Public commenter urges review of elementary phonics program and asks about K–3 gifted-and-talented changes

At the Marlboro Township School District meeting, former board member Jessica Pernick urged the board to review the district’s elementary phonics curriculum and asked for clarification about proposed kindergarten through third-grade gifted-and-talented programming for the 2025–26 school year.

Pernick said the district’s current SIPs phonics program is outdated and urged the newly formed curriculum committee to consider alternatives used in other districts. She recommended programs such as Foundations for broader use beyond special-education and basic-skills populations and noted supplemental options like Heggerty for targeted intervention. "Once the curriculum committee is formed, I urge you to review the phonics program at the elementary level," Pernick said. She also asked, "Could you please provide clarity on the proposed changes to the [gifted-and-talented] program for the 25, 26 school year?"

The board responded that committees were being formed at the start of the organizational year and that the administration and board would follow up with details. The transcript records the board saying they will ‘‘definitely be getting back to you’’ and that they appreciate the comment.

Other public comments during the same period included personal congratulations from constituents to newly sworn-in member Danielle Balomo; those remarks were celebratory and not requests for district action.

Ending: The record shows the board acknowledged the request and indicated follow-up through committee work; the transcript does not contain subsequent scheduling details or specific proposals for changes to the phonics or gifted programs.