Lead Levels, Revenue Generation Highlight Moorestown School Issues For December

I hope everyone’s holidays have been enjoyable, and it is hard to believe 2017 is just days away. Even though December is a short school month, there was no shortage of activity in the Moorestown School District.

Updates were given on lead testing, a board member and staff members were honored, and revenue generation success was announced, among other updates.

At its December monthly meeting, the Board of Education thanked Matthew Simeone for his six and a half years of service. While on the board, Matt was very active. He oversaw the referendum projects in his capacity as Operations and Facilities Committee Chairman.

Retiring William Allen Middle School Assistant Principal Raymond Kelly was recognized for his service.
Retiring Upper Elementary School Nurse Virginia Cavalier for her retirement as the UES School Nurse was also recognized for her service.

Board President Kathy Goldenberg announced that the district has raised over $507,000 as part of its revenue generation efforts. This comes in part from Before and After Care, the Academy of Excellence, and facility rentals. This will be a tremendous asset for the 2017-2018 budget given current financial limitations.

The board also reviewed and approved the 2015-2016 audit, which did not contain any recommendations so a corrective action plan is not needed.

The board approved the contract for Joanne D’Angelo as Business Administrator effective Dec. 23. D’Angelo has served as the Assistant Business Administrator for years. She has taken over for Paul Whitman, who was serving on an interim basis following the departure of Lynn Shugars. James Heiser was approved by the board as the Assistant Business Administrator, effective Jan. 9.

In November, it was announced that out of the 271 samples taken as part of the new lead testing in schools regulations, all but 16 tested below the lead action level established by the NJDEP for lead in drinking water.

However, these locations were quickly fixed, and it was reported in December that all Moorestown Township Public School drinking water is now below the action level.

It was expressed that the district will continue to sample and carry out maintenance programs to be even more conservative that the regulations specify. Full copies of the memos sent can be found here.

Save the date for the 2017 MoorArts Gala/Fundraiser on Jan. 28, from 7:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m. at the Community House. The gala will feature live entertainment, art exhibits, and gourmet food. Tickets can be purchased at www.moorarts.org.

There are two scheduled board meetings in January.

The first is the annual reorganization meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 7 p.m. in the William Allen Middle School Media Center.

At this meeting, Kathy Goldenberg, Sandra Alberti, and Mick Weeks will be sworn in for three-year terms, along with Dimitri Schneiberg for a two-year term.

The board will also elect a president and a vice president. The regular monthly Board of Education meeting will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 7 p.m.

In the meantime, do not hesitate to reach out if you need anything. I look forward to seeing you in the New Year, and to the continued academic excellence that it will bring.

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The views and content in this column do not necessarily represent those of the Moorestown Board of Education as a whole or any other individual member.

About this column: In this column, Moorestown Board of Education Member Brandon Pugh provides monthly updates on what's going on in the school district and on the BOE.