The meeting began with student representatives Michaela Goran from Brick Memorial High School and Erica Bakornney from Brick Township High School presenting their respective reports. Michaela detailed the impressive performance of 43 students participating in the seal by literacy testing, with 23 students passing in seven languages, including three students achieving tri-literacy. These students will be recognized by the state in the spring and celebrated during graduation. The focus on science education was illustrated by the successful elementary science visits related to the aquaponics program, where AP environmental science students engaged younger students in hands-on lab activities culminating in a lettuce harvest.

Erica shared successes from Brick Township High School, including the fourth annual staff-student play and the Computer Science Honor Society’s community outreach to assist seniors with technology issues. Both schools demonstrated strong athletic performances, with basketball teams preparing for state runs and cheerleading teams receiving accolades for their achievements.

Community engagement was further emphasized during the public comment period, where residents addressed the board on various issues. Notably, Christopher Fenomore raised concerns about the lack of recognition for Orthodox Christian holidays in the school calendar, particularly Orthodox Christmas on January 7. In response, Dr. Frell clarified that all students and staff are excused for any recognized religious holiday. The statutory requirement of 180 school days was cited as a constraint on adding new holidays to the calendar, but Fenomore was encouraged to provide further information for consideration by the policy and planning committee.

The policy discussions extended to library resources, specifically policy 2530, which drew concern from a board member over the handling of parental concerns about certain literature. The member expressed discomfort with legislative mandates.

The contributions from the classes of 1989 to 1991 and the Elks were particularly appreciated, with a call for continued pursuit of grants to support students’ needs.

As the meeting concluded, upcoming events and deadlines were noted, including a virtual meeting by the Ocean County School Board Association for first-term board members and a virtual meeting with state education leaders. These events emphasize the importance of participation in broader discussions affecting the district.