[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6324634,"mediaKeyId","2337536-5e07a1b6af07c0142eb1a3e5cf88048f","parentId",2337536,"title","Parents and residents urge focus on students; some commenters raise ethics and curriculum concerns","audioSeconds",3608,"startMs",3622000,"endMs",7230000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2337536-5e07a1b6af07c0142eb1a3e5cf88048f&start=3622&end=7230","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2337536-5e07a1b6af07c0142eb1a3e5cf88048f/thumbnail_3622000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6324634/New-Jersey/Parents-and-residents-urge-focus-on-students-some-commenters-raise-ethics-and-curriculum-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324634-fb3c8ed0101a8f081357a42722859016/orig.mp4?Expires=1773664027&Signature=TZZ5PaAylb5RDnX~edq5RpctY7nWa-E6rNSTR4G3uNAlC4156FwR4nQlQJpHlsUcFix264IdFuv9bEFrRoKE1FS1S0uVOe9ftIanWF1yLFSdzjBWoLnpJ5g2UqyytO~KsSTsEA4LLQgvE5qy6ioxvSsBFMowFhGOxG1~FynacX3t-jPH1z0icIr6h3Maw2B4bAbTxw8AMHrSIhd21nPse9J7iw6OMD7rPiAaLJr3qizfMP3lWuiFMX1zHi4VbJLUYytsGygV9JJKTlxaG6XM9P9NbglnsUjqG5Qg6Pc603L6840RKQIPH-OPYqQNNHmvjI-SFAGfaElNH4Y9qJhMXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Washington Township School District","date","2025-02-18T16:47:22Z","article","Multiple residents and staff used public comment time Feb. 18 to urge the board to focus on students and staffing, and to raise concerns about board conduct and outside oversight.

Melissa Sharma, during public comment, urged the board to “start to work together instead of sitting up here week after week” and to prioritize students and staff over personal or political agendas. She said program staffing had been affected during ongoing governance disputes and urged the board to visit schools and consult principals about needs.

Several commenters raised concerns about the board’s internal conduct and the reasons for the district having conflict counsel. One speaker accused board leadership of actions that prompted an ethics-related review and said they had sent documents and concerns to the county superintendent; the speaker asked for an investigation into alleged misconduct. A different board member acknowledged an inadvertently sent email and described receiving harassing emails as a persistent problem for elected officials.

Curriculum and grading concern: A parent reported since the fall her sixth grade child had been placed in a high-school financial-literacy curriculum and said the change affected the child’s grades and class credits. The parent requested clarity about why a sixth grader had been enrolled in a high-school course and asked administration to follow up with details; the parent said she had not been contacted by administrators and had heard about the matter from other parents.

Other public commenters and board members urged civility during meetings, and asked the board to prioritize contract negotiations for principals, support staff and teachers. The board did not take formal actions during public comment; administration and board members said they would follow up where appropriate.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Washington Township Public Schools Board of Education 2/18/25","oneSentenceSummary","Public commenters urged the board to prioritize students and staffing, raised concerns about board conduct and an ethics-related conflict counsel, and a parent requested clarification about a sixth grade student’s assignment to a high-school financial-education curriculum.","taxTitle","Washington Township School District, School Districts, New Jersey","taxId",38343,"location","New Jersey","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6324639,"Superintendent reports: cybersecurity notice, pre-K lottery, food bank and energy-audit updates",4045,2525000,6570000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2337536-5e07a1b6af07c0142eb1a3e5cf88048f&start=2525&end=6570","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2337536-5e07a1b6af07c0142eb1a3e5cf88048f/thumbnail_2525000.jpg","/articles/6324639/New-Jersey/Superintendent-reports-cybersecurity-notice-pre-K-lottery-food-bank-and-energy-audit-updates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324639-8644c354cbe4b6519204f18c7e913ca3/orig.mp4?Expires=1773664027&Signature=Frt9gUNL34GtdtUfyvDJOIJ1k98OqHn3B28kNM0OiwmXaZpg5uPgBNejc0NoYMizBDP6vpRTrkYvmbm36NOLCTcnai62NbuO12pXEtGrktBAWLfd-miOubh7486YVb7yWJ-nMjAmMMmzz~85CP614or871oOEalw-YE~RzAJLcQtDFQU6kGvJWvhmsVOuaUv7ZuqaFwIFwEHMa8mZmxAXNWPBrZIyrfV~9hAB4kJI2-YrnEbh8AK73ucrGVPzvt2wKihJfT1sGeeMJlNP274esxutmmyy4WAz0RWe0LyNRhAVbdmx6gynKnXfQg6Da5j3Bq8O0lZDg2YFzn0uItS6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Dr. Eric Hibbs and district staff provided several operational updates at the Feb. 18 Board of Education meeting.

Cybersecurity notice: The district reported a December 28 cybersecurity incident involving PowerSchool, the student information system. District staff said social security numbers historically have not been collected and therefore were not compromised; parents received mailed notices as PowerSchool made notifications in phases. The superintendent referred families to his Jan. 9 ParentSquare message and a Jan. 13 FAQ for details and said PowerSchool is the point of contact for questions about the breach.

Pre-K lottery and family supports: The district said families who registered 3- and 4-year-olds should have received pre-K lottery numbers; the lottery will be held Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m. The district also announced a “Gift Card Bank” distribution of several hundred $25 gift cards secured through a partner organization; principals will identify families who could benefit.

Community service and fundraising: The board noted a district food bank service that typically serves about 80 community members and thanked Junior ROTC and volunteers. The board also reported preliminary profits from a recent hoagie sale exceeded $25,000 and thanked volunteers and organizers.

Facilities and energy audit: The district said it is conducting an energy audit and has completed interviews with two of four firms that responded. Staff described aging infrastructure items (motors, heaters, unit ventilators, controls, lighting) as priorities; the district has not yet built capital projects into recent budgets and said it will assess options, including potential offsets and the scope of possible projects. Confidential briefings for board members will be provided as procurement details develop.

Special education and safety: The district said a new special education web portal is being prepared for parents and staff and that clear procedures are in place for child-protection incidents (police notification and follow-up). The district said counseling staff are available to support students and families after any critical incidents.

No formal board actions or funding approvals related to these items occurred at the meeting; staff said further information will be distributed to board members.","Superintendent and administrators gave operational updates: a PowerSchool cybersecurity incident and notification process, pre-K lottery timing, a food bank service, a hoagie sale fundraiser exceeding $25,000, and progress on an energy audit and potential capital projects.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6324644,"Board returns to three standing committees; superintendent evaluation timeline discussed",1075,4735000,5810000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2337536-5e07a1b6af07c0142eb1a3e5cf88048f&start=4735&end=5810","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2337536-5e07a1b6af07c0142eb1a3e5cf88048f/thumbnail_4735000.jpg","/articles/6324644/New-Jersey/Board-returns-to-three-standing-committees-superintendent-evaluation-timeline-discussed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324644-bf8597882a2b42f550d8e38cd2bec296/orig.mp4?Expires=1773664027&Signature=ZPsXtU06s2UZAqwsrx7M~h0QwSv8ht4SF7iluS2l7o~twMd-57Bo9QsJEuaXyZoHClXyGAMhMe4d7m0b5ihurmjE5EUe-9PigfN1jp32aX3PrWlw9Yl7peQr7PkQWhr29qKH7vKrMs9r-cfsOKJnHxsifRSva6LZLxmCk8G0f2ZtpAwSO44xR8ciGo20HnO1Gjk0q0IzLWnhUhzTYC3vwXM~oX~snS6xMUrXhF94zstlu~jEsYIqmBZFAv4tl88UAWlChJc4n-mgRu1a9wETFEe241wXNZ1ghM2Mtk1kqerPFHf-7kdvX4Pkpx3~Rnz~j4LdU6d4r7f9EqfupKf8ow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Washington Township’s Board of Education voted to return to a structure with three standing committees after members debated whether committee meetings provide necessary information before votes.

A board member moved to “go back to the original structure of three standing committees” (business/finance/facilities; student activities and communications; instructional affairs/other) and the motion was seconded. The board conducted a roll call and the motion passed; multiple board members registered “Yes” during roll call and the minutes record the motion as accepted.

Board members and the superintendent also discussed the superintendent evaluation process. The board confirmed the standard process: the superintendent completes a self-evaluation online, the board reviews materials and the board president distributes copies to members before the evaluation is discussed in a subsequent meeting. Dr. Eric Hibbs said he would begin assembling evidence and start the self-evaluation process when ready.

Several board members emphasized reconstituting committees so small groups can review materials and report back at work sessions, while others cautioned that committee membership and scheduling must allow full-board transparency. After the vote the board asked members to email committee preferences to the board president and to use Zoom for committee meetings if needed.

The board did not adopt additional policy changes to the evaluation process at this meeting; timelines and committee assignments were left to follow-up communications.","After debate about committee transparency and workflow, the board voted to restore a three-committee structure and began the superintendent evaluation process.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6324649,"District highlights performing-arts festival, upcoming school musicals and arts infrastructure needs",1060,840000,1900000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2337536-5e07a1b6af07c0142eb1a3e5cf88048f&start=840&end=1900","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2337536-5e07a1b6af07c0142eb1a3e5cf88048f/thumbnail_840000.jpg","/articles/6324649/New-Jersey/District-highlights-performing-arts-festival-upcoming-school-musicals-and-arts-infrastructure-needs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324649-e2fc2197201e458b7652c3c9bef43db3/orig.mp4?Expires=1773664027&Signature=V4Wk0jWaBHyclP99eEB5HxseRh4ErtAA-jq1HMJ8XswOsyN8MDxTBuxlIo944TdZk7KSHnostNMB7HI4lI8m6jpntvyDWLpC141zq~0DbFBYlo1-u-4mL-lOB51gItkT0UvyolzjFdFPO9p5qWLtsezNAk9VVzHHF2NhS~kXJ8NOSFzFRntTUpf4MZZliCpWbYTEPpDBsLoko4poyhkweQNtGKjVhZz1hib8ikgv4j7Q6SCd2Q5VgYlb9xpj6H95q7xiEu5y9S2ux4yQGMmTS2PoAXZyBzbVPZiRfifOGlJS4DfiTOrbKG7WYtR846XdhrC6hhTi2pFXqY-CtSDGOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The district’s visual and performing arts supervisors told the Washington Township Board of Education on Feb. 18 that the district successfully hosted the New Jersey Thespian (state theatre) festival at the high school and is positioned to be a continuing host site for similar events.

The supervisor said the festival provided workshops led by industry professionals and offered large-scale experiences for students who might not otherwise have access to statewide programming. The district reported it hosted hundreds of students over the weekend and had more than 30 student entries; several pieces earned “superior” scores and individual students and staff received statewide recognitions.

District staff thanked volunteers and named staff who supported the event, including Jessica Kelleher, Shannon Malloy, Amy Nelson, Jeff Walter (custodial) and members of food services and transportation who ran shuttles. The supervisor credited recent upgrades, including an updated sound system in the district’s performing arts center, as critical to the festival’s success and noted a lighting renovation remains a priority to reduce recurring rental costs.

Students gave a short sampled performance for the board; student Violet Merrigan performed a monologue used at the festival. The arts supervisor also announced upcoming district musicals (Shrek at the high school March 13–15; Orchard Valley’s Beetlejuice Jr. March 20–22; Bunker Hill’s Legally Blonde Jr. March 20–22; Chestnut Ridge’s Sister Act in April).

Board members applauded the staff and students. The district did not request new funding during the recognition item but noted the lighting renovation may produce future revenue and cost savings if pursued as a capital project.","District arts staff recapped hosting the state Thespian/performing-arts festival, recognized students and volunteers, and outlined equipment and facility improvements needed for future events.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6324655,"Orchard Valley students present ‘Panther Pride’ program; board issues certificate",587,65000,652000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2337536-5e07a1b6af07c0142eb1a3e5cf88048f&start=65&end=652","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2337536-5e07a1b6af07c0142eb1a3e5cf88048f/thumbnail_65000.jpg","/articles/6324655/New-Jersey/Orchard-Valley-students-present-Panther-Pride-program-board-issues-certificate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324655-0f4eb2853ae2175dbc97dba3d43ccbe4/orig.mp4?Expires=1773664027&Signature=TPJBPQG4Y1Yq6nU4srMjckyW1JQ9N2nKR6TYdgEbF11xIvOi6OlBP99hfv~VJbbMwLbHtKMnH5G1hIJ3sFFbysb67wyu98ZsXpXpyv7CM8igtMCeml9MGHCNySTTvtvkBgEv3v3Ctk~ljlUiwq0dSUJHI9hO8bSJDbslWz7gtBMr-srUEo6a2EJJz2VDUYobz2Nr~YMKKQajVSjtlawf7TnpHc9VZEN25fAa8Io5Sa0qmRs2-VaT-7-TAm6wGUl1sK7FjA1-hQOaZQE736uCh2FhmN8H1-XlISGt--RAaQy73PeQU~TWKassYiIcKVgFsSB-JJ-8lD6OPncdvjHpOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Students from Orchard Valley Middle School presented a video on the school’s Panther Pride rewards program and received a certificate of recognition from the Washington Township School District Board of Education at the Feb. 18 meeting.

The presentation, led in the video by Sophie Clark, explained how teachers award Panther Pride tickets for behavior tied to the PRIDE pillars (positivity, respect, integrity, determination and excellence). Students earn tickets that they redeem in a weekly school store, and tickets are entered into monthly and semester drawings for larger prizes. “Panther Pride is worth the Orchard Valley Middle School model,” Sophie Clark said in the video presentation.

The video credited Kevin Hornstein for filming and editing and thanked other staff who assisted with production. Board members presented a certificate of recognition that, according to the document read at the meeting, was presented Feb. 18, 2025, and signed by Dr. Eric Hibbs, superintendent, and Julie Gizempel.

The presentation included program metrics shared in the video: as of the meeting, Orchard Valley students had earned 8,430 tickets toward a school goal of 10,000. The students described how teachers record tickets, students log points in ClassDojo and the school redeems tickets for snacks, supplies and special events.

Board members praised the students’ work and presented certificates on behalf of the board. The meeting record shows the district acknowledged the students’ video and the program’s role in motivating behavior and student engagement.

The board did not take formal action on Panther Pride during the meeting; the item was presented as a recognition and informational update.","Students from Orchard Valley Middle School presented a video explaining the school’s Panther Pride system and received a certificate of recognition from the Washington Township School District board.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Parents and residents urge focus on students; some commenters raise ethics and curriculum concerns

Superintendent reports: cybersecurity notice, pre-K lottery, food bank and energy-audit updates

Board returns to three standing committees; superintendent evaluation timeline discussed

District highlights performing-arts festival, upcoming school musicals and arts infrastructure needs

Orchard Valley students present ‘Panther Pride’ program; board issues certificate