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Shrewsbury Borough School District approves 2024–25 plans, staffing and a $125,363 classroom lighting change order
Summary
The Shrewsbury Borough School District board approved multiple 2024–25 plans — including the Comprehensive Equity Plan and Remote Instruction Plan — accepted IDEA allocations, set meal prices, confirmed several hires and resignations, and authorized a $125,363 change order to replace classroom lighting; a parent asked the board to commission a special education audit during public comment.
The Shrewsbury Borough School District Board of Education met on August 21, 2024, at the Shrewsbury Fire House and approved a package of plans, personnel actions and budget items for the 2024–25 school year, including acceptance of federal IDEA allocations and a significant change order for classroom lighting.
Superintendent Brent MacConnell told the board that professional days are scheduled for Sept. 5–6, orientations for Pre-K, Kindergarten and Grade 5 are Sept. 6, and that students begin school Sept. 9 with a 12:30 p.m. dismissal and will move to full days on Sept. 10. MacConnell also noted technology upgrades and the opening dates for the Genesis staff and parent portals. "We look forward to the start of a new school year. Enjoy the rest of the summer!" he said.
Why it matters: The board’s actions set the operational and curriculum framework for the upcoming year, confirm staffing, and commit district funds for facilities work and contracted services that affect classroom conditions and special education supports.
The board voted, by voice roll call, to approve the superintendent’s recommendations that included: submission of the Comprehensive Equity Plan (2024–25); acceptance of the district HIB report for June 2024 (two non-confirmed incidents); appointments to the School Safety/School Climate Committee and the District Evaluation Advisory Committee/School Improvement Panel; adoption of the Remote Instruction Plan; and approval of a revised district mission statement aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. The motion was made by Mr. Galvin and seconded by Ms. Gourley-Thompson; the roll call recorded seven votes in favor and two members absent.
Finance and facilities actions approved included payroll and supplemental bills lists for June and July 2024, certification of required budget statements under NJAC 6A:23A-16.10(c)3 and NJSA 18A:22-8 series, and acceptance of IDEA allocations totaling $141,376 ($135,322 IDEA Basic; $6,054 IDEA Preschool). The board also approved proposed meal pricing (student lunch listed as $22.00 per 5-lunch ticket, milk $5.00 per week and ice cream $2.00) and authorized several contracts and student services, including a parent transportation contract to Hawkswood School and a neurological evaluation contract with NeurAbilities.
A construction change order for classroom lighting at the Shrewsbury Borough Elementary School was approved for $125,363 to replace fixtures found to be in poor condition when ceilings were replaced; the contract lists Benjamin R. Harvey Company, Inc. as contractor and describes new fixtures for 22 rooms.
On curriculum, the board approved revised K–8 English Language Arts and Mathematics curricula aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards, including advanced middle-grade programming and Grade 8 Algebra I, and approved teacher participation in the Monmouth County Curriculum Consortium.
Personnel votes approved hires, resignations and leaves: the board accepted resignations from Jamie Meseroll and Eleni Katsaros; approved several long-term leave replacements and new teacher hires (including Joshua Levy for 3rd grade and Jaime Palozzolo for 1st grade); approved extracurricular assignments at stated rates; and rescinded an earlier instructional aide appointment. Item 8.2 (approval of William Clark as Tiger News Advisor for 2024–25) was specifically tabled with no action taken. The board also passed a resolution authorizing the superintendent, between meetings, to take actions necessary to protect district interests, subject to consultation with district officials and ratification at the next regular meeting.
During public comment, a community member, Ms. Daly, thanked the board for reading her email and asked the board to commission a special education audit; she also expressed support for professional development scheduled for October and noted a staff resignation. Ms. Gourley-Thompson said the issues had been discussed at committee and could be followed up after board approvals.
The meeting closed with a brief president’s report noting adoption of a kindergarten screener and upcoming professional development. The board adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Votes at a glance: the board recorded a voice roll call of seven yes, zero no, two absent on the agenda items; item 8.2 remained tabled.
