[{"_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",6623625,"mediaKeyId","2769553-da89ea271d6752c094757229c429b7bf","parentId",2769553,"title","Votes at a glance: Metuchen Board approves personnel, finance, policy and curriculum items; one abstention recorded","audioSeconds",109,"startMs",4120000,"endMs",4229000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769553-da89ea271d6752c094757229c429b7bf&start=4120&end=4229","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769553-da89ea271d6752c094757229c429b7bf/thumbnail_4120000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6623625/New-Jersey/Votes-at-a-glance-Metuchen-Board-approves-personnel-finance-policy-and-curriculum-items-one-abstention-recorded","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623625-d99de8f22dfbc818880dd3e9db8db9ae/orig.mp4?Expires=1776224378&Signature=kVw5x2xx2I-AeDVlERDlqethaFhpDChhwFQxw0E4zwhujC5gkFGaUV2czoqx0A2vDWrZujUQuvQ2AjaokBU-TskG4NA3cNPKo~aXdumCztaSRxNvwHQvMJBNgs-pAeNSin48l8SIfAaWi7ee9yJ9Lq~TZvrUFR1zpSe6y0qAcVt-o479x1I2JXWnqnO7cSfWFTKprUJrSiqLMSn2j4v86zsIbX8UBhXNy-lbnZsAH4e6AF~rSEgQLS-gAF-rTr3s8fSxyS-d-pwN~DPAaPW1c0yLY0ly~-5TkKWRrwbnP76ZZaQ8gc5Mu4Ao9bt-uYwTrBEdyMIcw7KmjNQdbxblyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Metuchen Public School District","date","2025-03-26T01:17:26.32Z","article","The Metuchen Board of Education took a series of routine votes at its March 25 meeting, approving minutes, personnel recommendations, finance items, policy first‑reading items and curriculum items. Most votes were unanimous; one abstention was recorded on a policy item.

Approval of minutes: The board approved the minutes of March 11 (special business meeting 1 and 2 and the March 11 board meeting) by roll call. Members voting yes included Mr. Bhatt, Ms. Cheatham, Mr. Derflinger, Mr. Glassberg, Dr. Johnson Marcus, Ms. Killeen, Mr. Lifton, Ms. Shrestha, Dr. Spigner and Mr. Suss. Motion carried.

Personnel (Items A1–A11): The board moved and approved personnel items A‑1 through A‑11 as listed on the agenda. The roll call recorded affirmative votes from the same board members listed above; motion carries.

Finance (Items B1–B5): The board moved and approved finance items B‑1 through B‑5 as listed on the agenda. The roll call was unanimous among voting board members present; motion carries.

Policy (C items): The board took a roll call on policy items on first reading. Board member Mr. Bhatt stated, \"I'll say yes on all, but abstain on C 1.\" The remainder of policy items and the combined vote carried with the remaining board members voting yes; C‑1 was recorded with one abstention by Mr. Bhatt and yes votes from other members.

Curriculum (Items D1–D4): The board approved curriculum items D‑1 through D‑4 by roll call with unanimous yes votes from members present; motion carries.

All votes were taken by roll call and recorded in the meeting minutes. No recorded no votes were reported on the agenda items moved at the March 25 meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Metuchen Board of Education Meetings Live Stream","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved minutes, personnel recommendations, finance and curriculum motions and advanced policy items; Board member Bhatt abstained on one policy item (C‑1).","taxTitle","Metuchen Public School District, School Districts, New Jersey","taxId",75049,"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},6623628,"Finance committee discusses transport costs, federal aid scenarios and food service contract",200,3823000,4023000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769553-da89ea271d6752c094757229c429b7bf&start=3823&end=4023","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769553-da89ea271d6752c094757229c429b7bf/thumbnail_3823000.jpg","/articles/6623628/New-Jersey/Finance-committee-discusses-transport-costs-federal-aid-scenarios-and-food-service-contract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623628-bb304e1a32e3e6fe62e1fe988f9ce6db/orig.mp4?Expires=1776224378&Signature=bwF2qsdm5NWvYmfHbKbXga7sr-rEk-19Aa0crl4VPmVm4V9C-ZbND31SEKkaZ6F3NGmatXX9Yn-l9rchIX78UMtSr4ylpG5v9mDsvvf8ALcaPuzjKXPXbx25UysKHuZOMly6p9Vy3xL2qpFr3YhABFlN9HyW~gMYTG5De7hqfznUXkT7LxR5KnMi6Wyx7lBP8Xt114fMacUCI0WOx-05PoxHW6vgEAhF9eqkTl2BOxYZpjxt0L11GklmG~Wp9bjvvjEvfp0IKAu-m8GIiAdfGKmSoWKF9VFrJXoWBxe6wyz1oIeZm~PrM7bEsQHZ2O0lKi2Av6vPsDIB~H2m-PfiXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The finance committee reported March 25 on planning items that could affect next year's operating budget, including transportation costs, the district's food service contract and contingency planning for reductions in federal aid.

Committee member Mr. Suss said the committee ran a scenario for a complete federal aid cut and concluded \"it's not a large part of our budget, but it would have an impact.\" The committee examined end‑of‑year budget options for any surplus and discussed transportation, including per‑student busing costs and whether to offer a partial payment plan for families; board members said the district has sometimes struggled to collect bus fees in the past.

The committee discussed possible district use of the auditorium for events and noted administrators were exploring whether that would be a rental or internal use; members also reviewed plans to update the food service contract for the coming year and to continue YMCA wrap‑around programming. A potential auditorium use was described as \"potential use\" and not a finalized agreement.

The committee said it will continue to review transportation pricing and collection approaches and will bring recommended contract changes to the board for approval. The committee's meeting schedule was discussed and public meeting dates will be confirmed on the district calendar.","Committee reviewed the potential impact of federal aid reductions, transportation costs and collection challenges, the food service contract and possible district use of the auditorium.",{"_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},6623633,"Curriculum committee reports bilingual waiver approval, assessments and summer transition planning",199,3478000,3677000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769553-da89ea271d6752c094757229c429b7bf&start=3478&end=3677","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769553-da89ea271d6752c094757229c429b7bf/thumbnail_3478000.jpg","/articles/6623633/New-Jersey/Curriculum-committee-reports-bilingual-waiver-approval-assessments-and-summer-transition-planning","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623633-a074d9f355dcd27cd31ddd0c9b34f424/orig.mp4?Expires=1776224378&Signature=XrrgBsBSyTOdFT~lk2MqwIL8VrGLXys83wb9S13rveDAbNNssKk76o-pWV-x~NZ~FtLZ108vhyD-K9YV~RidqWR~maPUAkNmMghvW7RIVjxETMFHdoLjG5xWQHnwWjDpCOMvg0eJLWry9KRuoIm4TzM1p3u5E4vdcD3PijIirV4TPzljebtjjwxOU1awm0YMKOmD191K~~k4V0cPmU0DalKu4Xf-RDri7T3O9m9HO9t31n3QFlJK-JB0AXjKPLknHTBAlZfr3kjQoOpjUATxOix00KE8YuQoz7TIpjOa~708K0Z5vdgcpi5ELMMb6S1KQRusMVCaQJMPEleRwQIf0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The curriculum committee reported several operational and compliance updates at the March 25 board meeting, including standardized testing, a state waiver for bilingual instruction and planning for summer transition programs.

Committee member Mr. Derflinger said the district completed ACCESS testing for multilingual learners and NJGPA assessments for 11th graders. He told the board the district reached the state‑mandated threshold of 20 Spanish‑speaking multilingual learners that requires either a bilingual program or a waiver; he said the district \"applied for the waiver\" and that the waiver \"was approved.\" The committee reviewed the approved waiver details.

The committee is continuing work on a comprehensive equity plan required by the state and has assembled a committee led by Principal Perowski at the high school to update it. Mr. Derflinger said the district will participate in the New Jersey School Climate Improvement Survey and will continue free summer school transition programs (for example, Campbell-to‑Edgar moves) in partnership with Rutgers University.

The committee also previewed professional development work with Magnolia Group Consultants on New Jersey Tiered Systems of Support and said designated staff will audit the district's intervention and referral services. Coach Thomas served on a committee recommending a new AP statistics textbook; the committee discussed costs and adoption specifics that will be considered in future agenda items.

The committee set its next meeting date for April 22.","The district reported completion of ACCESS and 11th‑grade NJGPA tests, that a waiver for bilingual instruction was approved after reaching the 20‑student threshold, and that summer transition programs and training are planned.",{"_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},6623638,"Construction from referendum largely on track, board told; high school wing due in December",297,3195000,3492000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769553-da89ea271d6752c094757229c429b7bf&start=3195&end=3492","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769553-da89ea271d6752c094757229c429b7bf/thumbnail_3195000.jpg","/articles/6623638/New-Jersey/Construction-from-referendum-largely-on-track-board-told-high-school-wing-due-in-December","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623638-eeec3dec5f64f52bf9163a2f1a603349/orig.mp4?Expires=1776224378&Signature=It23fMNR1KB2h9-DUkDJX~w23S1V3AGX8dEfeqARgpmfoTKydBmLiVeR7gSAr4-tAlRLGLEx3WAtW0IFGIfPX3DrQDhsT5DiRkw0DMtwVzXJpZ3tSDjnrdJY60B4SvU9Okt8JSzgQYp8C0PwbtFRPdOPDsK52Xf0cUYrMGaGlR4gzaSotpMo7fHZ1VUTMmDrC2UpU-xDCbhXY0FghtXqrhZul-wUJXELMVqg0In-7jb6J0G~Hip3FQC-Z8PZFACJVHI~n3UrX5ZfF6S1Qbyiy3cT1UyMrP5qTZJvde55cFezaLsjxcc9Z4DEe~zcuBTDltPNFvmTiTD5G~Sb5nGfrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Metuchen Board of Education's construction committee reported March 25 that work funded by the district referendum is generally on schedule, with several notable completion targets and a contractor staffing change that the committee said is being monitored.

Construction committee member Mr. Glassberg told the board that full‑day kindergarten work at Moss School is on track for the start of the school year and the Campbell School cafeteria is on track for substantial completion in time for the new school year. He said Edgar School, which had been off schedule at a prior meeting, is \"now back on track.\" For Metuchen High School, the committee reported a phased schedule: the new classrooms and gym wing are expected to be completed by Dec. 15, the cafeteria addition by May 1 and HVAC work around the start of the school year.

Glassberg said there was a recent site walk involving the bonding company, district administration, and contractors, and that EPIC — the contractor for Moss and Edgar — had a change in its project manager. \"EPIC was able to confirm some of the deadlines that were in the contract, in front of the bonding company, which is a good sign,\" he said.

The committee also reviewed options for a new scoreboard in the high school field house and discussed interim locations for board offices while construction continues. Administrators told the committee the furniture budget estimates received to date came in within the allocated amounts. The committee said it expects finishing touches to continue after any substantial completion, and asked the board and community for patience during transitions.

At the meeting the construction committee listed its next public meeting as April 21 at 7 p.m. A board member later clarified that several committee schedules referenced at the meeting were adjusted and the publicly noticed board meeting dates should be checked on the district calendar.

No formal votes were taken on construction purchases at the March 25 meeting; the committee said it will bring specific contracts and equipment purchases to the board when final recommendations are ready.","The board's construction committee reported timelines for Moss, Campbell and Edgar schools and the high school, confirmed contractor changes and said furniture quotes are within budget.",{"_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},6623643,"Metuchen Board spotlights new teachers, student advisory board and winter sports champions",2174,726000,2900000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769553-da89ea271d6752c094757229c429b7bf&start=726&end=2900","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769553-da89ea271d6752c094757229c429b7bf/thumbnail_726000.jpg","/articles/6623643/New-Jersey/Metuchen-Board-spotlights-new-teachers-student-advisory-board-and-winter-sports-champions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623643-e58db754fb4ee8ab1f8098b9e5adb89d/orig.mp4?Expires=1776224378&Signature=Z3xVJIwNRQm~XfG3EPWEQOR-KH51B4uDGKb01cZFS5fGmvlY5gLf4aYLzjcyDnFYD4HmTBozu~rDbzwa5JvIoZpuCLDAusVGfjHpzpvKmL0NAP2VU3Og4rbxwKD0tiBAS24TGkOowQxGL7d2aXKJuA5MJ~cEpO9lPkLkQ6vLA722tQtdusHz8lntdIra3xu6XhIcV7A2XRhPMpOf66eCk33nwBDC0b~6XuWlgBX8UaN9Ut4-1MSsANzciHqugX9r8FsHWHS7KP24zc1vX7zo9ghoRHbR~gIpdN1l6usCR1UEQJsJrp1jCs6dzZwckZcO-PUMETh-GCvnlnzhZq8t1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Metuchen Board of Education opened its March 25 meeting by introducing several newly hired teachers, receiving an update from the student advisory board and recognizing winter sports champions from across the district.

Board members welcomed new hires the district plans to place in its full‑day kindergarten program and other positions next year. Emily Almeida, who will be a special education kindergarten teacher at Moss School, told the board: \"I'm over the moon excited and extremely proud to start my career in the same building my family and I attended kindergarten.\" Gina Kish, who started in January, said, \"It's truly such an amazing experience to now give back to the community that I grew up in and teach in the district that I went to.\" New teachers Ryan Crumb and Jessica Sorrenti also introduced themselves and thanked the board for the opportunity.

The board said the staffing is possible because of a prior referendum that enabled full‑day kindergarten. Superintendent and administrators signaled the district will return with additional hiring recommendations at upcoming meetings as staffing for the program continues.

The student advisory board — a monthly group that spans grades 3–12 — gave a brief presentation. Danny Galligan, a senior, said the advisory \"meets once a month\" to give and receive feedback, and to help make the district \"a better functioning place.\" Students described topics discussed this year, including construction updates and a recent conversation about artificial intelligence and its classroom uses and limits.

The board then honored winter sports teams and individual athletes from Metuchen High School. Coaches and team representatives were invited to the podium as the board recognized multiple teams: girls and boys indoor track (including sectional and group titles and relay championships), the girls basketball team (21–5, blue division co‑champions), and the girls swim team (white division champions). Coaches and presenters repeatedly noted that many athletes were also on the honor roll.

The recognition segment concluded with the board distributing souvenir programs and signed certificates to the student athletes. Board members encouraged families to take the items and thanked coaches, staff and families for supporting the teams.

The meeting moved next to committee reports and the public comment period.","At its March 25 meeting the Metuchen Board of Education introduced new hires for full‑day kindergarten and other positions, heard from the student advisory board, and honored winter sports teams and individual athletes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Metuchen Board approves personnel, finance, policy and curriculum items; one abstention recorded

Finance committee discusses transport costs, federal aid scenarios and food service contract

Curriculum committee reports bilingual waiver approval, assessments and summer transition planning

Construction from referendum largely on track, board told; high school wing due in December

Metuchen Board spotlights new teachers, student advisory board and winter sports champions