Manchester-By-The-Sea Faces Affordable Housing Challenges Amidst New Appointments and Infrastructure Plans

Overview: During the latest Manchester-By-The-Sea Select Board meeting, attention was directed toward the town’s ongoing affordable housing challenges, highlighted by the situation at Crowder House Lane. The Board also addressed the appointment of Mary Miner as the new Council on Aging Director and discussed several infrastructure projects, including conduit installations by National Grid and capital improvements for the upcoming fiscal year.

Dunellen Council Approves $1.1 Million Bond for New Municipal Parking Lot

Overview: The Dunellen Borough Council meeting on November 17, 2025, was marked by developments, including the approval of a $1.1 million bond ordinance for the acquisition of property on North Washington Avenue, intended to serve as a municipal parking lot and potentially house municipal facilities. The council also addressed various community projects, health services, and redevelopment plans.

South River School Board Discusses Facility Upgrades and Graduation Rate Improvements

Overview: The South River School Board meeting on November 17, 2025, focused on significant infrastructure upgrades across district facilities, a new unified communication system, and an update on the district’s graduation rates. The board also reviewed plans for the upcoming fiscal year budget and examined high school graduation requirements and results.

Northern Burlington County School Board Advances Auditorium Project Amid Construction, Safety, and Strategic Planning Discussions

Overview: The Northern Burlington County School Board meeting featured discussions on a variety of topics, with attention given to the progress of the auditorium project and related safety measures. The project, which has led to temporary changes in school access, is part of ongoing efforts to enhance district facilities. The meeting also covered strategic planning, public health concerns, and updates on student activities and achievements.

Hunterdon Central School Board Grapples with Ethics Allegations and Student Performance Challenges

Overview: A recent meeting of the Hunterdon Central School Board was marked by discussions on a long-standing appeal regarding alleged ethical violations against a board member, student performance in mathematics assessments, and the district’s mental health support strategies. The board member at the center of the ethics controversy voiced grievances related to an investigation launched in March 2023 by the board’s previous leadership, which she claimed was conducted without proper legal authority and excluded her legal representation. She contended that the School Ethics Commission is the sole entity capable of prosecuting such violations and noted a lack of evidence linking her to the allegations. The board member criticized the board’s attorney’s unresponsiveness and alleged that punitive measures, including censure, were pursued to humiliate her publicly. She lamented the board’s focus on personal power struggles over educational improvement, highlighting a toxic environment that contrasts with the positive contributions of students and staff.