Lyndhurst School Board Celebrates Record-Breaking Achievements of The Lighthouse Newspaper

Overview: During the recent Lyndhurst School Board meeting, the accomplishments of the school newspaper, The Lighthouse, were at the forefront. The newspaper’s advisor, Tanya Pastor, proudly announced that The Lighthouse had achieved its best performance ever in the Garden State Scholastic Press Association contest. The newspaper earned its eighth consecutive first-place award for distinguished journalism, and also took first place for overall print excellence. Pastor attributed these successes to the exceptional leadership of last year’s editors, Camille Eckles and Emily Reid, who were instrumental in maintaining the publication’s high standards.

Palatka City Commission Faces Fraud Allegations, Unresolved Investigations, and Community Funding Needs

Overview: The Palatka City Commission meeting on December 18, 2024, addressed issues including allegations of fraud by a local business owner, ongoing investigations into city employees, and the allocation of city funds to support community projects. The meeting also featured discussions on safety concerns during city events and the challenges of managing city resources effectively.

Memphis Shelby-County School Board Faces Fierce Debate Over Superintendent Dr. Fagan’s Potential Termination.

Overview: In a contentious meeting, the Memphis Shelby-County School Board grappled with the potential termination of Superintendent Dr. Marie Fagan, drawing public interest and revealing deep community divisions. The meeting saw a strong turnout of speakers—57 in total—who were vocal about their views on Dr. Fagan’s leadership and the board’s handling of the situation. The board ultimately decided to refer the matter to a committee for further examination, postponing a final decision on her termination until a report could be presented at the next business meeting.

Emanuel Miranda Appointed Director of Public Safety in Newark Amid Council Praise

Overview: In an effort to bolster leadership within Newark’s Department of Public Safety, Emanuel Miranda was appointed as the new director. His appointment was met with widespread acclaim from council members, who lauded his integrity and deep understanding of the Newark Police Department, having risen through its ranks. This decision, alongside discussions on housing initiatives, economic development, and public safety measures, marked a productive Newark City Council meeting.

Westfield School Committee Explores New High School Construction Amid Financial Discussions

Overview: The Westfield School Committee meeting on December 16, 2024, centered around pivotal discussions on the potential construction of a new high school, alongside approvals of homeschool applications, school trips, and budgetary allocations. The committee also examined the logistics of integrating staff and students at Fort Meadow Early Childhood Center and addressed upcoming contractual agreements.