step in ensuring that school operations align with current standards and regulations. Specific policies discussed included those related to school usage, student tuition, and attendance.
The Curriculum committee’s report was extensive, covering several aspects of student learning and achievement. Among the topics were the math placement process, the reach program, the coat test administration, and the implementation of LinkIt! training. The committee also addressed the revision of the curriculum in response to the updated New Jersey learning standards, highlighting the district’s efforts to stay current with educational requirements and best practices.
Superintendent Stacie Poelstra’s administrative report added to the comprehensive nature of the meeting, sharing successes such as the geography bee and providing updates on the ongoing basketball and cheerleading seasons. The superintendent also mentioned midyear benchmarks that are used to assess students’ academic progress.
Facilities and infrastructure improvements were also on the agenda. The Playground Committee met to review proposals and plans, receiving positive feedback on their progress.
Co-curricular activities received praise, with a particular focus on the Fine Arts program, which has been instrumental in enriching the school’s cultural landscape. Miss Craig was recognized for her role in displaying artwork throughout the school. Moreover, the upcoming musical generated excitement.
Community engagement was evident in the mentions of the PTO’s events, such as the Candy Cane Mingle and the family bingo night, as well as the Brielle Education Foundation’s casino night. These events reflect the board’s awareness of the importance of fostering community-school relationships.
During the action item portion of the meeting, the board demonstrated its operational efficiency by approving various motions related to district operations, policies, HR matters, and curricular programs. Visitors were offered a chance to comment, though no comments were forthcoming at this session. Finally, the authorization of the payment of bills by Mr. Liam Starkey and the board members reflected due diligence in financial oversight.
The meeting concluded with an executive session called for a legal matter, with no action to be taken. While less public-facing, such sessions are necessary for the board to address sensitive issues that may have legal implications for the district.
Stacie Poelstra
School Board Officials:
Kurt Becker, Sarah McDevitt, David D’Ambrosio, Joseph Milancewich, Juliana Rieth, Liam Starkey, Tedd Vitale, Christin Walsh, Sean Wohltman, Diane Quigley (Business Administrator/Board Secretary)
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
01/24/2024
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Recording Published:
01/24/2024
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Duration:
24 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Monmouth County
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Towns:
Brielle
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