Michael Ballone

The meeting commenced with the board attorney conducting proceedings until a president was elected, adhering to the Open Public Meetings Act. The board reviewed policies regarding public comments, conduct, and videotaping. Key discussion points centered on the election of the Board President, following procedures outlined in bylaw number 152. The election involved nominations and statements from candidates, culminating in a roll call vote where a majority of five votes was required. The agenda also involved administering the oath of office to newly elected school board officials from the November 14, 2025 general election, including candidates Kerianne Djanowski, Melissa Goldberg, and Michael Alonssky. One newly elected member, Melissa Goldberg, had not yet taken the oath by the time of the roll call vote for the presidency.

The meeting included recognition of staff members with kindness certificates from Asher Holmes Elementary School, Dugan Elementary School, the district technology department and Robertsville Elementary and Asher Elementary for their contributions. A fire at Dugan Elementary School was addressed, with commendations given to Chartwells and buildings and grounds staff for their quick response. Students from Robertsville and Asher Elementary presented information about the Star Spangled Banner. The meeting also featured a video on the concept of respect within the school environment and artwork from Marorrow Elementary.

The Marlboro Township Board of Education held a regular meeting to discuss various topics. Staff Kindness Certificates were presented. Student recognition was given to Asher & Robertsville. The board discussed student impact, artwork on display, announcements, school bus driver and building maintenance personnel motor vehicle abstracts, communications, and the superintendent's report on harassment, intimidation, and bullying incidents. The board also discussed financial and business operations matters, curriculum matters, and personnel matters.

The meeting was a workshop to discuss a referendum on the ballot for November 4th. The referendum aims to add air conditioning to Asher Holmes Elementary School and Robertsville Elementary School without increasing taxpayer debt. The benefits of air conditioning include improved student focus, technology protection, and enhanced security by keeping windows and doors closed. A referendum is considered more fiscally responsible because it allows the district to benefit from state aid, covering up to 40% of the project costs, while the remaining costs would be covered by the district's capital reserves. The district will continue working toward the goal of air conditioning in classrooms even if the referendum fails.

The meeting included announcements regarding the beginning of year forms signed by parents, with clarifications provided on the grade 2 health curriculum. A new opt-in/opt-out procedure was discussed for a standard related to personal hygiene, specifically defining basic body parts including the genitals. The history behind the 2020 standards was reviewed, and the board addressed questions about the curriculum change, the opt-in lesson, and instruction in the classroom. The discussion also covered how follow-up questions from students would be handled and the process for reintroducing the standard.