The meeting, overseen by Superintendent Dr. Noreen Tansey Lishak, made a move to expand the preschool program by adding six to eight classrooms to the current 13-school building. The board is actively seeking qualified candidates for various teaching and support staff roles to meet this expanded need.

In another development, the board announced the impending implementation of new policies regarding the proper use of social media.

The meeting also saw the resolution of an ethics complaint against former board member, Miss Debbie Bo. After a rigorous investigation involving an administrative law judge and the School Ethics Commission, Miss Bo was found guilty of violating the board member’s code of ethics. The violations included improper criticism of the superintendent, staff members, and other board members, and inappropriate attempts to administer the schools. Miss Bo was officially censured, receiving the highest penalty for her actions. The board expressed disappointment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining ethical standards in their roles.

Student achievements and school activities were also prominently discussed during the meeting. Junior class president and student representative Katherine Fiper offered a vibrant account of various school events and fundraisers. Fiper’s report was met with praise from Superintendent Dr. Noreen Tansey Lishak. The assembly at Kennedy School to celebrate veterans and promote World Peace, updates on Franklin School’s playground, and the invitation of local veterans to Grant School were among the updates shared.

South Plainfield High School was recognized for its academic excellence, earning a bronze status in the AP School Honoral Recognition Program. Additionally, the board presented the results of the HIB self-assessment grades for each school in the district, indicating a commitment to transparency and accountability in their anti-bullying initiatives.

The board approved several resolutions related to curricula, personnel, and finance. They also announced a blood and platelet drive scheduled for December 16th at Kennedy School, supporting a couple of seniors’ projects. The South Plainfield board members ended the meeting on a reflective note, wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and expressing sympathies to the family of a former South Plainfield High School graduate who had recently passed away.