Board honors dozens of retirees, approves routine business and personnel items

The Morristown Township Board of Education opened its June meeting by recognizing a string of staff retirees and longtime employees, thanking them publicly for years of service to the district.

Carol Butler read names and service histories for employees who are retiring this year, calling out roles and years of service for staff including Don Williams, Maria Appuchi, John Barton, Phyllis Manine, Timothy O’Reilly and others. Attendees applauded as many honorees and their colleagues were recognized.

Board business proceeded with committee reports on communications, curriculum, finance and policy. Committee chairs outlined work this spring, including a curriculum committee discussion about a new assistant‑principal position for elementary programming, a finance committee review of bond refunding and a traffic study linked to the facilities plan, and a policy committee first reading on a revised substance‑abuse policy and regulation.

The board approved consent agenda items covering business administrator reports, budget transfers and bills by voice vote and addressed staff recommendations and personnel items by roll call. During a roll‑call vote on employee relations items, board members recorded affirmative votes (names recorded in the minutes). The board also approved a settlement and general release tied to a placement matter discussed in executive session.

Public commenters used the meeting to thank teachers, highlight student projects and report Home and School fundraising, which the Home and School representative said totaled more than $100,000 this year. Several community members asked for clarification on ongoing items such as the traffic study, monthly safety reports and graduation‑week logistics.

The board adjourned after offering congratulations to the class of 2024 and wishing staff and families a good summer.