The budget discussion, led by Superintendent Richard Labbe, opened the meeting. It involved a series of departmental presentations, including a detailed report by Mr. Citadino, the Director of Food Services. His proposed budget for the Food Services Enterprise account for 2024-2025 sparked an exchange with a board member over meal totals and revenue in October and November. The impact of the school calendar and holidays on meal sales and revenue was clarified.

The Food Services program’s financial status was a central point of discussion. The board acknowledged a projected net loss for the next two years due to increased costs and the need to reinvest in the program. Nicole Petrone, the Treasurer of School Funds, forecasted a 10% increase in costs for the next two years, highlighting the requirement to reinvest in equipment due to low depreciation. The board agreed on the necessity for new refrigerators and freezers but recognized limitations on fund usage for specific purposes related to the national school lunch program.

The meeting also addressed ongoing infrastructure projects, including HVAC upgrades, window installations, roofing projects, and the completion of solar panels. Delays in roofing projects due to cold weather were noted, as was approval from the Office of the State Controller for certain bids.

The board tackled policy revisions, including the proposal to reduce the number of credits required for high school graduation from 130 to 120. This topic generated debate, with one board member advocating for alignment with state standards. There was also approval for new high school courses, including a foundations course designed to aid students transitioning from middle school to high school. The introduction of a co-curricular club, the Technology Student Association, at Sayreville War Memorial High School was also approved.

A generous donation from Mr. David Koo and Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital, of office supplies, medical books, and a dual-head microscope appraised at roughly $9,000, was met with gratitude. Superintendent Labbe mentioned the possibility of further donations from Mr. Koo in the future.

The meeting also featured a public participation segment, during which community members aired concerns and asked questions. Topics raised included the board’s behavior, transparency in decision-making, the decision to sue the borough and its taxpayers, and the estimated cost of the suit and the funding source for the transportation complex.

One of the more contentious topics deliberated during the meeting was the proposed construction of a bus depot. The discussion saw board members and community members expressing differing perspectives on the necessity and location of the depot. A lawsuit authorized by the board against the borough was also discussed, with Superintendent Labbe stating that he had authorized the suit on behalf of the board in November and that specific details could not be discussed due to ongoing litigation.

Positive remarks were made about the students’ and faculty’s efforts and achievements, with board members praising fundraising efforts and the holiday concert’s performance. Concerns raised by parents about communication gaps regarding school activities and clubs were acknowledged, with Superintendent Labbe promising efforts to address these issues.