[{"_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",6479976,"mediaKeyId","5691981-9d8f51d29e4e22e44f31913bcc39eba5","parentId",5691981,"title","Board welcomes Emily Keyes as new supervisor of special services","audioSeconds",45,"startMs",737000,"endMs",782000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5691981-9d8f51d29e4e22e44f31913bcc39eba5&start=737&end=782","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5691981-9d8f51d29e4e22e44f31913bcc39eba5/thumbnail_737000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6479976/New-Jersey/Board-welcomes-Emily-Keyes-as-new-supervisor-of-special-services","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479976-1cd089c2943cd1e22ce96861fd0d2100/orig.mp4?Expires=1770924375&Signature=fOyQcGdcqad00~g0abVjCh5R9yjpolzLxSZQUg2zC0gPvjKnEvY6rZB-FzvUjnOzo9tW7nOtCs-2zIHvW8OgZhMM2oGUtpIvi12XVRKIJ~BwkeNFRU-x8pQEFwntnlAfd1N7LXgJdIs5VCig4qy6TATk5tCl2ptW9D5tRSK20LNDaxawQIqIG0NYPy2F1FJabe8EV7TBBcprJs-cYr-vs8Cppsa7LF9pfTXR8VgHwfECdINEyP0NuAfAh2r0GFPFlVWLU3kDYJ4x3~aDrcyIPpEmh5kieHjr-F2SV5CbwGtBhA~VMw7lpseTosHj0BKlzGy5rTP7J3Rh6AxJQmbR9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Montgomery Township School District","date","2025-08-27T15:35:38Z","article","The Montgomery Township Board of Education introduced Emily Keyes as the district’s new supervisor of special services at its Aug. 26 meeting.

Superintendent Gabbatha introduced Keyes, saying she holds advanced degrees in educational leadership from Seton Hall University and certifications including supervisor, principal and teacher of students with disabilities. “She will bring a wealth of experience having served as supervisor of student services in Ocean Township as well as leadership roles in South Plainfield, Newmarket and Hillsborough Township,” the superintendent said.

Board members welcomed Keyes and thanked outgoing staff. The district said Keyes will focus on supporting diverse learners, fostering staff collaboration and implementing special-services practices across the district.

What happens next: Keyes will assume her duties immediately, district officials said, and the board looks forward to her work supporting students, families and staff in special education and related services.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education Meeting 8-26-25","oneSentenceSummary","The Montgomery Township Board of Education introduced and welcomed Emily Keyes as the district’s new supervisor of special services; board members thanked her and noted her prior leadership roles and credentials.","taxTitle","Montgomery Township School District, School Districts, New Jersey","taxId",64102,"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},6479980,"Board approves professional-services item after removing two subitems; members seek data on IDE Corp outcomes",325,1748000,2073000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5691981-9d8f51d29e4e22e44f31913bcc39eba5&start=1748&end=2073","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5691981-9d8f51d29e4e22e44f31913bcc39eba5/thumbnail_1748000.jpg","/articles/6479980/New-Jersey/Board-approves-professional-services-item-after-removing-two-subitems-members-seek-data-on-IDE-Corp-outcomes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479980-7fc2d742f97e7414593f950d18b7276d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770924375&Signature=bmSQFSygSV-MLgOb0rnrxnDaQrACSOrauS3VSUMb3vGZAgg4JLr1PkYOIMxV6BUN-MXSsZlGLQ9UjQ9yUNrh-maQjFj-HglbBI2RdaMsI~82b-fKSQ5dQMPrPC3xjw15aILRBso3SHSLzZdzU5zZV2TRv2lj1t5KHMyCgvpFYO1Nf4pI1CGyButKbLXCeSSjMfYKEBIfS3ihwPcELXB~aVNustMy8VKQ5W2y5AKUzzeEny~MUX5Rqya8JqGPJc8dsN~W3mM9Ew2HhD3FoOTd5KPU~z0sb7nMLLvNpM6b09SS7Tar45CaD0OFAA6oKvyH8qM8eBy1RVK3Scxa5L6MBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Montgomery Township Board of Education approved agenda item 2.5 — which funds several professional services, including behavioral-health supports and lifeguard recertification — after the board removed two subitems during the meeting.

Board members and administrators discussed that some services under 2.5 are paid through federal IDEA grant funds. A board member requested longitudinal outcome data and early indicators of student growth tied to IDE Corp’s work addressing disproportionality; the board asked staff to provide clearer formative measures and evaluation evidence before additional related purchases are made.

District staff clarified that the lineup of services in 2.5 also included American Red Cross lifeguard recertification classes for pool instructors, Bridgeway PES behavioral-health services based on guidance-department referrals, and social/academic supports at LMS and UMS. A board member proposed striking two IDE-related items from 2.5 and the board accepted that revision; the chair announced the amended motion carried.

Why it matters: The board explicitly asked for measurable evidence of consultant impact before committing further funds, and it specified that some services are funded by federal grants (IDEA). The request for longitudinal data reflects the board’s desire to evaluate consultant effectiveness and program outcomes.

Next steps: District staff agreed to follow up with specific data requests via email and to provide the board with clarifying information on what evaluation measures will be used for IDE Corp and similar vendors.","The board approved agenda item 2.5, which funds multiple professional services, after striking two subitems at the table. Several board members requested evidence of impact and longitudinal outcomes for work proposed from IDE Corp.",{"_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},6479985,"Operations committee flags high school infrastructure needs; district may seek 2027 referendum",106,365000,471000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5691981-9d8f51d29e4e22e44f31913bcc39eba5&start=365&end=471","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5691981-9d8f51d29e4e22e44f31913bcc39eba5/thumbnail_365000.jpg","/articles/6479985/New-Jersey/Operations-committee-flags-high-school-infrastructure-needs-district-may-seek-2027-referendum","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479985-59745b1c02b1d6663db5d526cd0b8a66/orig.mp4?Expires=1770924375&Signature=mQGA14dcv2DKW2kXasDoaZDTN4ZH3yHyToRhZ~abpZhO85bJ7LYVEhtZfPWcXXWjLsimg1e6zqLeeH9xGimy3mH9drATpibVj8ZJBCPDBXVZzjLgnNA4FxJ6S5cY-GvCiO~T1Q25SrEdrYy6jQ0hgoe5p7-gehksOskHKqhXWzhz4ylPGr68Xc-n2m5t9PrVDWP1SFhTcYSXSu~mjFAuBHALCFDK~ACHyKBYqw5vZtcG2yMjvJACmB7J01c-KIf-DcI1hB2SrQk8ERaSJIivFumniqqFepFgp~Yg0VjfejLXnpLh--D2Q9iWbfOJcPGvrjDdc2j1I9PvKNSMwKsTEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Montgomery Township Board of Education’s Operations, Facilities & Finance (OFS) committee reported on Aug. 19 that multiple capital and maintenance needs at Montgomery High School will require significant work, and the committee identified November 2027 as a potential ballot date for a major capital referendum.

Will Ross of Perrett Sargent Architects presented a Phase 2 analysis of Orchard Hill and Village Elementary Schools and an initial long-range facilities plan. The committee said wall remediation projects at four school buildings are complete and that a final site visit is scheduled before school opens. Initial findings at the high school included HVAC upgrades, roof replacement and cooling repairs.

Financial and procurement updates: The committee reviewed the remaining balance from the 2016 referendum — reported as $197,000 — and asked for a detailed accounting of completed projects, expenditures and outstanding change orders. On transportation, the district will temporarily lease a bus from Kensington Bus Company at $5,400 per month (maintenance included) while awaiting delivery of seven new buses; the leased bus will be staffed by an existing district driver.

Audit and internal control review: The committee reviewed two proposals for auditing services: the incumbent firm’s $35,000 quote (primarily financial statement compilation with limited review) and a competing firm’s $70,000 proposal (offering a more comprehensive engagement including internal controls assessment and follow-up). A committee member recommended changing auditors to raise assurance levels and strengthen internal controls.

Special education funding: The committee reported that the district secured $2,700,000 in extraordinary aid this year, an increase of $1,200,000 from the prior year, and credited the special education director and business administrator for ensuring state funds were fully captured.

What’s next: The committee plans stakeholder meetings before finalizing cost estimates for the K–4 restructuring analysis and requested additional accounting detail for referendum and 2016 referendum carryover funds. The board will continue to review OFS recommendations at future committee and full-board meetings.

Sources and attribution: Will Ross (Perrett Sargent Architects) presented facilities analysis; the committee report and business administrator remarks provided budget and procurement details.","The Montgomery Township operations, facilities and finance committee reported infrastructure needs at the high school, a possible November 2027 bond referendum, temporary bus leasing, and a recommended change of auditing firm.",{"_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},6479990,"Votes at a glance: Montgomery Township board approves most agenda items; K–4 writing revisions fail",115,2004000,2119000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5691981-9d8f51d29e4e22e44f31913bcc39eba5&start=2004&end=2119","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5691981-9d8f51d29e4e22e44f31913bcc39eba5/thumbnail_2004000.jpg","/articles/6479990/New-Jersey/Votes-at-a-glance-Montgomery-Township-board-approves-most-agenda-items-K4-writing-revisions-fail","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479990-509b76b3553530ef56bc454d7e5b8dd1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770924375&Signature=LUppef3zVWvNIw6woQMtckWXP4H25no7arQIxABcY4mH3W1q6qhI3q4Y5dd5tpXJO2pPYp3z56OmmiM-IdDpvc88jd-eI4nN2rMtsph-2X6N49r~d0WtUeYQRe4115at8OdJjNyYxCEMO6kcvBm-Xpj~YlgvDDZa3VPFBuLonmT6gVmTSekZOTfkWD2LfZ4YMgbvSOXG12TJJMU8pjPkJIsEq8uNorWmJlgDb3vroBtiaYk0ang86oMLB3CloCLxv2ZwpF8GZNykx6xd60FXrEKjCweV-I~2EthIJxIXu-PYpZ8Cq3EL3F8m7I0zZViXFjI-Zq2K6VRbcOrMEdf4~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Montgomery Township Board of Education conducted roll-call votes on several action items at its Aug. 26 meeting. Most consent items passed; two notable items produced contested results.

Item 2.5 (professional services, including services paid from federal funds) carried after the board struck two specific subitems from the motion during public action. District staff said the services covered a range of needs including American Red Cross lifeguard recertification, behavioral health services through Bridgeway PES and other supports; district staff confirmed IDEA-funded services are covered through approved grant allocations.

Item 2.6 (curriculum approvals) did not carry. The motion would have approved several new courses (including AP Seminar, Spanish 4 and AP Literature & Composition) and major revisions to K–4 writing units. Several board members recorded no votes or abstentions and requested additional formative and longitudinal evidence of student growth before approving the K–4 writing revisions. The board president announced that “motion 2.6 does not carry.”

Other items: The board approved minutes from the July 15 executive and business meetings by roll call. The board also approved out-of-district ESY placements and other individual personnel and program items listed on the action agenda; district staff reviewed those items and answered questions about cost breakdowns for specific ESY placements.

What the votes mean: Because 2.6 failed, the district will continue to implement previously approved literacy materials for the affected grades until the board receives the additional data it requested and reconsiders the motion. Item 2.5 will proceed with the revised scope as approved during the meeting.

Documented votes and notes: The transcript records named votes and recorded positions for some members (for example, Doctor Wagner recorded a “no” on 2.6; one member abstained on 2.6). Several board members said they intended to revisit the items at ACI with additional data.","At its Aug. 26 meeting the Montgomery Township Board of Education approved most consent and action items but declined agenda item 2.6 (K–4 writing revisions). Agenda item 2.5 (professional services including IDEA-funded contracts) carried after two items were struck.",{"_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},6479995,"Montgomery Township board declines K–4 writing curriculum approval after members ask for more data",2276,918000,3194000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5691981-9d8f51d29e4e22e44f31913bcc39eba5&start=918&end=3194","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5691981-9d8f51d29e4e22e44f31913bcc39eba5/thumbnail_918000.jpg","/articles/6479995/New-Jersey/Montgomery-Township-board-declines-K4-writing-curriculum-approval-after-members-ask-for-more-data","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479995-981fe32e914349dcc21b0b050a3a73dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770924375&Signature=OZ1M6W5tOBIyPj8H8H5s9Ug-loYBZXI02MzldrvdLTx4sxTwIJleLAiLw660mRh~mRijjbufaMHitGEzCvdZdaCEp2ad25Ic46wOLYCL~lz~aSwgpNpNPzopHQowV3Blc~tMAZaqdoszv4iu2dLnn0Lr8aUsxuOmEma6MebvCEQDkpKjnPBNsuCwoJlDWQ99SIEkL-Nek57V10Xgj-dScxxOMB~v04oV3pXJx1UOzdug1u0iKtop7idBxC5vyGfN81zHafw6ueUR3~IHII57su~1yY85F3KJvr~uRBANz2tGYHiwfDVVsYR-0cTYE~l38zxv6LJk8eUFVr9y2Zk65A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Montgomery Township Board of Education voted against approving agenda item 2.6 — which included K–4 writing revisions and new courses such as AP Seminar — after several members said they needed more data and clearer evidence of impact.

Joanne Borland, the district’s director of curriculum, told the board that teachers revised the K–4 literacy materials over the summer and that planned professional development is scheduled for September. “We have revised to align with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards,” Borland said, adding that phonics and reading units had already been revised in prior years and that teachers worked with supervisors to prepare the revisions.

Board members who opposed the motion said they wanted more formative measures and longitudinal evidence showing student growth before approving the changes. One member said they had previously requested benchmark and growth-model data and had not yet received it. Doctor Wagner explicitly recorded a “no” on 2.6; another board member abstained. The board president announced that, based on the roll call, “motion 2.6 does not carry.”

Why it matters: K–4 literacy decisions set instructional materials and pacing that influence early reading and writing instruction. Several members cited broader debates about instructional approaches — specifically the use of Lucy Calkins’ Units of Study and whether materials align with research described as the “science of reading.” That discussion frames local concerns about phonics and early literacy practice across many districts.

What Borland and district staff said: Borland said the district had previously added Heggerty (phonemic awareness) and the Really Great Reading Company (an explicit phonics program) in earlier school years as part of efforts to strengthen foundational reading instruction. She said the approach for the current revisions was to have teachers adapt unit themes and align lessons to the state standards rather than replace teacher-developed materials with a single purchased program. “Our data doesn’t support the fiscal choice” of buying an entirely new packaged curriculum, Borland said, noting that prior approvals in 2022–24 implemented targeted phonics and program supplements.

Board members’ concerns: Several members said they wanted clearer reporting of expected outcomes, not just high-level descriptions of changes. One member asked for a clearer accounting of how summer curriculum-writing funds were allocated, saying the board had authorized roughly $57,000 for curriculum writing but only saw a short list of major revisions on the agenda. Another member raised a request for ACI (the curriculum committee) materials to be presented earlier — for example, in May or in an August ACI session — so the board and public have time for review and comment before the school year begins.

Procedure and next steps: Because the motion did not carry, the district will continue with previously approved materials for the affected grades until the board approves a replacement. Board members and curriculum staff discussed using ACI to review additional evidence and to provide the requested benchmark and longitudinal measures before reintroducing the item. Borland and district staff said teachers’ revised materials and pacing guides are available in the district’s Atlas system for board review.

Context: The debate echoed concerns raised earlier in the meeting and in a letter from higher-education faculty that the board received, which urged closer scrutiny of math and science pathways and criticized the removal of some courses in prior years. The curriculum discussion focused specifically on literacy (K–4 writing and related units) as listed under agenda item 2.6.

Board action summary: The board did not approve agenda item 2.6; some members voted no or abstained and several asked staff to provide additional formative and longitudinal data before a future vote.","The Montgomery Township Board of Education declined to approve agenda item 2.6, which included K–4 writing curriculum revisions and several course approvals, after multiple board members said they lacked sufficient formative and longitudinal data to support the changes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board welcomes Emily Keyes as new supervisor of special services

Board approves professional-services item after removing two subitems; members seek data on IDE Corp outcomes

Operations committee flags high school infrastructure needs; district may seek 2027 referendum

Votes at a glance: Montgomery Township board approves most agenda items; K–4 writing revisions fail

Montgomery Township board declines K–4 writing curriculum approval after members ask for more data