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West Orange Board honors teachers, approves personnel, curriculum and finance items unanimously
Summary
At its Feb. 24 meeting the West Orange Board of Education recognized dozens of educators with Governor's Educator and Educational Service Professional awards, congratulated a senior who earned a perfect SAT, and approved routine personnel, curriculum and finance motions by unanimous roll-call votes.
The West Orange Board of Education on Feb. 24 used its public meeting to recognize teacher and educational-service professionals across the district and to approve several routine agenda packages by unanimous vote.
Superintendent Mr. Moore highlighted senior Sally Nagasi's perfect SAT score and led a long series of presentations recognizing local educators. School principals presented building-level Governor's Educator of the Year and Educational Service Professional of the Year awards for 2024–25, naming winners including Lauren Porter (Governor's Educator of the Year, Betty Matalina Early Learning Center), Maryann Cosmo (Educational Services Professional, Betty Matalina), Denine Robinson (Gregory educator of the year), Mark Manti (Redwood educational service professional nominee), Mary Kos (Kelly Elementary Governor's educator of the year), Colleen Haran (Kelly educational service professional) and others highlighted by principals from Gregory, Hazel, Kelly, Mount Pleasant, Redwood, St. Cloud, Roosevelt and West Orange High School.
After presentations and a short recess, the board returned to routine business and approved several consent packages. A motion to approve Personnel items A1–A6 was moved by Mr. Stevenson and seconded by Vice President Ifer; the roll call vote recorded Dr. Bryant, Mr. Stevenson, Miss Vera, Vice President Ifer and President Rock voting yes. Similarly, the board approved Curriculum and Instruction items B1–B5 (motion by Mr. Stevenson; second by Mr. Ifer) and Finance and business-office items (motion by Mr. Stevenson; second by Miss Vera). Each motion passed on a unanimous roll-call vote.
During public comment, speakers highlighted programs that serve students, including career and technical education (auto shop, architecture, supply-chain courses) and a school‑based scholarship effort. Educators and parents also raised concerns about curriculum quality, particularly in elementary science, and urged targeted professional development and recruitment to address racial disparities in achievement.
The board announced its next public meeting for March 17, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at West Orange High School and adjourned the session.
