The meeting commenced with the outgoing president articulating her gratitude to several individuals for their guidance during her tenure. The board honored their fellow members who would not be returning, particularly a member named Natalie, whose decision to leave was met by expressions of disappointment from her colleagues. Dr. Shawn Denning, Jr., one of the board members, reminisced about their interactions and thanked her for her service. Others acknowledged the passion Natalie demonstrated during her tenure as well as her dedication to the board. Departing members Shauna and Grace Anne were also recognized for their advocacy for students and staff.

During the work session, a discussion took place concerning the sale of recreational marijuana in Ocean Township. The suggestion was made that the 2% sales tax collected from this activity could be allocated to benefit the school district. This issue was raised again later in the meeting, with a member submitting public testimony to the council about the potential positive impact of this tax on school funding.

The work session also addressed a power issue at Dow, which was resolved swiftly by JCPNL and the school’s maintenance team. The board members also reviewed the district’s budget with the county superintendent and business administrator, discussing various financial and facility-related matters.

Another topic that was deliberated during the work session was the upcoming increase in the minimum wage and its potential impact on substitute teacher rates. The board members planned to compare rates across the county and propose an increase in substitute rates to attract more candidates. This issue was further compounded by the consideration of hiring a full-time substitute teacher, offering a full-time salary to ensure consistent coverage in schools.

The wage issue extended to clerical and classroom aides as well. Some board members expressed concerns about the parity between their wages and those of teenage summer workers. The financial management and resource services section also discussed the impact of minimum wage increases on these positions, with some members advocating for higher pay for these roles.

Dr. Denning suggested conducting ethics training for new board members, considering resources from the New Jersey School Board Association. This proposal sparked a debate about the timing of the training and whether to use the board’s attorney or the Association’s resources. Board member Justin Pimm advocated for a cost-effective approach, suggesting less litigation.