The meeting opened with a special acknowledgment of students from various grade levels for their achievements during the marking period. Kindergarten student Ellison Pierce and eighth grader Lyall Bole were among those recognized. Notably, Shane Fiser and Grace Centra were celebrated as “Frankford heroes” for their exemplary support of a struggling peer. Their actions were described as going beyond typical expectations and aiding the student’s transition, as articulated by Senora Ferez.

Following student recognitions, Mrs. Katie Dowling was awarded the title of staff member of the month. Nominated by colleagues Heather Climus and Emily Slo, Mrs. Dowling was commended for her initiative and support during a colleague’s absence, particularly in preparing substitute plans and maintaining student focus in math classes. The board expressed its gratitude with applause, and the recognition was capped with a light-hearted moment regarding the tradition of taking pictures for such occasions.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the upcoming 75th Frankford School Community Day, scheduled for May 15th. The event will feature a helicopter landing by Atlantic Health, a student talent show, and local community vendors, alongside various activities such as a DJ and bounce houses. The PTA is seeking sponsorships from local businesses to support the event. The board emphasized the importance of community engagement and discussed collaborating with nearby towns, including Frankford and Branchville, to solicit additional support. Due to the extensive preparations required, the board agreed to a half-day schedule on May 15th to facilitate setup. This decision was included in the consent agenda for immediate voting and passed with several affirmatives and one abstention.

In administrative matters, the contract hearing for the school business administrator, Mr. Lassard, was addressed. As a legal requirement, public commentary was invited on Mr. Lassard’s contract renewal for the 2025-2026 school year. His responsibilities include overseeing a $122.3 million budget, managing payroll and accounting, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements, and supervising district operations like transportation and food services. No public comments were immediately forthcoming on this topic.

Board member Kathleen Adam shared insights from her participation at the New Jersey School Board Association assembly. She detailed the resolutions discussed, including one from Clifton Public Schools advocating for a state-funded free school lunch program for all students, which passed with significant support. Another resolution aimed at emphasizing STEM education in early grades was postponed for further discussion. Adam encouraged fellow board members to engage in future assemblies for educational opportunities and contributions to policy discussions.

Superintendent Kevin Newman took the floor to congratulate Mrs. Caroline Casease and Mrs. Lynn Bersinoff, recognized as the governor’s educator of the year and educational service professional of the year, respectively. He recounted a celebratory ceremony and highlighted successful school events, including a Halloween parade and Veterans Day ceremony, noting the improvement from the previous year. Newman also commended the smooth execution of field testing for the NJSLA, contrasting it with less favorable reports from other districts. He reminded attendees of an early dismissal planned for the Wednesday leading into Thanksgiving, along with a traditional Thanksgiving parade by second graders.

In other updates, a principal’s report highlighted the success of an eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C., which took place during a government shutdown. The students were able to visit additional exhibits beyond the usual itinerary, and both students and chaperones were praised for their exemplary behavior.

The board addressed facility updates, including the demolition of Dr. Millie’s trailer, which had deteriorated over time. Although the removal was completed efficiently, the area may remain muddy until spring. An inspection revealed the need for electrical work on the roof project due to previous permit issues, delaying the closure of a grant. However, the board expressed a desire to retain a substantial amount of grant funds.