Woodbridge School Board Approves Education Association Contract
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
06/13/2024
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Recording Published:
06/13/2024
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Duration:
43 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Middlesex County
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Towns:
Woodbridge
- Meeting Overview:
The Woodbridge School Board meeting resulted in the unanimous approval of the Wood Township Education Association contract. The negotiations committee was lauded for their efficient work to finalize the contract on time and within the budget. Additionally, the meeting addressed various topics ranging from student achievements and community engagement to the superintendent’s report and various committee agendas.
The contract with the Wood Township Education Association stood out as a significant accomplishment, with the negotiations team receiving commendations for their successful efforts. The settlement of the contract prior to its expiration was particularly noteworthy, as highlighted by the President of the Woodbridge Township Education Association during the public comments section. This individual expressed gratitude towards the board’s negotiation team for their diligent work.
In another critical agenda item, the board decided to amend its previous findings concerning an HIV (Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying) investigation. The motion to amend was approved, though details of the changes were not specified in the summaries provided.
The meeting also recognized the achievements of a student representative, Shus Singh from JFK Memorial High School. Singh was acknowledged for his academic excellence, ranking fourth in his class, and his distinction as an AP Scholar and a National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist. The board also celebrated various sports achievements and academic honors obtained by students, as well as their engagement within the community.
In terms of student safety and welfare, the superintendent’s report for May 2024 included student registers, fire drill reports, bomb threat reports, and attendance officer reports. These items underscore the continued focus on maintaining a secure and orderly environment in Woodbridge schools.
During the personnel agenda portion of the meeting, some members abstained from voting on particular items. This led to a discussion about the order of negotiations and personnel items.
The board’s committees were active in presenting numerous items for adoption. The communication policy and planning committee presented seven items, the curricular, extracurricular activities, and technology committee presented 61 items, the finance and insurance committee presented 18 items, and the buildings and grounds committee presented eight items. Additionally, the dining and transportation committee presented 38 items, and the personnel committee presented 54 items. These presentations covered a vast range of operational and educational aspects of the school district’s functioning.
In terms of community events and initiatives, announcements were made concerning the upcoming Woodbridge Township Juneteenth celebration and the inauguration of the Acacia Youth Center, which will cater to students from 6th to 8th grade. Furthermore, the provision of free swimming lessons to second graders by Middlesex County was highlighted as an important community service. The meeting also acknowledged a paraprofessional who delivered crucial medical assistance to a student.
The board discussed the offering of summer enrichment classes for students, a collaborative effort between the Township Recreation Department and the Woodbridge Township School District. These classes represent the board’s investment in the continual learning and development of students even outside the regular school year.
During the public comments section, a parent raised concerns about the curriculum and academic experiences at JFK High School, particularly in the subjects of history, math, and science. The parent pointed out the perceived lack of continuity in teaching, as well as a need for greater exposure and opportunity within the curriculum. The board expressed their willingness to engage in further dialogue with the concerned parent following the meeting.
Despite the absence of public commentary on the agenda items, the meeting moved forward with roll call votes on the various items presented by the committees. The board conducted these votes with some members abstaining on specific agenda items, although the reasons for abstention were not provided in the summaries.
Joseph Massimino
School Board Officials:
Daniel Harris, Susan Bourdin, Marie Anderson, Frank DellaPietro III, Jenny Perez, Nazam Mohammed, Akshar “AJ” Sidana, Jonathan Triebwasser, Joseph Velez
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
06/13/2024
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Recording Published:
06/13/2024
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Duration:
43 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Middlesex County
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Towns:
Woodbridge
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