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Students named to new Colts Neck student representative program; board gives awards and hears student priorities
Summary
The board introduced nine student representatives (grades six–eight), presented a Golden Horseshoe Award to an eighth-grade county representative and heard students press for better cafeteria options, mental health awareness, and facility improvements.
The Colts Neck Township Board of Education on March 19 formally introduced nine student representatives who will serve as liaisons to the board for 2025 and recognized students who earned high-honor roll status.
Why it matters: The new student representative program expands student voice in district decision-making across grade levels. Students used their introductions to highlight areas they want the board to address, including cafeteria food choices, mental-health awareness programming, facility updates and greater student engagement in extracurriculars.
What happened: Dr. Garbe described the program's structure and invited each student to speak. Sixth grader Alexandra Edwards said she wanted to "stand as a voice for my fellow peers and bring new ideas to the board." Seventh grader Kira Harland said she wanted to help "maintain a wonderful school experience" and represent students who have been in the district since pre-K. Other students asked the board to consider more lunch selections to support vegetarian and lactose-free diets (a message from absent student Sophia Boucher was read aloud by Mrs. Vulpi), asked for improved student ID processes to prevent hallway wandering, and urged a focus on mental-health awareness across the schools.
Recognition: The board presented a Golden Horseshoe Award to eighth grader Diego Tantillo for representing Cedar Drive Middle School at the Mammoth County School Boards Association's 8th grade dialogue on March 11. Principal Dr. Colin Rigby and board members separately called dozens of students to the stage for high-honor roll recognition (students earning 93 or better). The board and administrators encouraged continued student involvement in athletics, arts, and leadership.
Board response and next steps: Administrators acknowledged student concerns about food service and said the district has previously sought vendor proposals with limited responses; they committed to surveying students and working with the student representatives on potential solutions. The board indicated it will continue to build the liaison program and include student feedback in future newsletters and planning.
Quote: "We're committed to improving it each year," the board president said of the liaison program, thanking students for their participation.
Closing: The recognition and introductions were followed by routine business; the board encouraged families to attend upcoming events including the spring musical and the district's Purple Up breakfast to honor military-connected students.
