Keansburg School Board Discusses Fundraising, Financial Gains, and Community Engagement Plans
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent meeting, the Keansburg School Board focused on fundraising efforts for school projects, financial updates from a legal victory, and strategies for increasing community engagement. Significant emphasis was placed on the need for transparent donor relations and optimizing fundraising strategies as the board discussed ongoing and future initiatives.
The meeting began with a review of current fundraising efforts. The board member leading the initiative provided updates on the steps taken to coordinate funding, including the setup of a booster club account to facilitate donations through checks, Zelle, and Venmo. It was reported that $3,500 had been collected from four individuals, but concerns were raised about the lack of alumni responses to donation requests, possibly due to the summer vacation season. The board member expressed doubts about meeting funding goals without increased contributions soon.
Discussions also covered a proposed business collection initiative, where a draft letter was prepared to approach local businesses for donations. Members showed interest in direct engagement with businesses, with the success of the initiative dependent on feedback from another board member. The board also considered recognizing local businesses with banners around the football field, estimating production costs at $65 each. Approval of business names for these banners was discussed to ensure appropriate representation.
The conversation turned to recognizing athletic achievements with cutouts commemorating sectional championships, with funding for these proposed through donations. A specific location near the field was identified for a donor plaque, emphasizing the need for space to accommodate numerous donor names. The potential for using social media as a important tool for promoting donation efforts was acknowledged, with platforms like Facebook seen as effective for reaching a broader audience, including alumni.
While the summer months posed challenges, optimism was expressed for increased engagement once the school year resumed. Members shared advice from their charitable event experiences, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum. The board reiterated the importance of community involvement and a cohesive outreach strategy, stressing the need to build upon existing groundwork as the school year approached.
Financial discussions highlighted the return on donations for school projects. Concerns were voiced about the timeline for seeing results from contributions, with specific plans for projects such as gate installation and banner production discussed. The board noted the need for a policy to approve sponsors for events, recognizing the challenge of ensuring inclusivity while securing funding. Community events were suggested as potential fundraising avenues, with confidence expressed in community support.
The finance committee reported a development: approximately $3.1 million in funds had been restored to the school following a favorable legal decision. Of this, $2.9 million had been received, with some funds pending due to ongoing legal issues. This financial boost was a point of discussion, as it provided the school with additional resources for upcoming projects.
As the meeting progressed, the board moved into an executive session to address legal and personnel matters. Upon reconvening, they proceeded with routine approvals, including minutes from previous meetings and various personnel matters such as retirements, resignations, and appointments. The superintendent recommended several actions, focusing on employment approvals and operational details for the athletic program and school activities. Ensuring adequate staffing was prioritized with the new school year approaching.
Kathleen O’Hare
School Board Officials:
Mr. Christopher J. Hoff, Mr. Michael Mankowski, Mrs. Brooke Clayton, Mr. Kenneth Cook, Mrs. Judy Ferraro, Mrs. Patricia Frizell, Ms. Kimberly Kelaher-Moran, Mr. Matthew Kitchen, Mr. Gregory Siciliano
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
07/15/2025
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Recording Published:
07/15/2025
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Duration:
56 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Monmouth County
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Towns:
Keansburg
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