0:28The most pressing topic of the evening was the potential loss of significant state funding following the rescinding of policy 5756, which a resident, Mrs. Cross, highlighted during the public comment session. She drew attention to a letter sent out on February 14, urging the board to act within two weeks to prevent losing these funds. Mrs. Cross questioned the board’s plans regarding the policy, referencing a similar decision by Middletown and expressing urgency for the board to address this matter promptly. She emphasized the importance of resolving the issue to avoid financial repercussions for the district.

In addition to concerns over funding, Mrs. Cross also addressed discrepancies in responses to Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. She commented on a Facebook post regarding municipal business administration issues, urging a thorough investigation into potential irregularities affecting both the municipality and the Board of Education. The board was asked for clarification on the student safety data system, seeking further discussion of these issues during the meeting.

Following public comments, the board transitioned to updates on various district initiatives. The wellness department, represented by Tiffany Steiner and Kayn Gilvar, provided a midyear update on the “seven mindsets” program, highlighting progress in fostering accountability and gratitude among students. They discussed the introduction of webinars and mentorship programs to aid in developing leadership skills and community involvement through newsletters featuring book selections and recipes. Recent initiatives, such as the “Students Change Hunger” campaign at Allenwood School, were recognized for promoting community engagement and awareness of food donation processes.

1:35:11The success of service learning experiences was a notable point of discussion. At Allenwood, a fundraiser evolved into a service learning opportunity, culminating in a field trip to the Fulfill Center and recognition as a member of the “1,000 Pound Club” for food collection achievements. Central School launched a community outreach program aimed at inclusivity, offering after-school activities for students and families. Old Mill School creatively combined cultural celebrations with a Super Bowl-themed event, supporting the Mammoth County Food Bank through canned goods donations, while West Belmar School’s “Catch Them Being Kind” initiative recognized students’ acts of kindness with rewards from a local business.

1:48:47The meeting also focused on the district’s strategic goals, emphasizing academic excellence, wellness, engagement, inclusivity, and fiscal responsibility. The district’s progress from September to January 30 was highlighted, with expansions in reading literacy portfolios, improvements in mathematics and English programs, and the ongoing evaluation of world language and science programs. The multilingual learners program and dual enrollment opportunities at the high school were also expanded. New assessments in grades K through two ensured alignment with state standards, and a data analysis platform, Linkit, was introduced for grades six through twelve to identify areas needing improvement.

The special services department launched initiatives like the Orton-Gillingham-based Sundai system to support students with literacy challenges, while the Rise program continued to aid students with anxiety and mental health issues. The department’s parent advisory group remained active, providing presentations on relevant topics.

2:04:15Superintendent Dr. Handerhan’s report included a midyear update on district programming and emphasized the importance of early registration for kindergarten and preschool to aid budgeting and planning. He also reported on school violence and vandalism incidents from September to December 2024, detailing harassment, intimidation, and bullying cases, as well as substance use incidents across the district.

Transparency and communication were recurring themes, with updates on OPRA requests indicating 69 requests received since July, with 65 closed. Concerns about the absence of the board’s attorney and the lack of attorney bills for November and December prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability. Residents expressed a desire for improved scheduling of meetings to enhance public participation.