Keansburg School Board Tackles HIB Reporting, Personnel Changes, and Community Initiatives
- Meeting Overview:
The Keansburg School Board meeting covered a wide range of topics, with attention given to the Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) reporting process, various personnel matters, and community engagement activities. The session featured detailed reports from student ambassadors, updates on school safety data, and discussions on policy and personnel actions.
The primary focus of the meeting was the presentation on the annual HIB reporting process by an administrator, referred to as Dr. B. He explained the data submission process to the School Safety Data System (SSDS), highlighting how each school conducted a self-assessment based on eight core elements related to HIB implementation. Scores ranged from a minimum of 52 to a maximum of 78, with all schools meeting or exceeding the minimum standards. The Early Learning Center scored 67, Bulier School 52, Caruso 69, and the high school 65. Despite concerns raised regarding Bulier School’s lower score, Dr. B clarified that the self-assessment process is subjective, varying with each principal’s evaluation rigor. He emphasized the importance of thoroughly investigating every reported incident rather than relying on preliminary determinations.
The meeting transitioned to personnel matters, where the board addressed professional employment changes, including staff transfers, leave of absence requests, and new positions for substitute teachers and paraprofessionals. A notable financial detail was the attribution of $22,396 to a grant, with the remainder funded locally, as documented in the meeting minutes. Discussions extended to coaching advisor positions for winter sports at Joseph R. Bulier Middle School and Keansburg High School. The board also reviewed policy and regulation updates, voting favorably on these without further questions.
Community involvement was another major theme, highlighted through reports from student ambassadors of Bulier School and Keansburg High School. The ambassadors shared information about various activities and events. At Bulier School, the cross country team’s upcoming events were noted, alongside a veterans’ honor event scheduled for November 11th. The Week of Respect activities aimed at raising awareness about bullying included guest speakers Lauren Hall and Ronnie Thompson, who delivered impactful presentations as part of the Kind Campaign.
Kinsburg High School ambassadors promoted the Titan 5K event on November 15th, with proceeds going to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. They also mentioned the annual powderpuff game on November 19th, a fundraiser supporting the classes of 2026 and 2027. The Key Club’s volunteer activities, including a blood drive on November 22nd, and the National Honor Society’s involvement in the preschool Halloween parade and Thanksgiving food drive were highlighted. Additionally, the sophomore class’s cookie dough fundraiser aimed to sell 100 tubs by the end of October.
The board acknowledged a memorandum of agreement with local law enforcement and approved the Kingsburg School District Nursing Plan, New Jersey QAC District Performance Review, curriculum title revisions, and the disposal of outdated or broken equipment. A board member raised concerns about the frequency of furniture disposal, questioning the necessity of such actions, but details remained sparse.
The school business administrator reported that no line item had been overspent in September 2025. The board approved various financial matters, including bills, district tuition for the 2025-2026 school year, home instruction, and grants like the school violence prevention grant. A board member queried the need for different home instruction contracts for hospitalized students, receiving clarification that these are tailored to meet specific student needs through external providers.
Public comments were invited twice during the meeting, yet no attendees voiced concerns, allowing the board to proceed seamlessly through agenda items. Members reflected on the recent NJSBA annual conference and expressed appreciation for the learning experience it provided. They also discussed positive feedback about food, security, and education, acknowledging improvements in student discipline trends compared to previous years. The dedication of the administrative team and teachers was commended, particularly in managing middle and high school dynamics.
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:
10/28/2025
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Recording Published:
10/28/2025
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Duration:
30 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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