Student, Staff Recognitions, Budget Discussions Highlight Month in Moorestown School District

With the recent snow and bitter cold, it is hard to believe spring is only weeks away. Nevertheless, February was a very exciting and busy month for the Board of Education and the school district.

Staff and students were recognized, there were budget and school report card presentations, and the Board adopted a resolution to enter the Sustainable Jersey for Schools Program, among other items.

At the Board’s monthly meeting on Feb. 17, William Allen Middle School students Isabel Arvelo, Megan Carden, Logan Donahue, Josh Fong, and Ian Thomas were recognized for raising $4,000 for the Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation.They raised the money with a bandana day.

Also, staff members William McDermott, Reginald Kane, William Kessler, Joan Lewis, and Frank Paris were presented with retirement resolutions, and Michael Sutcliffe was recognized for his 25 years of service as the head coach of the Moorestown High School boys soccer team. I would like to personally congratulate each student and staff member.

The Board passed a resolution to enter the Sustainable Jersey for Schools Program. This voluntary program places attention and efforts on matters of sustainability, with the goal of pursuing initiatives that will lead to Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification.

A similar program for municipalities, including Moorestown, has existed for years, but the school program is only a few months old, and the Moorestown School District is among the earliest districts to take part. Additional information on the program can be found here.

A presentation was given on the 2014 Annual Report Card by Director of Curriculum and Instruction Carole Butler. The presentation highlighted the district’s performance in academics, arts, and athletics. The presentation focused on areas of success, and areas that can be improved, with specific courses of action.

An update on the 2015-2016 budget was also provided, including similar information that was covered at the Feb. 3 budget meeting.

However, two notable updates included the district entering the Southern New Jersey Employee Benefits Fund to have a smaller healthcare cost rate increase this year, and the ability to use Student Growth Limitation Adjustments (SGLA) taxing authority for increased healthcare costs, if desired by the Board. Full presentations are available at www.mtps.com.

The Board approved the contract between the Moorestown Administrators Association (MAA) and the Moorestown Board of Education at the Februrary meeting. This will be for the July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2017 contract period.

Moving forward, there are several dates to be aware of. First, the MHS Spring Musical SPAMALOT will take place on Feb. 26, 27, 28, March 6 and March 7, 7:30 p.m. in the MHS Auditorium.

The William Allen Middle School Musical will take place on March 20 and 21. Also, the Moorestown Home and School Association’s Moorestown Magic vs. Harlem Wizards game will be on March 27. Tickets can be purchased here.

The next regular monthly Board of Education meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the William Allen Middle School media center. Please note that multiple proposed Board of Education policies will be voted on at the March meeting for adoption (second reading).

Proposed policies are posted at www.mtps.com. A budget update meeting is also anticipated in early March but the date is still being finalized.

In the meantime, do not hesitate to reach out to the Board as a whole, or myself if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

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.