Mathew Benderoth

The meeting commenced with roll call and the introduction of the Spanish interpreter. Noteworthy presentations included the designation of Nora Luciano as the District Student of the Month, recognition of Gina Collins and May Mia Singleton as District Employees of the Month, and a formal proclamation recognizing January 2026 as School Board Recognition Month. Reports covered updates on the Middle Sex Public Library receiving a LIFT grant for early literacy services, legislative updates including pending resolutions and a civility initiative rollout, and a student report highlighting high school activities such as sports team records, student council fundraisers, and school focus initiatives like 'Character Strong' and a kindness challenge at Washington School. Announcements included budget preparation activities for the upcoming fiscal year and upcoming events like 'Breaking Down the Walls' and the winter listening room. The board also opened public comment where a resident inquired about the creation and posting of a specific principal position approved in prior minutes.

The meeting commenced with the administration of the oath of office to newly elected board members, including Mr. Jeremiah KS, Mr. Martin Quinn, and Miss Justine Decker. Following this, the board conducted elections for the offices of president and vice president. Key procedural actions included the adoption of the New Jersey School Boards Association Code of Ethics. The board also approved the annual meeting schedule for 2026, setting meetings for the third Wednesday of each month, and ratified annual organizational items such as bylaws, policies, regulations, official newspapers, and official depositors. Finally, the board considered and approved action items 3.06 through 3.08.

The meeting involved discussions following an executive session concerning confidential matters, attorney-client privilege, student matters, and personnel issues. Student representative updates covered the conclusion of fall sports and the start of winter sports, including basketball and wrestling, noting the success of the boys' division one championship and the girls' state semifinalist team. Student council activities included fundraisers (Chipotle and Panera Bread) and selling holiday grams. Board liaison reports touched upon legislative updates during the lame duck session, a presentation on the Evolve technology security system from Middle Sex County districts, and potential legislation regarding charter school reform, pilot revenue sharing, and district flexibility. A public comment raised concerns regarding contract approvals performed without prior board authorization, specifically citing administrative code requirements for pre-approval of expenditures. A personnel transfer was announced for Mr. John Keelia, effective July 1, 2026. Following public comment portions, the board adopted a resolution to meet in a second executive session.

The meeting commenced with the flag salute and a roll call. Key agenda items included the annual audit presentation, which reported the district is in very good financial shape with no findings, enabling contributions to capital and maintenance reserves. The board recognized the District Student of the Month and the District Employee of the Month for their notable contributions. Significant recognition was given to the 2025 Middle Sex High School Championship baseball team for securing the school's seventh group one state championship, including acknowledgments of the coaches and team members, and the presentation of championship rings. The board also expressed appreciation to outgoing board members (Miss Ladette Jeffrey, Mrs. Brenda Perry, and Mrs. Shannon Quinn) for their service from 2022/2024 through 2025. The final recognized item was the presentation regarding the District Treasurer of School Monies, Mr. John Kaiser. Furthermore, presentations highlighted the Woodland school performance, noting significant growth in the band program's size and student engagement in complex musical concepts.

The Reorganization Meeting began with a call to order, a reading related to the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Law, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key organizational items included the certification and administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected Board Members based on the November 4, 2025, election results. New officers were elected, with Danielle Parenti assuming the role of President and Sharon Schueler as Vice-President. The Board formally adopted the New Jersey School Board Code of Ethics. Furthermore, the annual meeting schedule for 2026 was approved, setting meetings for the third Wednesday of each month, along with the designation of official newspapers and official bank depositories for various district funds. Public comment included a query about a future special meeting date.