0:00A significant highlight of the meeting was the collaboration between Bayonne School District and Kean University, which included the signing of a memorandum of understanding. Jason Lester, Special Assistant to the President and Executive Director of the Kean Scholar Academy, presented the initiative. He underscored the mutual benefits of this partnership, which will focus on developing summer programs and year-round educational activities for students beginning in the seventh and eighth grades. The initiative primarily aims to provide high school students with opportunities to earn college credits at Kean University, described by Lester as a reputable institution with a strong educational mission. Moreover, the program is set to include a component called “generation to generation,” facilitating parents in pursuing educational credentials, further enriching the local community’s educational landscape. Lester expressed deep enthusiasm for the collaboration, acknowledging the leadership of the Bayonne superintendent and the district’s educational history.

15:49In addition to the educational programs, attention was given to the Student Government Association’s (Stuga) recent activities and future plans. Stuga reported on a series of successful events such as the Pep Rally and Tailgate, which were particularly well-received by senior students. These events featured engaging activities including mini-games and face painting. The week concluded with “Color Wars,” which had strong student participation. Stuga also produced a video on November 4 to promote the “Show Up” campaign, aimed at encouraging school attendance.

The meeting further addressed concerns raised by Eliza Tipton, a paraprofessional from Woodrow Wilson Community School number 10. Tipton voiced the ongoing issue of the lack of contracts for paraprofessionals in the district. She emphasized the importance of resolving these issues to prevent burnout and turnover, urging the board to “give our paraprofessionals the contracts they deserve so we can continue helping the children that need us most.”

Tesha Mato, another speaker, shared her dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of her son’s experience within the school system, particularly regarding issues of harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB). Mato detailed her son’s severe emotional distress, claiming the investigation was inadequately conducted and criticized the perceived bias in how parents are treated based on their influence. Mato also raised concerns about unprofessional social media posts by board members, which she felt undermined trust in the administration.

In a brief acknowledgment, Jean Woods, President of the Bayonne Education Association, highlighted a letter from the superintendent congratulating staff based on positive findings from a recent evaluation. He expressed gratitude towards the educators and district, noting this marked an achievement for Bayonne High School as a high-performing district.