Edison Choir Students Urge School Board for Assistant Director as Program Expands
- Meeting Overview:
During a recent Edison School Board meeting, students from Edison High School’s choir program advocated for the hiring of an assistant choir director to support the growing demands of their program. Their urgent request highlighted the need for additional resources to handle the increasing number of students involved in choir activities. The meeting also featured extensive recognition of student achievements across academics, arts, and athletics, as well as discussions on infrastructure improvements and labor agreements within the district.
01:36:03The choir segment of the meeting began with student leader Brandon Chung, who emphasized the need for a full-time assistant director. Chung outlined how the choir program’s growth necessitates additional support to maintain its high standards and reputation. He recounted the enriching experiences facilitated by a student teacher this year and stressed that without an assistant director, future opportunities might be compromised. “Imagine what we could do with a full-time assistant director,” Chung stated.
Oleani, another student leader, echoed these concerns, detailing the unsustainable workload currently borne by the sole choir director, Mr. Listener. She explained that preparing for one concert requires over 100 hours of work, excluding other responsibilities, which strains the director and limits student opportunities. Oleani argued that choir is more than an elective for many students, with some aspiring to pursue music professionally. “We represent Edison at regional and national levels every year,” she said, highlighting the choir’s achievements and the importance of sustaining its growth with adequate support.
01:31:59The student pleas were met with acknowledgment from the board, including Superintendent Edward Aldarelli, who recognized the students’ advocacy efforts and assured them that the board would examine the situation further. Dr. Aldarelli emphasized, “This is advocacy and student voice in action,” and clarified that budget constraints were not a barrier to hiring a second director. The board appeared receptive to the students’ concerns.
01:52:09The meeting also addressed other topics, including a proposal by community member Harish Tatini for infrastructure improvement at Jefferson Arts Middle School (JAMS). Tatini suggested extending a concrete pathway around the gym to improve accessibility during adverse weather conditions. He praised a previous project that alleviated congestion with a gravel path but noted the need for a more permanent solution to enhance usability and safety.
Tatini also brought up the representation of diverse communities in the school calendar. He pointed out perceived imbalances in how religious holidays are acknowledged and recommended reconsidering the calendar to ensure fairness. He referenced the approach taken by Woodbridge, which does not designate specific religious holidays, as a potential model for Edison. Tatini called for open discussions on these issues, emphasizing the need for common sense and logic in decision-making.
01:20:58In addition to these discussions, the meeting celebrated numerous student achievements across various schools. From perfect PSAT scores to success in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competitions, the accomplishments were widely recognized. The FBLA achievements included multiple students qualifying for national competitions in Los Angeles, with students excelling in categories such as business etiquette, career exploration, and financial literacy.
01:01:49The meeting also acknowledged athletic successes, with sports teams across the district receiving accolades. The girls’ basketball team was praised for its significant run in the state tournament under Coach Downey. The boys’ baseball team, led by Coach Aben, celebrated his milestone of 300 wins and an impressive season reaching the state sectional semifinals. Noteworthy performances in track and wrestling were recognized, with individual athletes like Landon Cruz and David Brown achieving remarkable feats in their respective sports.
The arts were not overlooked, with students from the NJMEA All State Symphonic Band and those involved in the Odyssey of the Mind being celebrated for their contributions. The board recognized the importance of supporting students’ artistic and academic pursuits, as exemplified by the MIT grant awarded to Edison High School students for their research projects.
02:22:44As the meeting drew to a close, members addressed various concerns, including the need for project labor agreements for school construction and infrastructure improvements, such as classroom fan installations to combat rising temperatures. The board expressed condolences to a member absent due to a family bereavement and concluded with wishes for a safe summer before entering a confidential session regarding the superintendent’s evaluation.
Edward Aldarelli
School Board Officials:
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
06/17/2025
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Recording Published:
06/18/2025
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Duration:
143 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Middlesex County
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Towns:
Edison
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