The meeting commenced with a presentation from Cedar Creek High School students Ava Uland, Sonia Patel, and Stepen Flynn, who have embarked on a project to convert food waste into biofuel. These students, participants in an environmental Capstone class, shared their initiative at the meeting, explaining their methods of using hydrolysis and fermentation to produce ethanol biofuel. Their project, supported by the New Jersey School Boards Association, is poised to compete in a regional competition in March. They elaborated on the broader implications of their work, which seeks to alleviate food insecurity and mitigate environmental degradation. The students expressed that the challenges faced by small-scale farmers in the Midwest due to extensive land use for crops could be addressed by their approach, which promises to generate renewable energy while preserving land fertility.

Their compelling presentation highlighted their dedication to refining their processes and their anticipation for the upcoming competition. The School Board members expressed admiration for the students’ enthusiasm and the sophistication of their research, inquiring about how this project might influence their future academic and career aspirations. The students articulated that their experiences were shaping their visions for college and beyond.

Following the student presentation, the meeting shifted to recognize outstanding staff members. Mr. John Gazo, a seasoned educator at Cedar Creek High School, was honored as Teacher of the Year. Mr. Gazo reflected on his 23-year teaching career, during which he founded Cedar Creek High School and led his students to numerous victories in academic competitions, including a notable win at the New Jersey Consumer Bowl State title. He shared anecdotes that underscored the importance of engaging students through hands-on learning and recounted his childhood dream of becoming a teacher, emphasizing his lifelong passion for education.

The board also celebrated Molly Clay, recognized as the Educational Services Professional of the Year. Her contributions as a Tier 2 student support coordinator were highlighted, particularly her work with students facing challenges such as grief and substance abuse. Her involvement in initiatives like the Pirate Pantry was praised, illustrating her commitment to student and family support within the district.

In the financial domain, the annual audit report was presented, revealing a clean audit with no issues across various financial and administrative areas. The audit’s findings bolstered confidence in the district’s financial stability, especially in anticipation of future state aid challenges. Despite the absence of recommendations, a corrective action plan was submitted to ensure compliance with state regulations.

The meeting also highlighted achievements in athletics and school spirit. Updates from the athletics department included news of a boys’ basketball victory and a standout performance from a girls’ team player nearing a scoring milestone. A senior class was awarded a spirit stick for their participation in a recent competition, and successful biomed and media days at Oakcrest were noted, which engaged younger students in the school’s magnet programs.

Board members shared updates on ongoing projects and events. A member noted that an upcoming board meeting would coincide with the Absegami drama performance, and updates on the Absegami girls’ sports team were shared, acknowledging a historic win against Holy Spirit. The board addressed transportation and education agenda items, including the necessity for additional chaperones for specific programs.

Personnel changes were discussed, with the introduction of Coach Smith as the new head football coach at Absegami High School. Coach Smith expressed gratitude for his appointment and outlined his vision for the football program, emphasizing discipline and high standards for student-athletes. Additionally, Steve Foris was recognized for his contributions over 17 years as an athletic director, now transitioning to a role as a social studies supervisor.

The board addressed ongoing HVAC issues at Absegami. The importance of building relationships and communicating opportunities for transitioning seventh and eighth graders was emphasized.