One notable issue discussed was the need for after-school transportation for middle school students involved in sports. A parent voiced concerns that their child, who had been active in sports during elementary school, now faces difficulties due to the lack of transportation services. The parent stressed the importance of keeping children engaged in activities, stating, “it’s better for them,” and called on the board to maintain transportation to support student involvement in sports, which is important for fostering future participation at the high school level.

In response to these concerns, a board member acknowledged the challenges in providing after-school transportation, citing budget constraints, particularly the loss of state aid and the necessity for a 9.9% increase in the local tax levy. The board member pointed out that while Old Bridge has managed to maintain some transportation services, many communities impose fees for athletic participation and still do not offer after-school transportation. They confirmed that after-school transportation would not be part of the services for the upcoming school year but assured, “we will continue to look at and evaluate” the situation moving forward.

Another topic of discussion was the “bridge to 2028” initiative, part of the district’s strategic plan. A speaker requested an update on the progress made towards this initiative, expressing interest in understanding the developments from the past couple of years. A board member suggested scheduling a discussion for a future meeting to provide the community with updates on the strategic plan.

The meeting also touched upon the need for a strategic planning session to update the community on initiatives and progress. A board member emphasized the importance of community involvement, noting past sessions had participation numbers fluctuating between 38 and 54 residents. They expressed eagerness to know the focus areas of committees this year.

Collaboration between the Board of Education and the Town Council was another focal point. A board member expressed frustration over the lack of progress in establishing a joint meeting between the two governing bodies. They emphasized the need for unity and collaboration, urging that the two groups work together to improve the community and not just focus on shared services. They proposed restructuring the shared services committee to facilitate better communication and cooperation between the board and the council.

In a separate discussion about curriculum, a board member proposed that curriculum revisions should be reviewed more thoroughly by the curriculum committee rather than being treated as formalities. They expressed concern that the current process seemed rushed and did not allow adequate time for review. The member suggested that curriculum updates should come through the curriculum committee, which is open to the public, to ensure comprehensive oversight. Another member clarified that the curriculum updates primarily involved integrating new state standards into existing programs rather than adopting entirely new materials.

Additionally, the board addressed several other community concerns and procedural matters. A letter was received concerning parking issues on Emerson Lane near Southwood Elementary School, where residents reported difficulties due to school staff parking in the area. The board planned to discuss the matter with the administration and explore potential solutions.

During the hearing of residents, a parent identified as AR Ernest expressed concerns about logistical challenges faced by families with new students entering middle school. They highlighted issues with overlapping work schedules making it difficult for parents to pick up their children after school activities. The parent shared their long-term residency in Old Bridge, expressing a desire for better support for families navigating the school system.

The meeting also included acknowledgments of new staff members and reminders about upcoming events, including the first home game for the Old Bridge football team. As the board prepared to transition into an executive session, they thanked the public for their participation and reiterated their commitment to addressing community concerns.