The Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District board opened its Nov. meeting by recognizing the Absegami marching band’s recent top‑five national finish and reviewing committee and student reports, then approved a set of grouped action items and heard public calls for broader student research and internship opportunities.

"I'm here to talk about the marching band and how proud I am of them," said parent Susan Kahl Geddes of Galloway during the agenda‑only public comment period, describing the program’s heavy time commitment and parent support. Chair K. introduced Absegami principal Dan Kern, who brought forward remarks about the band’s season and travel; the transcript references the band director, Mr. O'Keefe, as central to the program’s work.

In committee reports, Program Committee members discussed raising rigor around final exams and expanding career‑readiness offerings. "We talked about rigor," said Mr. Reyna, summarizing conversations about strengthening expectations across college‑prep, honors and Advanced Placement courses, and noting career‑readiness placements with employers including Atlantic City Electric and AtlantiCare. The committee also previewed a planned online, browsable course catalog aimed at helping incoming families better understand course options by mid‑January.

The Activities and Athletics Committee reported strong fall seasons across the district’s three high schools, with Cedar Creek’s football team noted for winning the Group 3 state championship. The committee discussed rising participation, girls wrestling scheduling to meet state eligibility rules, and facility projects including Cedar Creek construction and an Oakcrest gym‑floor replacement expected after the winter season.

On action items, the board voted to approve grouped business, transportation, education and personnel motions. The meeting transcript shows the board moved and seconded B1–B5 (business items) and T1–T24 (transportation) as combined motions and approved them by roll call; an abstention was recorded by Board member Hauck on item B2. Education items E1–E6 were also approved, with one recorded 'no' vote on E5 and approval on the remaining education items. Personnel items P1–P7 were moved, seconded and approved; one comment of regret about P1 was entered in discussion.

During the general public‑comment period, Vince Vecchio described his son’s positive experience at Cedar Creek and urged the district to expand internship and research opportunities so students competing for selective universities could build resumes with projects and internships. Mr. Reyna said staff would follow up and asked Mr. Parker and Ms. Zarr to reach out. Roseanne Weiss, chief judge of the Jersey Shore science fair, said the district has produced only a small number of entrants historically and offered to help teachers engage students and judges for regional competition.

The board adjourned after approving the agenda and addendum. Several items discussed—calendar adjustments, attendance as a district goal and planned outreach to increase internship and science‑fair participation—are expected to receive follow‑up from staff.

Votes at a glance: B1–B5 (moved as a group; approved; Hauck abstained on B2); T1–T24 (moved as a group; approved by roll call); E1–E6 (approved except for a recorded 'no' on E5); P1–P7 (approved).