South River Board approves consent items; superintendent announces $200,000 tutoring grant and community events

May 21, 2026 — The South River Board of Education approved a package of routine consent items and financial motions and heard Superintendent Dr. Zer announce a $200,000 high‑impact tutoring grant, a tree‑planting grant and multiple community events.

The school board voted unanimously by voice on procedural business including approval of minutes, facility use and the finance and consent resolutions that bundle personnel, contracts and program approvals for the 2026–27 year. Vice President Nielsen moved the consent resolution and Mr. Almudaway seconded; the motion carried. The finance committee also recommended payment of certified bills, which the board approved.

Why it matters: The superintendent said the tutoring grant will support targeted summer and upcoming‑year instructional interventions aimed at students in the district. The administration also signaled the district is investing in community programming and school displays intended to engage families and showcase student work.

Details from the superintendent’s report: “We do have a $200,000 grant award for high impact tutoring,” Dr. Zer said, adding that the district also received a tree grant and has planted trees across campus with support from Sustainable New Jersey and The College of New Jersey. He announced the annual Day of Service is scheduled for June 2, when K–12 students will participate in age‑appropriate community service activities. Dr. Zer also reported that spring standardized testing for grades 3–12 concluded with minimal disruption and that the district budget has been posted for public review.

The board heard a preview of the curriculum fair scheduled for 5–7 p.m. the following day, with student performances (including a fifth‑grade performance), displays of student work, robotics demonstrations and a wellness fair with food trucks. Student board representative Shiza Hussein described the Day of Service as a favorite event: “I love the day where we do that because I remember as a freshman ... we were making little rocks and decorating them,” she said, and expressed excitement about students showcasing projects at the curriculum fair.

Votes at a glance: - Approval of minutes: Motion by Vice President Nielsen; second Mrs. Saddowski; voice approval. - Use of facilities (in accordance with board policies): Motion by Vice President Nielsen; second Mrs. Saddowski; voice approval. - Financial report (certify treasurer/board secretary reports for March 2026): Motion by Mrs. Low; second Vice President Nielsen; voice approval. - Consent resolution (items 3.1; finance 8.1–8.43 and additional items; instruction 9.1–9.6; policy 11.1–11.3; human resources 12.1–12.11; safety 13.1–13.3; residency 14.1): Motion by Vice President Nielsen; second Mr. Almudaway; voice approval. - Payment of bills: Motion by Mrs. Low; second Vice President Nielsen; voice approval. - Enter closed session (personnel): Motion by Vice President Nielsen; second Miss Young; motion carried; board moved to closed session.

What the board did not do in public: The board announced it would move into a closed session to discuss personnel matters; no personnel details were released during the public meeting.

Next steps and events: The administration will implement tutoring activities funded by the grant during summer programs and the upcoming school year. The curriculum fair and Day of Service are scheduled in the coming days; the board indicated it will disclose outcomes of closed‑session personnel items when appropriate.