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Old Bridge school board approves routine packages; officials flag bridge bid issues and snow-budget strain
Summary
At its Feb. 17 meeting the Old Bridge Township Board of Education approved grouped curriculum, finance and personnel resolutions, recognized student achievements and discussed a noncompliant bid for a high-school retaining wall, a 15-month software renewal and snow-removal budget overruns.
The Old Bridge Township Board of Education on Feb. 17 approved routine curriculum, finance and personnel resolutions, recognized student athletes and school programs and discussed a stalled construction bid and rising operating costs that will affect the district budget.
The board carried grouped motions for curriculum (Items 1–20), finance (Items 1–11), certificated and noncertificated personnel and other standard agenda packages after roll-call votes. The approvals included a course-offering book for 2026–27 that adds several advanced courses, including AP Seminar and an AP cybersecurity option, and multiple personnel appointments and retirements.
Superintendent Dr. Sasso said he will align future monthly reports to the district strategic plan “Bridge to 2028,” emphasizing excellence in education, fiscal resilience and whole-child supports. He highlighted student programs including HOSA, Mu Alpha Theta and mentoring initiatives.
The board also recognized Ashley Markle, an Old Bridge High School junior, as the Feb. 2026 Gatorade New Jersey Player of the Year for girls volleyball; the award included a $1,000 grant she donated to an inclusive athletics program.
Business administrator Mr. Wiedell briefed the board on two separate capital efforts. He said bids for a retaining-wall (outfall) project behind the high school came in, but the apparent low bidder, Capella Construction, was missing a required signed and notarized form and therefore was judged noncompliant. “They were missing a document that they needed signed and notarized,” Mr. Wiedell said, and the district will rebid the project or pursue negotiations; remaining bidders exceeded the budget. He said the pedestrian bridge is a separate solicitation and that staff expects best-and-final offers early in March with a potential award at the March 17 meeting.
On contracts, the board asked about a roughly 30% increase in a web-filtering license. Mr. Wiedell explained the higher figure stems from a 15-month renewal intended to align the contract with the district fiscal year (ending June 30, 2027), not an ongoing annual hike.
Board members raised concerns about multiple snow events and an approaching nor'easter. Mr. Wiedell said snow-removal costs have already exceeded the budget and that the district will identify available balances in maintenance or other lines and will provide the board with exact figures on the extent of the overrun.
The meeting included several community announcements — school plays, fundraisers and the middle-school esports team's state runner-up finish — and concluded when the board moved into closed executive session and did not return to public meeting.
Votes at a glance - Minutes approval: passed. - Recognitions (retirements and student awards): passed. - Curriculum resolutions (Items 1–20): passed. - Finance resolutions (Items 1–11): passed. - Certificated and noncertificated personnel packages: passed. - Transportation, supplies, equipment and miscellaneous grouped items: passed.
Next steps Staff will rebid or negotiate the retaining-wall project, submit best-and-final offers for the bridge work in early March and provide the board with a detailed update on snow-removal expenditures ahead of further budget discussions.
