The board acknowledged the head football coach’s decision to move on, expressing appreciation for their tenure and contributions to the school’s sports programs. Additionally, the workshop portion of the meeting included reports on various district-wide events, such as the celebration of Black History Month, a visit from the lieutenant governor, the preschool lottery results, and the celebration of Ocean Township’s 175th birthday. The discussion also touched upon the Ocean Township High School alumni and athletic Hall of Fame event and the 8th grade dialogue program.

The superintendent reported on updates to the Mental Health Resources available on the district’s website, emphasizing the importance of accessibility to these services for the community. This dovetailed with the discussions on a grant for a social emotional response system and the donation of electric guitars, which centered on the alignment of mental health programs with district needs and the measurement of their effectiveness through various indicators such as referrals, grades, and discipline records.

Financial aspects were a concern, with the board delving into the School Funding Reform Act of 2008, the expected state aid, and the impact of the S2 bill on the district’s aid. The district had experienced a loss of roughly $2.5 million in aid over the past five years, prompting concerns over the budget. The board discussed revenue sources, including local levy, tuitions, fees, and Medicaid reimbursements, as well as the final approval for new roofs at Ocean Township Elementary School and Wayside School. The auditor’s presentation of the annual audit report, which received an unmodified opinion, was a positive note.

Facility improvements and technology updates were also on the agenda, with the board discussing the installation of radio repeaters, new Esports rooms, the replacement of Chromebooks for students, and the upcoming tentative and final budget adoption dates.

During the public comments section, the absence of Black History Month support on the school district’s website was questioned, prompting the board to address transparency and inclusivity concerns. Additionally, suggestions for incorporating additional holidays into the school calendar were made, with a request for a survey to gather input from the school community.

The meeting concluded with recognition of staff and student achievements, such as Mrs. Dawn Schultz being honored as the 2024 dance education teacher of the year, and the Sam Pebbles club members for their magazine’s excellent ranking in a national contest. The spelling bee winners from elementary and intermediate schools were also recognized for their accomplishments.