Christina Acquavella

This strategic plan, 'Compass 3.0', is designed to guide the Freehold Regional High School District for the next five school years. It focuses on four core areas: Whole Child, Equity and Opportunity, Student Growth and Learning, and Community Connections. The plan aims to enhance teaching, learning, and leadership to inspire students to maximize their potential and prepare them for an evolving global society.

Discussions included additions to the agenda covering the bus depot lease, the 2027 fiscal year budget, new legislation on internet control devices in schools, and Jewel Class action litigation. The Superintendent's report featured updates from the student executive cabinet representative on academic and extracurricular experiences, notably the Science Engineering or SNH program and an internship with Mammoth County Engineering. The superintendent also highlighted district goals for improving student attendance, noted that all six district schools were named to the 2025 Advanced Placement Program School Honor Roll, and announced graduation dates for the Class of 2026, including contingency plans for weather. Updates were provided on a professional development day, scheduled administration of the WIDA and New Jersey Graduation Assessment tests, and a curricular learning experience regarding the Holocaust across high schools. Furthermore, the report celebrated Black History Month displays and listed upcoming school musicals. A new law requiring a bell-to-bell cell phone policy implementation was discussed, noting that legal training was conducted. Budget planning discussions mentioned the governor's address schedule for state aid distribution, with facility improvements prioritized, including security camera upgrades at all high schools and the installation of panic buttons under Alyssa's Law. Specific building project updates included a new video scoreboard, gym floor replacement, and auditorium restoration at Colts Neck High School, and gym floor replacement at Freehold Township High School.

The meeting commenced with the reading of the November 4th election results for English Town, Farmingdale, and Howell, involving multiple candidates and associated vote counts. Following the results, newly elected board members were sworn in, including Diana Capiello, Kathy Lavin, and Zach Mezer. After all members were seated, the board proceeded to elect a new president and vice president through nomination and roll call votes, resulting in Michael Messenger becoming President and Jamie Bruno becoming Vice President. The new president then took over, leading into the pledge of allegiance and a mandatory presentation on the School Ethics Act. Key themes and pitfalls discussed regarding board member conduct included avoiding administering the district, refraining from unilateral action, not exercising control over staff or students, avoiding speaking for the board, and adhering to the principle that the board acts as a body where majority rules.

The meeting commenced with adherence confirmation to the Open Public Meetings Act, noting the meeting notice dates. A roll call was taken, and an addition was made to the agenda to include discussion on student suspension reports and discipline matters, as well as approval of the October 16, 2025 meeting minutes. A presentation was given by an executive student cabinet representative from Colts Neck High School, who detailed the value of small learning communities, specifically the cybersecurity pathway program (including dual enrollment and national competition participation) and the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) program. The student representative announced acceptance to the United States Naval Academy. A board report covered policy revisions required due to the Freedom to Read Act, necessitating the removal of the term 'library' and alignment with new state mandates, which required emergency approval outside the typical reading process. Public participation raised significant concerns regarding the transfer of two students from another town following anti-semitic incidents, questioning the rationale for admitting them into the district and potential impact on school climate and safety. Additional public comments reinforced concerns about student placement and safety issues arising from transferring students from other communities into Colts Neck High School.

The meeting commenced with student recognition ceremonies highlighting academic, athletic, and extracurricular achievements across the district's high schools, including Manalapan High School, Howell High School, and Freehold Borough High School. Academic recognitions included National Merit Commended Students, a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist, Governor's STEM Scholar recipients, and students achieving perfect scores on the SAT (both Math and English sections). Athletic achievements celebrated a historic girls soccer conference title and a high ranking for the boys cross country team. Additionally, the meeting recognized several students who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Howell High School specifically recognized achievements in TSA competitions, including a National Gold Achievement Program award and placement on the New Jersey TSA Parliament. Freehold Borough High School highlighted the victory of their Cyber Security Club team in the University of North Dakota Cyberhawks National Capture the Flag Finals.