Middlesex board announces preschool expansion, honors November student and employee of the month

The Middlesex Board of Education on Nov. 19 announced an expansion of its preschool program and recognized a student and an employee of the month.

The board said it will add four preschool classrooms and plans to have a total of nine preschool classrooms in place by next September. A board presenter described the expansion as an increase in capacity for the district’s preschool program.

The board also introduced its November student of the month, Parker School third-grader Tyree Ostell. When asked his favorite subject, Tyree said, “that’s easy, math,” and he answered “81” when challenged with 9 times 9. The presentation noted his teachers describe him as hardworking and a positive role model for classmates.

The district named Bertha Gonzales employee of the month for her work coordinating summer transitions, organizing materials during staff moves and supporting construction-related tasks. A presenter praised her reliability and positive attitude.

Superintendent Dr. Roberta Freeman and business administrator Annette Guder also used the meeting to congratulate the honorees and to flag upcoming events tied to district community engagement.

The board’s announcements were presented during the regular public meeting; no formal vote was recorded on the preschool expansion during the session.