SWEA president tells Swedesboro‑Woolwich board substitutes are needed; contract in 'final stages'

Eileen Healey, president of the Swedesboro‑Woolwich Education Association, told the board during public comment on March 12 that the union appreciates PTO and district administration engagement, that substitutes remain needed across the district, and that the union contract is in its "final stages." The remarks were part of a two‑speaker public comment period at the start of the board’s regular session.

Board members did not debate staffing specifics in open session; the minutes record that SWEA negotiations were addressed in executive session where personnel and negotiation items were listed among topics to be discussed. The board adopted the executive‑session resolution and entered a closed session at 6:23 p.m. and returned at 7:11 p.m.; executive‑session minutes will remain confidential until the board determines disclosure is appropriate.

Also during public comment Eric Bennett, representing K/W Youth Basketball, thanked the board for facility access, mentioned summer camps and noted a $6,000 donation to cover maintenance fees. The board later approved facility usage requests for youth sports and other community groups, subject to required insurance and 501(c)(3) documentation.

What the minutes show: public commenters were asked to state name, municipality and affiliation when recognized; comments on litigation, student or personnel matters were directed to be handled via email to the superintendent after the meeting per Open Public Meetings Act guidance recorded in the minutes. The minutes do not record detailed negotiation positions or contract terms for the SWEA.