Kelly Apel

The meeting commenced with the reading of the sunshine law declaration and notice provisions. A key item was the announcement of the results of the annual school election for three three-year seats, followed by a swearing-in ceremony for the newly elected board members. The agenda also included the annual ethics training presentation, covering topics such as the School Ethics Act, the code of ethics, financial disclosure statements, prohibited acts, enforcement by the School Ethics Commission (SEC), mandatory training schedules (Governance One, Two, Three, and Four), and procedures for filing ethics complaints. The presentation emphasized the board's role in policy, planning, and oversight, and the requirement to refer complaints through the administrative chain of command.

The 2026-2027 Program of Studies for Montgomery High School provides a comprehensive guide to its academic and co-curricular offerings, emphasizing a diverse and engaging curriculum. It details course selections across core subjects like English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, and World Languages, alongside specialized programs including AP Capstone, Option II, and Concurrent Enrollment. The document also outlines offerings in Career and Technical Education, Visual, Performing, and Technical Arts, and Health, Safety, and Physical Education, aiming to foster academic excellence, critical thinking, personal growth, and prepare students for college, careers, and responsible citizenship.

The meeting commenced with reconvening into open session following a brief period of adjournment. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to Superintendent McGloin extending gratitude to three outgoing board members for their time, energy, and thoughtful leadership. The Superintendent also provided updates on numerous positive events occurring across the district leading into the winter break, including instrumental/choir concerts, the implementation of a homework-free break, and athletic updates. Student and staff representatives from Montgomery High School and Lower Middle School (LMS) presented detailed overviews of their highly successful Unified Programs, highlighting sports, youth leadership (including state-level committee involvement), and whole school engagement activities. Accomplishments cited included LMS raising $3,235 through the Jingle All the Way Job for Special Olympics and LHS receiving the national banner as a Unified Champion School, as well as being named one of 33 schools on ESPN's Unified Champion School Honor Roll. The LMS team reported raising over $10,000 through their virtual Jingle All the Way 3K for Special Olympics.

The meeting included reports from the MTSD Student Representative, covering events such as National Native American Heritage Month, Daylight Saving Time's end, NJGPA Field Test, Teachers' Convention, Powderpuff Game, Veterans Day, Financial Aid Presentation, MHS PTSA Meeting, NJSLA Field Testing, MHS PTSA Staff Appreciation Brunch, Fall Play, Winter Sports Begin, Early Dismissal, and Thanksgiving. The Superintendent reported on the Montgomery High School football team's historical season, LMS student participation in the American Math Competition, and various activities promoting respect and healthy choices in schools. The meeting also covered the 2024-2025 Statewide Assessment Results for the NJSLA and the DLM, MTEA events, PTSA updates, Somerset County School Boards Association updates, and MSEPTA updates. Committee reports were given for Assessment, Curriculum and Instruction, Operations, Facilities and Finance, Policy and Communications, and Human Resources. The board discussed and took action on various administrative, curriculum and instruction, operations, facilities and finance, and personnel matters.

The meeting included updates on the MTA negotiation, with a tentative agreement reached for a successor three-year contract. There was also a student representative report reflecting on National Native American Heritage Month and various school events. The superintendent reported on the high school football team's historical season, student participation in the American Math Competition, and the annual respect rally. Additionally, there was a presentation on spring assessments, including Dynamic Learning Maps and the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment, with a focus on student privacy and data analysis.