Old Bridge Township Public Schools

Key discussions during the meeting included the recognition of staff retirements and an act of life-saving response by a paraprofessional. The Interim Superintendent delivered his final report before his departure, thanking the Board and staff. Correspondence addressed the competence of a departing administrator and urged the Board to reinstate him, while another expressed strong support for the newly appointed Superintendent, Dr. Vincent Sasso. Special committee reports covered the SEPAG meeting, early positive results from the new Food Service contractor (Pomptonian), and the review of the District Wide Capital Improvement Plan. Operational matters included addressing maintenance work order backlogs, staffing issues, and the need for air conditioning at Glenn School. A major action item was the approval of the 2025-2030 employment agreement for the incoming Superintendent, Dr. Vincent Sasso, effective December 1, 2025. Policy adjustments involved abolishing a bylaw concerning Interdistrict Public School Choice. Curriculum items included approving observation hours, job coaching sites for students with disabilities, staff advisors for Unified Clubs, and professional development workshops. Finance resolutions covered bill lists, budget transfers, out-of-district placements, NonPublic funded purchases, and the approval of financial reports and budget status certifications. The Board also approved the employment of new coaches, processed several personnel actions including leaves of absence, reassignments, and new hires across certificated and non-certificated staff in office, operational, and transportation departments. Final items involved approving renewed professional service agreements and the disposition of obsolete equipment.

This document presents the District-Wide Capital Improvement Plan and Capacity Study for the Old Bridge Township Board of Education. It outlines a proposed timeline for conducting facility assessments, reviewing existing building systems, updating floor plans, and developing magnitude budgets for capital projects, with activities predominantly scheduled in 2025. The plan details significant infrastructure deficiencies and capital improvement needs across various schools, including Old Bridge High School, Jonas Salk Middle School, and Carpenter Elementary School, covering building envelopes, interiors, HVAC systems, and site work, along with associated cost estimates. It also incorporates a comprehensive capacity study, establishing facility efficiency standards and summarizing student capacity across the district's schools, and identifies potential funding sources like referendums, ROD grants, and lease agreements.

Key discussions during the meeting included the Board acknowledging the deaths of retired staff members Tracy Ellis and Joel Goodman, and expressing sympathy to their families. The Board reviewed and adopted District Goals for 2025-2026 focusing on Excellence in Education, Fiscal Resilience, and The Whole Child, alongside Board Goals. The Board approved the retirement of five staff members and recognized local businesses and individuals for supporting SEPTA, which raised substantial funds for classrooms. The Superintendent provided an update on recent 'Meet and Greets' and announced future community engagement sessions. The Board heard correspondence primarily expressing concern and disappointment regarding the recent replacement of the Memorial Elementary School Principal, Dr. Payton, with requests for transparency. Action items included approving various professional development workshops, internships, curriculum updates, finance resolutions such as bill lists and budget transfers, employment of coaches and non-certificated personnel, approval of policy/bylaw revisions, and authorization for specialized procurement related to school planetarium upgrades. Additionally, the Board approved the application for the Dual Use of Educational Space for the 2025-2026 school year and confirmed the Law Enforcement Unit list for the year.

Key discussions during the Agenda Session included the acknowledgement of the death of Tracy Ellis, a Retired Special Education Teacher. The Board reviewed district goals for 2025-2026 focused on Excellence in Education, Fiscal Resilience, and The Whole Child. Recognition was given to Mikey McCabe for his Eagle Scout efforts. The Interim Superintendent, Dr. Bernard Bragen, delivered his first report, outlining plans for community meet-and-greets and confirming commitment to district goals. An update was provided on the ongoing Superintendent Search, noting community survey results and upcoming forums. Several correspondences were read, primarily expressing support for the recently removed Principal of Memorial Elementary School, Dr. Raymond Payton; the Board Counsel noted restrictions on responding to personnel matters in public session. Committee reports included a change in the scheduling process for SEPTA updates and scheduling for future committee meetings. Finance actions included approval of bill lists totaling over $5$ million, approval of a Tuition Contract Agreement with the Monmouth County Vocational School District, and acceptance of grant payment from the Old Bridge Education Association. Personnel actions involved accepting resignations, approving leaves of absence, approving employment for new Paraprofessional Aides, approving a collective bargaining agreement with the United Service Workers Union Local 74, and approvals/amendments for certificated personnel, including new hires and revised rehire lists for administrators and supervisors. Purchasing actions included approving the procurement of interactive display devices, professional services agreements for speech therapy, authorizing development of a nursing services contract for nonpublic schools, and approving an addendum to an agreement with Kelly Education.

This document details a district's response to significant financial challenges stemming from state aid reductions. It comprehensively reviews the cumulative impact of funding cuts and outlines strategic initiatives, including leveraging legislative relief (P.L. Chapter 13 & 14, Tax Levy Incentive Aid) and implementing cost-saving measures. The plan aims to establish a new, stable financial baseline to preserve educational programs, ensure workforce stability, and enable strategic investments in curriculum and technology, fostering long-term sustainability and proactive fiscal management.