A major point of contention at the meeting was the staffing of school nurses at the district’s high schools. Community members expressed confusion and concern over what was perceived as a lack of transparency in potential nurse transfers and unadvertised open positions. One attendee urged the superintendent to remove this item from the agenda, questioning the decision-making process and emphasizing the need for transparency. The lack of applicants for a position at Ocean Avenue and the implications for emergency coverage in the district were highlighted as issues that required urgent attention and clearer communication from the board.

Concerns about the hiring practices extended to the selection of a new property and casualty broker. Scott McFersonson, a resident, criticized the board for not sharing the list of candidates being considered, contrasting this with the more transparent process used for selecting a board attorney. McFersonson called for consistent communication about interview processes for various roles, seeking community involvement and awareness in these decisions.

Public comments further highlighted the community’s frustration with the board’s handling of committee operations. Eric Dow from Maxon Avenue stressed the importance of active committee work, especially in a district like Middletown. He noted the inactivity of significant committees, such as finance and facilities, particularly after the approval of a substantial budget. Dow questioned the absence of shared services meetings and the lack of follow-up on commitments, such as the township’s payment for a promised class three officer. He advocated for restoring the original number of members on the shared services committee to improve transparency and accountability.

Ana Baller echoed these concerns, emphasizing the critical nature of the board’s decisions on the lives of children and demanding more respect and attentiveness from board members during public comments. Baller’s remarks underscored the dedication of community members who invest significant time in advocating for their children’s education.

The meeting also saw internal debate among board members about the effectiveness of the current committee structure. One member proposed transitioning to a “committee of the whole” to address perceived communication issues. This proposal led to an extended discussion about the need for regular meetings and oversight, especially regarding ongoing projects and budget approvals. Some members expressed frustration over the difficulty of scheduling facilities committee meetings, while others opposed the idea of a committee of the whole, citing concerns about time commitments and manageability.

Despite these concerns, the motion to enter a committee of the whole was not approved.

Superintendent Jessica Alfone congratulated the school community on a successful academic year, acknowledging the efforts of middle schools during promotion ceremonies and high school graduates. She expressed gratitude for the community’s flexibility in event scheduling due to weather concerns and highlighted ongoing strategic planning efforts with New Jersey school boards. The superintendent also thanked student representatives and board members for their contributions throughout the year, while one board member voiced concerns over the high cost of audio services for graduation ceremonies.