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Freehold Township Board honors long‑serving staff and retirees at recognition meeting
Summary
At a meeting focused on recognitions rather than policy business, the Freehold Township Board of Education honored staff who reached 25 years of service and several retirees, including Judy Fonte (18 years), Ray McManis (19 years), Sue Perry (27 years), Chris Erso (26 years) and Tom Kale (25 years with the district).
The Freehold Township Board of Education dedicated its meeting to honoring long‑serving employees and retirees instead of conducting routine policy business.
Board President introduced a program of 25‑year service recognitions and retirement resolutions, thanking staff for years of service to the Freehold Township School District and inviting honorees to the front for certificates and commemorative pens.
Among those publicly recognized were multiple staff who reached 25 years of service and retirees honored by formal resolutions. Administrators read a resolution for Judy Fonte, who was recognized for 18 years as a teacher assistant serving students in specialized programs; Fonte told the board, “I just thank you to Freehold Township. I enjoyed every minute of those 18 years,” and said she expects to return as a substitute in September.
The board also read resolutions honoring Mr. Ray McManis for 19 years of custodial service, Susan “Sue” Perry for 27 years as a principal secretary, and Mr. Chris Erso for 26 years, noting his role as head building union representative since 2014 and his work in special education. In his remarks, Erso thanked board members and colleagues for their support over 26 years.
Tom Kale, recognized for 25 years with the district and a total of 28 years in education, was highlighted for his work as a math teacher and coach. Kale thanked administrators and colleagues and reflected on his career milestones.
Speakers repeatedly framed the evening as a celebration rather than an agenda of business: the board president opened by saying this is “one of our favorite board meetings of the year because we do no business.” The meeting closed after recognitions and remarks; no formal motions, votes, or policy decisions were recorded in the provided transcript.
The board’s recognition program included personal reflections from honorees about colleagues, family, and plans for retirement. Attendees gave repeated rounds of applause after each recognition; the transcript ends with extended audience vocalizations and no subsequent business recorded.
