Parent Urges Branchburg School Board to Address Racial Abuse Incident at Middle School

Overview: The Branchburg School Board meeting addressed a serious incident of racial abuse at a local middle school, discussed policy updates, and elected board officers. A parent, Ms. Davis, spoke about her daughter, Shariah, experiencing racial verbal abuse from other students, calling for the board to take action and enforce discipline. The board proceeded with electing Vincent Carpentier as president and Terry Joyce as vice president. Additionally, donations from the Branchburg Rotary and the Megan Rose Bradley Foundation were acknowledged, and the board discussed the necessity for additional special education teachers in the upcoming year.

Montclair Community Expresses Concerns About Ice Rink’s Uncertain Future

Overview: The Montclair Town Council meeting was dominated by community concerns over the potential loss of the Clary Anderson Arena, budget allocations, and the need for historic preservation. Residents voiced their fears and frustrations, particularly focusing on the ice rink’s future, which holds sentimental and economic value for the community. The council members engaged in debates over budget priorities, including the allocation of funds for parks and professional services, and the application for historic preservation grants.

Bridgewater-Raritan School Board Addresses Anti-Semitism Concerns and Elects New Members

Overview: In a recent Bridgewater-Raritan School Board meeting, the election of new board members and executive roles took place, alongside a discussion on the rising concern of anti-Semitic incidents within the school district. Barry R. Walker was elected as the board president, and Jennifer Loughran as vice president. However, the meeting was notably marked by a fifth grader’s heartfelt expression of concern over the discovery of swastikas in a boys’ bathroom, and a parent’s critique of the district’s response to such incidents.

Residents Press East Brunswick Town Council to Pass Differing Resolutions on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Overview: During the December 26, 2023 meeting, the East Brunswick Town Council tackled an array of issues, ranging from impassioned pleas regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to local developments such as the construction of a new ice rink and cricket field, and the implementation of a new garbage contract.

Westwood School Board Debates Abolishing Gender Identity Policy, Removes Three Books From Middle Schools

Overview: In a recent Westwood School Board meeting, debate arose over the potential abolition of Policy 5756, which concerns parental notification in student gender identity cases, and the appropriateness of certain books in the school’s resource material. The meeting was marked by divided board and public opinion on both topics.