The Board of Education (BOE) meeting on the 27^th of May started with a moment of silence for Dr. McCartney’s grandfather who died that day. Our condolences go out to Dr. McCartney and his family.

            On a cheerier note, Dr. Heery congratulated John Crescsenzo, Danielle Mascio, Wyatt Ozmore and Jonathan Spears for scoring in the top 25% nationally in the inaugural Financial Literacy Challenge which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Treasury. All the students are in Mrs. Cassin’s Real World Finance class.

            The Superintendent’s report continued with congratulations to Mr. Darren Hickman, Principal at the High School, for being appointed to a 3 year term as an Atlantic County (principal) representative to the NJ State Interscholastic Athletic Association.

            Dr. Heery ended his report with congratulations to BOE member Pete Castellano for graduating from the Federal Executive Program and for being elected President of the Atlantic County School Association for school boards.

            Before opening the Public portion of the BOE meeting, Dr. Heery noted that he had the feeling many in attendance were here in response to the rumors that one of the swim coaches were to be eliminated. He then proceeded to state that no decision had been made and that the cost-saving restructuring idea was first looked at in November during the budget process, way before the swim season. Since both the boys and the girls swim teams attend most meets together, it was thought that by having one head coach and having 3 assistants (instead on 2 head coaches and 2 assistants), it was an option to save money without effecting the program.  The coaches involved were consulted and aware of this option.

            The Public portion was then opened and members of the swim team, parents and other supports voiced their concerns in a very orderly fashion. Dr. Heery and the BOE promised a decision by the June 10^th BOE meeting.

            Under Personnel:

Voluntary Transfers:

• Gyselle North, from Alder and Fernwood Middle Schools French to the High School. Ms. North is replacing B. Curtis who retired.
• Matthew Baldwin, Alder Ave. Middle Health and Phy. Ed. to Davenport and Slaybaugh Primaries Phy. Ed., replacing D. Snow who retired.
• Kyu Lee, 10 month High School (HS) Athletic Trainer to 11 month position.
• Caressa Logue, from Fernwood Middle (FM) grade 8 science to Alder Middle (AM) grade 8 science.
• Noelle Caucci, Advanced Science at AM to 8^th grade science at AM
• Karen Cunningham, grade 8 science at AM to Advanced Science at AM.
• Jeff Reilly, from Swift Remedial Teacher to Title 1 at Miller.
• Lynn Dixon, from Daveport Title 1 to Swift Remedial teacher.
• Kim Powell from Miller Title 1 to Slaybaugh Remedial Teacher
• Debra Dingler, from AM Title 1 to Miller Title 1.

New Hires:

• Michele Tursi, Sign Language Interpreter at Swift
• Dana Nuytens, HS LRC, In-class support.
• Michael Passante, HS LRC/Math and In-class support Math
• Jessica Celandine, Miller School Counselor
• Ryan Smith, HS Health and Phy. Ed.
• Dean Tridente, AM Health and Phy. Ed.
• Carolyn L. Williams, HS Business Computers
• Catherine F. Stanley, HS Business/Computer
• Stephanie Oster, FM Science

Leave of Absence:

• Kristi Frick, Guidance at Miller, will be out on extend child rearing leave for the 08/09 school year and is to return 9/09.
• Christine A. Morris, Grade 8 AM, child rearing leave for the 08/09 school year
• Jenny A. Dilks, Davenport Spanish, child rearing leave for the 08/09 school year and is to return 9/1/09.
• Tracy Nagle, HS nurse, maternity/child rearing from 9/3-11/3/08.
• Jodi Beck, Slaybaugh LDT/C, maternity/child rearing from 9/8-11/3/08.
• Anna Willis, FM Self contained grade 7, maternity/child rearing leave from 9/2-10/31/08.
• Elizabeth Zompa, Swift Kindergarten, maternity/child rearing leave from 9/2/08-9/1/09.
• Kathleen Widas, 3^rd grade at Slaybaugh, NJ Family Leave6/2/08-6/9/08

Resignation:

• Denise E. Kumpel, Davenport Primary Speech Language Specialist, effective 6/30/08.

There was no work session on the 3^rd of June. BOE meetings will be June 10^th and the 24^th at 8 PM in the Alder Ave. Middle School BOE room this month.