02:46One of the central moments of the meeting was the recognition of Mr. Michael McCarti as the Teacher of the Year. With a career spanning 25 years at Oaklyn Public School, Mr. McCarti was celebrated for his dedication and the meaningful relationships he cultivated with his students. Having taught a variety of grade levels and most recently serving as a learning acceleration teacher, Mr. McCarti was described as a pillar of the community, not only focusing on academic success but also fostering emotional connections with students. Mr. McCarti, visibly touched by the honor, expressed his gratitude to the board and the community, reflecting on his 28-year journey in education and the support from his family and colleagues. He shared personal anecdotes, particularly highlighting a student named Aiden as a success story.

08:22In a similar vein, Miss Maria Pablo was celebrated as the Instructional Assistant of the Year. Her colleagues praised her kindness, patience, and ability to build strong relationships with students. Students and teachers alike commended her positive demeanor and commitment to student engagement. A student named Colton articulated his appreciation, describing how Miss Pablo helped him overcome challenges and brightened his mornings with her warm smile. The board and community members applauded both Mr. McCarti and Miss Pablo for their exemplary service, encapsulating the gratitude and respect they have garnered within the school community.

24:07Turning to student achievements, the meeting highlighted the Lady Panthers softball team’s historic win of the 2025 Colonial Conference Patriot Division Championship. This victory marked a first for Collingswood High School, and congratulations were extended to the team and their coach for their success. Additionally, the high school’s student filmmakers received recognition for their accomplishments, particularly Raina Bar, who won a student Emmy for a winter sports commercial titled “Unleash the Panther.” The high school garnered five Emmy nominations overall. Moreover, Kingswood High School triumphed in the South Jersey 10-day film challenge with their film “Taken,” produced under strict guidelines within a short timeframe. The board expressed pride in the students’ achievements and announced plans to share the award-winning films with the community.

33:43Efforts to enhance student participation and foster a sense of belonging within the school community were also discussed. The board emphasized the importance of student input in improving the overall climate and culture of the school environment. A concept of a “melting pot” involving contributions from students, teachers, and administrators was proposed, utilizing surveys and interviews to facilitate communication. The aim was to break down traditional hierarchies and allow for increased classroom input from students. A participant expressed admiration for the students who spoke during the meeting, describing them as remarkable and well-spoken. The confidence exhibited by the students during their presentations was highlighted, with discussions focusing on maintaining continuity in student involvement and ensuring a diverse selection process for participation.

21:24The superintendent’s report touched on several key updates, including the acknowledgment of the Oakland PTA’s support during Teacher Appreciation Week and the announcement of calendar updates for the 2025-2026 school year. The Healthy Kids Summer Program was confirmed, with registration information forthcoming, and the induction of 68 students into the National Junior Honor Society was celebrated. The superintendent also congratulated the Lady Panthers softball team and student filmmakers for their achievements.

27:57In the administrative segment, the business administrator’s report included the April 2025 monthly budget transfers, financial statements, and the annual audit schedule. The finance, buildings, and grounds committee sought approval for budget transfers and staffing services, while the curriculum and personnel committee discussed out-of-district placements and a fourth-grade lemonade stand initiative to benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Plans for AED training over the summer were confirmed, and a staff member’s impending retirement was noted.

The meeting concluded with updates from the PTA liaison.” The PTA was also busy planning for the fifth-grade promotion, with numerous activities to celebrate the graduating class. Discussions on community relations explored potential partnerships with the borough council, with ideas for town hall sessions to engage the community in discussions about school budgets and other topics.