37:09A highlight of the meeting was the announcement that Winslow Township High School’s film program had received significant recognition. A documentary produced by its students was named a finalist in the Philadelphia Youth Film Festival, earning accolades at various other film festivals, including one at Pinewood Studios in England and another in Trenton, New Jersey, during the Art All Night Film Festival. The board members expressed pride in the film program’s achievements, acknowledging the hard work and creativity of the students involved.

The school board also addressed a unique request from Rutgers University, which sought permission to land a helicopter on the school grounds. This request was part of an initiative to facilitate a student visit, scheduled for the following Friday morning. Coordination with local township officials and maintenance staff was underway to ensure the visit proceeded smoothly. The board conveyed appreciation to all parties involved in organizing this event.

Parental engagement was another focal point of the meeting. Plans for a single parent visitation day were announced, slated for February 10th, with each school scheduling its own visitation day. Information about these events would be made available on the district’s website, and parents were to receive notifications to ensure widespread participation.

During the public comments section, a resident named Joanni Pohill voiced concerns about recurring bullying incidents involving her child at school. Pohill expressed dissatisfaction with the administration’s response, emphasizing a lack of accountability and respectful treatment of vulnerable students. She urged the board to take decisive action, stating, “Administration says that they are going to address things and they do not,” and added, “the ball is in you guys’ court.” Her comments underscored the necessity for the school administration to enhance its approach to handling bullying complaints.

The board also discussed ongoing internet service challenges within the district. While generally efficient, issues occasionally arise, prompting the technology department to collaborate with vendors for solutions. A backup service plan has been ordered to mitigate disruptions and ensure consistent internet access. This sparked further discussion about the importance of reliable internet service, especially for virtual meetings and educational activities.

0:00Additionally, the meeting covered various committee reports and updates. The athletic committee reported on the boys’ basketball team’s success and announced an upcoming football banquet. The policy committee discussed a potential ban on cell phones in schools, referencing positive outcomes from similar policies in other districts. This topic, noted for its impact on student achievement, was slated for further discussion.

The board’s negotiation committee scheduled its initial meeting for January 28. Concerns about audio clarity in the meeting room were raised, with a request for speakers to project their voices more effectively, especially for remote listeners.

In the superintendent’s report, a motion to approve was made, covering various items, including out-of-district placements and financial scrutiny of fundraisers. A guest speaker event at the high school was clarified to be accessible only to 10th graders enrolled in driver’s education.

20:18An engaging conversation ensued about a program called “A Few Good Men,” aimed at providing male mentoring in partnership with a local church. The program is designed to run after school, with students either recommended or volunteering to participate. A suggestion was made to invite someone from the partnering organization to the next meeting for more detailed information.