During the public comment period, a resident named Regina voiced her concerns over the district’s October enrollment numbers, revealing that schools were operating at 94% capacity. Regina requested more details on the district improvement plan and suggested adding a Pre-K enrollment line item under Mil Pond to address anticipated growth. She also criticized the changed meeting date, which made it challenging for her to attend, and pointed out the disappointing turnout at an informational session for a $92 million referendum, with only 40 to 50 attendees from a community of 20,000. Regina questioned whether the district had applied for DCA School regionalization grants and raised concerns about the financial prudence of a proposed $6 million turf field, noting the costs associated with energy use from solar panels not yet paid for.

Following Regina’s comments, Jen Bentley, a third-grade teacher and second VP of the LTA, highlighted positive developments within the schools. Bentley shared efforts to meet students’ academic, social, and emotional needs, mentioning a Veterans Day breakfast organized by the Lenoa Harbor Proud Pause Club, attended by over 50 veterans, including a 97-year-old World War II veteran. Bentley also discussed various school activities, such as celebrations for the 50th day of school and letter-writing projects with pen pals from Fork River School, which foster community connections. She concluded by thanking parent-teacher organizations for their support of school events and initiatives.

A more contentious statement came from Dan Toner, a former student and chairman of the Ocean County High School Republicans. Toner criticized what he described as a “woke and leftist agenda” in the schools, specifically mentioning the promotion of transgender classes and the display of Pride flags. He called for a policy to ban Pride flags, urging the board to restore what he termed “Common Sense sanity” in educational policies, asserting that only the American flag should be displayed in schools.

The meeting also covered various committee reports, with the finance report detailing updates on the Pre-K project at Mil Pond, which was nearing completion. Discussions included the need for a new truck for the facilities department, lighting in parking lots during events, and the tennis court project funded by a local recreation grant. Updates on the HVAC project at the high school were provided, and the board discussed soliciting bids for upcoming projects, including the solar field’s future and necessary land surveys.

Food service outsourcing and contracted bus drivers were also discussed due to increased student enrollment. Additionally, the board considered policies regarding service animals and the impact of a cell phone ban in schools, emphasizing the importance of continued dialogue around these issues. Planning for the anticipated superintendent search and other personnel considerations were also noted.

In terms of policy updates, the board addressed naming rights, conflict of interest, and safety protocols. The first reading of the school and facility names policy aimed to ensure compliance with timelines for naming rights sought by the district. Policies concerning conflict of interest and co-curricular partnerships were tabled for further consideration in January. The extension of the Safety and Security informacast application to all certified staff was also noted.

Mr. Bell temporarily filled in during the curriculum segment, where discussions included the development of a paraprofessional handbook to guide their roles in the district. Superintendent Zylinski outlined “District data Dives” scheduled for November 19th and 20th, focusing on students whose scores are near proficiency in the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA). These initiatives aim to identify specific interventions to assist students in improving their achievement levels. Plans for a professional development day on February 14, 2024, were also highlighted, with Mr. Zylinski seeking a keynote speaker for the event.

Community relations were discussed, including a recap of the Veterans Day ceremony held on November 11th, attended by Lacey Township High School (LTHS) and the local community. Other community events included intergenerational trips, food bank collections, and a dress rehearsal of “Peter and the Starcatcher,” among other activities scheduled for December and early 2024. Personnel matters, including teaching and administrative positions, were addressed.

The board revisited district goals, noting a significant improvement in rankings from US News and World Report, with various schools gaining several places. The superintendent acknowledged these rankings as proprietary and of limited relevance but emphasized celebrating the improvements.