The meeting began with a commendation for ten students from the Ocean Intermediate School who participated in the Panasonic Foundation Student Eco-Citizens Citizenship Program. Under the guidance of Mrs. Megan Edson, these students formed three teams and presented diverse environmental projects. The first group, consisting of Arisha Islam and Natalie Demitria, developed a hydroponic system. The second group, including Ian SMI, Ramis Cruz, and Cade Slater, repurposed old t-shirts into blankets for animal shelters. The third group, represented by Alex Otero, initiated an anti-idling campaign to reduce car idling during student pick-up times. Superintendent Kelly Weldon praised the students for their achievements, and certificates were distributed to loud applause from the audience.

In the public comment session, Miss Hayes raised concerns about transparency and legal matters. She questioned the lack of board inquiries during previous workshops, specifically regarding pre-litigation demands and easement agreements related to Rising Treetops. Hayes highlighted that these types of documents had never before appeared in the board’s agendas, calling for greater clarity on ongoing legal issues. She stated, “I’ve never seen those types of documents in our agendas,” and emphasized her long-term attendance at board meetings.

Following the student recognition and public comments, the school business administrator, Mr. Hastings, provided an update on facility improvements. Completed projects included roofing at Dow and Wayside, with additional trim and painting scheduled for September. Other maintenance efforts involved installing new cabinets and flooring, and ongoing work on preschool playgrounds, expected to conclude soon.

In addressing instructional and educational activities, the board approved various items including the renewal of solar credits and a revised contract for the Food Service Company. Notably, the board discussed updates on the curriculum, focusing on aligning social studies documents with the new English Language Arts standards. A three-year partnership with Rutgers University for an instructional coaching model was also highlighted. Additionally, the board reviewed each school’s self-assessment under anti-bullying laws, noting the need for more professional development in bullying prevention.

Miss Hayes returned during the second public comment session to discuss the permanent ban on e-bikes at P.O.A Park. She urged the school district to collaborate with the town on educational outreach about e-bike safety, remarking, “It’s almost like an accident waiting to happen how some of these kids are zooming by.” Hayes also expressed her approval of the proposed cell phone policy in schools and inquired about older buses parked outside the high school, speculating they might be up for auction.

The meeting also touched on financial matters, including a $3,000 charge from Ocean United for a broken goalie net and $9,000 in special education attorney fees. Hayes sought clarification on these expenses, particularly the number of cases related to the attorney fees. She also reiterated her concerns about the pre-litigation demand and easement involving Rising Treetops, noting the absence of board discussion on this issue despite its presence on the agenda.

Further discussions on old business included cell phone usage in classrooms. A board member praised the collaborative efforts of parents and school staff in addressing this matter. New business brought forth by Miss McGovern acknowledged the hard work of school staff over the summer, including custodians and curriculum developers, and mentioned an upcoming event called “Big Red Pride.”