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Superintendent: NJEA grants awarded; new adaptive graduation test and proposed calendar changes discussed
Summary
Superintendent Savoia reported two NJEA grants (one for $10,000 and one for $2,000), described a new adaptive state graduation proficiency assessment scheduled for mid‑March, and outlined a proposed calendar adjustment (Good Friday early dismissal and additional make‑up days) that the board will survey students and staff about.
Superintendent Dr. Savoia told the Keyport Board of Education that the district has received two NJEA grants — one for $10,000 and another for $2,000 — to support sustainability efforts and expanded summer programming, and that the district has applied to the New Jersey STEM Innovation Fund to strengthen STEM pathways.
Savoia described professional development underway through the Red Raider Teacher Academy, noting recent sessions on AI integration and social‑emotional learning. She also said the high school hosted an AP boot camp and that the district continues to prepare students for state testing: eleventh‑grade students will take a new adaptive graduation proficiency assessment the week of March 16, with three sections (writing 90 minutes; reading and math 75 minutes each) and reporting methods that are still being finalized.
She proposed a calendar change to make Good Friday an early dismissal and add two make‑up days at the end of the year, with graduation moved to a different date; the union indicated support and the superintendent said she will survey students and staff about options (citing sensitivity to Juneteenth as a potential graduation date). The board asked that results be returned before the action meeting the board scheduled to consider final calendar changes.
Other highlights included recognition of student achievements (arts exhibits, Rising Stars acceptances), successful senior‑trip logistics with a single medical incident, and an IT outage tied to storm damage for which FEMA may reimburse some cleanup costs. The superintendent said staff will provide more detailed budget and program figures as part of the budget follow‑up.
The board will consider calendar and budget motions at the workshop on March 18 and the added action meeting on the “20 fifth.”
