The Ocean City School District Board of Education meeting held on November 22, 2024, addressed several key issues, including concerns over board member communications and support for unified sports programs.

The meeting began with public comments, where Christine Stanford from Upper Township raised concerns regarding the communication practices among board members. She presented a timeline of emails related to Lifewise Academy, highlighting a potential breach of protocol. Stanford questioned how certain board members were aware of private communications regarding Lifewise, suggesting that there may have been unauthorized sharing of information. She emphasized that the superintendent should be the primary communicator with the board, not the other way around, and expressed her worries about the integrity of the board's operations.

Following Stanford's comments, Grace Trott, a teacher from Upper Township, advocated for the unified sports program at Ocean City High School. Trott described the benefits of unified sports, which promotes inclusion and acceptance among students with and without disabilities. She shared her personal experiences, noting that her daughter, who has Down syndrome and is on the autism spectrum, has thrived in such programs. Trott criticized the lack of administrative support for the unified sports team, arguing that it denies students valuable opportunities for social interaction and personal growth. She called for increased backing from the school administration to ensure the program's success and to foster a more inclusive environment for all students.

The discussions highlighted the board's need to address communication protocols and the importance of supporting inclusive programs within the school district. The meeting concluded with a call for further consideration of these issues, emphasizing the board's role in fostering a supportive educational environment.