Gardner Council on Aging Grapples with Budget Deficit Amid Rising Utility Costs

Overview: During the Gardner Council on Aging meeting on December 1st, 2023, members discussed the issue of a projected budget deficit amidst rising utility costs, alongside plans for relocating to a new facility and the success of recent community events. The meeting was led by key officials and tackled several topics affecting the community’s seniors.

Middletown Township Honors Malbourne Tavern’s Generosity and Tackles Property Management Concerns

Overview: During the Middletown Township Committee meeting on December 1, 2025, community recognition took center stage alongside pressing public concerns regarding local property management and tax assessment practices. In a gesture, Malbourne Tavern was applauded for its substantial donation to Veterans Village, while residents voiced dissatisfaction over property cleanliness and the township’s tax assessment system.

Marlborough City Council Approves Special Permits Amid Concerns Over Growth and Tax Increases

Overview: The Marlborough City Council meeting centered on the approval of special permits for development projects, alongside vigorous discussions about the city’s financial strategies and the implications of tax increases. Two major development projects were approved: a special permit for the construction of multifamily residential units on Lazard Drive and a special permit for a contractor yard on Airport Boulevard. The council also grappled with the city’s budgetary challenges, particularly the impact of an $18 million increase in the fiscal year 2026 budget, which could affect residential and commercial tax rates.

Lac qui Parle Valley School Board Faces Difficult Decisions on JV Football Fee Reimbursement

Overview: The Lac qui Parle Valley School Board recently convened to tackle a range of issues, with the topic of reimbursing junior varsity football players drawing attention. The meeting included discussions on financial planning, improvements in school facilities, and the challenges posed by fluctuating enrollment numbers. However, the debate over whether to refund fees for JV football players who had limited game opportunities sparked considerable interest and discussion among board members.

Cherry Hill School Board Grapples with Special Education Concerns Amid Safety and Funding Discussions

Overview: During the recent Cherry Hill School Board meeting, concerns were raised about the district’s handling of special education and its collaboration and transparency practices. A parent and educator expressed frustration regarding the school district’s perceived lack of support when parents raise legitimate concerns about special education services. The parent described a troubling trend where the district’s response to concerns is often not problem-solving but rather pushing parents toward formal processes like due process hearings. This approach, he argued, damages trust and fosters conflict instead of collaboration. The parent also highlighted an instance where a request for classroom observation was denied, labeling it as “gatekeeping” and detrimental to establishing educational partnerships. Citing data from the New Jersey Department of Education, he noted an unusually high number of due process cases in Cherry Hill compared to similarly sized districts, prompting a call for an independent audit of the special education system.