[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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],{"_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",6544864,"mediaKeyId","3410573-433edfb765a61ea564412353ed438f53","parentId",3410573,"title","Votes at a glance: Middlesex Borough School Board (May 20, 2025)","audioSeconds",507,"startMs",1267000,"endMs",1774000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410573-433edfb765a61ea564412353ed438f53&start=1267&end=1774","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3410573-433edfb765a61ea564412353ed438f53/thumbnail_1267000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6544864/New-Jersey/Votes-at-a-glance-Middlesex-Borough-School-Board-May-20-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544864-34ece7495daad027a7883357843989d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770655440&Signature=d-HW3jXGIfFZqoShfKmGVJHw9WZAiann3e3CWcJgdFK4mHdDZmNaYhzMoF4TzGrT8mHcI~l6x28xrgyCavKbRmBwiqxpBUqLB5T1Z88ihnhuUwPCIVf5g8nDALXmbekHtKJVYoHbxSLFbhfoEBLNxM5DwB4mYxiEufbjNer4e-GBjhVulmWe~aNWXUO9s6fGu0OaEJ63Tf0B1iSYK0oAPIsEo729s7dwIuM3VCgQhPelGscsgqQSGCxMH3tgC3lexuYoVsARiFOsJ8twUd5xyO9VKHuN9mRtE91oHvMIRUH6ygMo1R9mo-0jwwKRHNZiBNWAua03SCWiv~ihBwCSwQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Middlesex Borough School District","date","2025-05-20T22:41:09Z","article","The Middlesex Borough School District Board of Education recorded several formal actions at its May 20 meeting. Key outcomes and procedural notes are listed below.

- Minutes and agenda corrections (Items 6.01–6.02): Superintendent recommended approval; motion moved and seconded; roll call recorded with one abstention (Missus Bajacek abstained from item 6.16 o2) and otherwise approvals recorded. Outcome: approved.

- Personnel actions (Items 9.01–9.12): Superintendent recommended approval. Multiple members recused themselves from specific personnel lines (examples: Missus Parenti recused from 9.12 numbers 6 and 14; Missus Vayanchet recused from 9.12 number 15). One board member stated a no vote on a specific line (9.2 number 18). Outcome: approved with recorded recusals and at least one explicit no on an item; majority of personnel items passed.

- Education items (Items 11.01–11.20): Superintendent recommended approval; roll call recorded in favor with no contested outcomes noted in the transcript. Outcome: approved.

- Policy items (identified in the meeting as policy 0167 and policy 5111 / references made to policy 5 1 1 1 and 0 1 6 7): Motion to table the specified policy items for wording clarification was moved, seconded and passed by roll call (recorded vote: 7 yes, 1 no). Outcome: tabled for later revision.

- Facilities and finance (Items 14.01–14.12): Superintendent recommended approval; roll call recorded with approvals and noted recusals on isolated lines (for instance, Gary Brenner referenced in roll call for 14.1). Outcome: approved.

- New business: motion to start a safety and security committee was moved and seconded during new business. Board members discussed scope and bylaws; rather than immediately forming a separate board-run committee the board directed the superintendent to coordinate districtwide safety procedures with principals and to present a proposal next month. Outcome: no formal vote creating a new board-run committee recorded; administration directed to proceed.

Board members used roll-call voting on the major consent and action items. The meeting record includes multiple recorded abstentions and recusals tied to specific personnel lines; where the transcript recorded an explicit vote (for example on tabling policy items) the roll-call result is reported above. Where the transcript referenced approvals without showing the full roll-call in the public transcript extract, the items are reported as approved per the superintendent’s recommendation and the roll call announcements in the meeting.

For items with specific line recusals, the board recorded the members and lines at the time of vote; those detailed line-level roll-call records are part of the official minutes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular BOE Meeting May 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved routine minutes, personnel, education and facilities items, and tabled specified policy items for further wording review; several recusals and abstentions were recorded on personnel and other items.","taxTitle","Middlesex Borough School District, School Districts, New Jersey","taxId",38827,"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},6544869,"Public presses board to finalize police MOU and coordinate districtwide safety steps",2455,392000,2847000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410573-433edfb765a61ea564412353ed438f53&start=392&end=2847","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3410573-433edfb765a61ea564412353ed438f53/thumbnail_392000.jpg","/articles/6544869/New-Jersey/Public-presses-board-to-finalize-police-MOU-and-coordinate-districtwide-safety-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544869-be6f220f40c246618ba3efe55c4c55aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1770655440&Signature=War70Z5Xclk01Kyp5oGLMj81Yf~yKCxJfs0R8wYroWYZM60UP1lQZXMd~FQqqo7IZxTVcWmKXwRwheNFrqF8ZL1mKQuwhmDOCPEnNCc4lNrMTTcrlOL9kAMB~LcpqPQ7rYXnByVu5dszavOO6BdiMKNw-64-7UjC6217meSOmFhnUquyuthCFOYIi8N4oJKTNnw75xTR1Nb3~eR1c74yTBTbwGq59aHJhkUyybLteUEbI-MUaIE~2NVc0ygZOupRDfp7VpSal0H7GeOZiMAYcBq8GWU6P1U10KjSkkZofaR3E~s3P73AzWVrHncM3v2iB0RMjwfO1kQCT4QfNDslbw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple parents and staff told the Middlesex Borough School District Board of Education on May 20 that they have experienced lapses in school security at Hazelwood School and urged the district to finalize a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the township that would allow Class 3 school officers in district buildings.

A parent who identified herself as a Hazelwood attendee described an enrichment expo in which about 30 visitors waited outside in the rain and later entered the vestibule without consistent ID checks. “We were not escorted, just pointed in the right direction, and no one was checked for verification that they were supposed to be there. That’s a major security issue,” the parent said, adding that parents could have walked out with any child without verification.

Another commenter asked specifically about the status of an MOU between the board and the town for Class 3 officers and asked the board to put final approval on a June agenda so police could hire and train officers for a September start. The public speaker said the town had been ready and requested that the board expedite the agreement so Chief Matt Geist could proceed.

Superintendent Roberta Freeman and other board members said the MOU has been the subject of back-and-forth drafting and review by both parties’ attorneys and that the process takes time. The superintendent said she would ask the district’s business administrator to follow up and to request dates for a meeting with the mayor and township officials. The board said it would work to expedite the process from its end but could not provide a specific completion date at the meeting.

Board members also debated whether the board should create a standing safety and security committee. A motion to create a committee was made and seconded in new business; some members noted the superintendent had already been directed to work with principals and a special assignment administrator to develop uniform safety procedures. After discussion about committee scope and bylaws, the board agreed to let the superintendent coordinate the initial work and bring a proposal back to the membership at the next meeting rather than immediately creating a separate board-controlled committee.

Public commenters tied the security concerns to broader administrative transitions at Hazelwood and said recent lapses underscored the need for consistent procedures districtwide. Board members said they want a uniform set of practices and said day-to-day operational control remains with administration rather than with the board.

The board recorded its intention to follow up; the superintendent agreed to request a meeting with township officials and to provide an update when available.","Residents and staff urged the board to finalize a memorandum of understanding with the township for Class 3 school officers and to create a districtwide safety committee after parents reported lapses in visitor checks and event security at Hazelwood School.",{"_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},6544874,"Board tables policy on free tuition for employees’ children amid public concerns",1467,261000,1728000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410573-433edfb765a61ea564412353ed438f53&start=261&end=1728","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3410573-433edfb765a61ea564412353ed438f53/thumbnail_261000.jpg","/articles/6544874/New-Jersey/Board-tables-policy-on-free-tuition-for-employees-children-amid-public-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544874-12586a646897d6932cdde1fb6f384680/orig.mp4?Expires=1770655440&Signature=jkWCa-nFpVsi~5U14ygoLkKBV4zITx4tcq0u-G-tk1tHrwgGi6LMPstA7ARCgEyRhXreGn72ty~lrwXsbJ~GRm4lJdm2HhAQIOyXXVxQTcVJ1hAfhau30xwqt-XNrBeKcBV98Y4shoswa3lp8vcnk~OPYAiII4s8RuwhZr81gQKGr~Ld1p0uRxfhGaB4-A2BMfd62glcaJMtvORHDU0UedXFRNjWNtjWxcSbi4sU~K6bJWuAa-oJmv-nj1uBDKeJcYcNGWZwLJ0R08IyaZ-Pp8RsuqotsnGQfTj-mhyD0mp1n15IGA7QAJgW7hQtS4VJUaZrIZGpnYsshjisyTm2Bw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Middlesex Borough School District Board of Education voted on May 20 to table proposed policy language related to tuition benefits for employees’ children and related community school wording after extended public comment and board questions about capacity and accountability.

During public comment, several staff and residents raised concerns about proposed or imminent policy changes that would allow employees — including out-of-district hires — to enroll their children in district programs at reduced or no tuition. Melissa Dymax, a district teacher and resident, said she pays town taxes and receives a 10% discount for aftercare, but opposed full tuition waivers for nonresident hires. “I pay town taxes… I get a 10% discount, but now we can hire anybody who doesn't live in town and their kids could come to the school for free. Doesn't seem right,” Dymax said.

Another commenter asked for transparency and accountability for the district’s community school finances, asking how much the community school brings in versus district expenditures and requesting emailed line-item accounting. A speaker noted the community school had spent $17,000 on a family fun day for an enrollment of about 204 students and asked where checks and balances are in the program’s budget.

On the board agenda, policy items identified in the meeting as “policy 0167” and “policy 5111” (transcript references) were set aside for further wording review. Board members discussed the practical consequences if a large number of out-of-district employees sought free tuition for children and said the policy would be revisited annually if needed. A motion to table the identified policy items passed by roll call (one board member voted no; several members recorded recusals or abstentions on linked agenda items).

Board members said the item warranted more discussion about enrollment impacts and financial transparency before adopting final language. One board member asked whether refunds or adjustments would be available if a child’s eligibility changed; the board did not provide a policy answer at the meeting and deferred further review.

Speakers tied the tuition discussion to the district’s broader hiring strategy: some public commenters supported attracting experienced teachers, while others said tuition waivers could encourage nonresident hires and strain building capacity and local resources. The superintendent and multiple board members said they would revisit the policy language with clearer financial information and bring the item back for future consideration.

The board took multiple routine personnel and education votes during the meeting; the tabling of these specific policies was the primary formal action on tuition-related language. Board members asked staff to provide the requested financial breakdowns for the community school and to present revised policy language at a later meeting.","Board members voted to table proposed policy language on tuition benefits for employees’ children after public comment questioned fairness, district capacity and accountability for the community school’s finances.",{"_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},6544879,"Teachers and union press board to settle contract after block-schedule changes",2313,2431000,4744000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410573-433edfb765a61ea564412353ed438f53&start=2431&end=4744","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3410573-433edfb765a61ea564412353ed438f53/thumbnail_2431000.jpg","/articles/6544879/New-Jersey/Teachers-and-union-press-board-to-settle-contract-after-block-schedule-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544879-148a6f669315124fa992d853c1363a84/orig.mp4?Expires=1770655440&Signature=AkHiYfDmrcTPg6EvzRezoKl~TL-fcl8JPd5KtA1BbbXMkey~PzMcmnDXwhsRiPbmrXFE3VENPJ86aTbusikLEJMci71U~LxhEEGTxjM9UHrzyFq3KOgD2EuqnmtCi8khwr5-pCTdktCpH4OTRqXJWVOPjnO~05NIMyvcKael6l897OxqU9Yido5RSFt~FchHoWi8jdP1Gn4jNZT9JhT8VfYYi3fS7CRfZ17H-w9BwtTCQRR22MQmdmqaUZ7eXFvCNKBWxXBALfJ0CNqYnv~S1X7Tvezu-1ZvTb3Yzyk4bppgOs9yF0jrnnuaaP4oNK8qHhBQPjZ-4ujwwfkwmO4zSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of teachers, union leaders and parents urged the Middlesex Borough School District Board of Education on May 20 to settle an expired teachers’ contract and address what staff called an unauthorized increase in instructional time after the district implemented an 84-minute block schedule at the high school.

The dispute centers on schedule changes at Middlesex High School. Gary Brenner, a high school health and physical education teacher, told the board that high school teachers now teach three 84-minute blocks daily — 252 minutes of instruction — compared with the prior six 40-minute periods (240 minutes). “Twelve minutes doesn’t seem like a lot, but over 180 days those 12 minutes add up,” Brenner said, and he calculated that the total amounted to roughly 2,000 extra minutes this school year — about 35 hours of instruction, or five school days.

The issue has become a focal point in broader contract talks, speakers said. Mark Kohlhofer, vice president of the Middlesex Education Association, said the district has operated more than 300 days under an expired agreement and that the unresolved contract “drastically negatively impacts the morale and well-being of our incredibly dedicated staff.” Several teachers and staff said the block schedule was rolled out without reconciling conflicting language in the expired contract.

The contract and schedule change matter because they affect pay and workload, speakers said. “There are a number of school districts in New Jersey that follow this model… All of those schools, all within a 15-mile radius, have working conditions that include compensation or adjusted duties that we do not have here,” Kohlhofer said. Another teacher who spoke said neighboring districts provide compensation, duty relief, or different load structures for teachers on block schedules.

Teachers and staff framed the demand as both practical and economic: they asked negotiators and the superintendent to address the discrepancy in instructional minutes and to reach a timely settlement so the district can retain and recruit qualified staff. “We are asking to be treated with the same respect, appreciation and decency that our peers are getting in other districts,” Brenner said.

Board members and the superintendent did not announce a contract settlement at the meeting. During public comment and later discussion, multiple board members said negotiations were ongoing and that the board expects to continue bargaining; a public question about when negotiations are scheduled was answered only with “it is being scheduled.”

Speakers said the expired contract has practical classroom consequences. A parent and staff members told the board that increased instructional minutes left teachers with less planning time, and some said they were limiting unpaid extracurricular involvement as a result. One teacher said the district’s current approach risks increased turnover and discouraging new hires.

The board recorded several routine approvals on its agenda at the meeting, and some members signaled willingness to revisit related policies; however, no final contract action was recorded. Several teachers urged the board to settle before summer to avoid further morale loss and potential summer departures.

The public comment period included multiple accounts from long-serving staff and parents about how the unresolved contract and staffing pressures affect classroom programs and continuity. Speakers repeatedly asked the board to negotiate “in good faith” and to prioritize a fair resolution that reflects the workload teachers are being asked to carry.

Board President Danielle (last name not specified in transcript) and Superintendent Roberta Freeman (first name as stated in the transcript) acknowledged the concerns and said negotiations will continue. The superintendent and board did not provide a public timeline for finalizing the contract at the meeting.

Looking ahead, teachers and union leaders said they will continue public advocacy and negotiations over the summer if needed. The board did not set a public deadline at the meeting but heard repeated calls from staff and residents to settle the contract promptly.","Teachers, union leaders and dozens of residents urged the Middlesex Borough School District Board of Education to settle an expired contract and address increased instructional minutes at the high school after the district moved to an 84-minute block schedule.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Middlesex Borough School Board (May 20, 2025)

Public presses board to finalize police MOU and coordinate districtwide safety steps

Board tables policy on free tuition for employees’ children amid public concerns

Teachers and union press board to settle contract after block-schedule changes