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Manasquan board approves elimination of high-school Italian teacher position; public commenters urge reversal
Summary
The Manasquan Board of Education on April 15 approved a reduction-in-force resolution eliminating the high-school Italian teacher position and terminating Rosa Russo effective July 1, 2025. Several public commenters urged the board to reconsider the program cut during the meeting’s public forum.
The Manasquan Board of Education voted April 15 to eliminate the district’s high-school Italian teacher position and terminate the employee currently holding that post, a move that drew multiple public comments urging the board to reverse the decision.
The board approved a Reduction-in-Force resolution that amended the district table of organization to remove one position: High School Teacher of Italian (2000-MHS-WLAN07). The resolution names Rosa Russo as the affected employee and sets the effective date of the elimination as July 1, 2025. The superintendent was authorized to provide required notices and termination benefits under statute and contract.
Why it matters: The vote implements an immediate staffing change tied, according to the resolution, to declining enrollment and budget constraints. Public commentators at the meeting said eliminating the Italian program reduces course offerings for students and asked the board to reconsider.
Public comment and board action: During the public-forum portion of the meeting, six speakers addressed the board to express disappointment with the program cut and to ask for reconsideration: Teresa Porcello (Brielle), Lauren Heller (Brielle), Rosa Russo, Elliot Colon (Freehold), Luca Lucarelli (Brielle) and Dr. Wayne Foster (Manasquan). The presiding officer closed the forum after speakers concluded.
The reduction-in-force resolution was part of a consent set of district items (#19–#42) the board approved by roll-call vote. That motion was made by Mrs. Bossone and seconded by Ms. Cavanagh; the board recorded Ayes 7, Nays 0, Abstain 0, Absent 5.
Board procedure and next steps: The resolution authorizes the superintendent to notify the affected employee and provide statutory and contractual termination benefits; it lists the elimination as effective July 1, 2025. The board did not, during the public meeting, adopt a separate plan to restore the course or offer alternative staffing; no follow-up vote to rescind the resolution was recorded.
The board’s posted minutes show the item was discussed in public session and then the board entered executive session later the same evening to address personnel matters. When the public session reconvened, additional personnel items were approved.
