Dr. Heery’s superintendent report at the June 24, 2008 Board of Education (BOE)  meeting started off with recognition of the Girls Crew, Lightweight Four who had an undefeated season and were 2^nd in the Nationals. Members of the crew are Holly Berenotto, Holly Van De Rijn, Michele Woolbert, Monique Stenger, and Dana Urbanek.

            Keith Goldstein, with a career of 97 wins to 7 losses in tennis, was also recognized.

            The recognitions kept coming as the EHT Food Service Directors, Tom Beck and William Trackman, were recipient of AtlantiCare Healthiest Cafeteria Award for 2007-2008 and also received a proclamation from our state legislators.

            Participating schools in the AtlantiCare Healthy Schools contest received the following monetary awards:

                        Swift               $250

                        Slaybaugh       $750

                        Davenport       $250

                        Miller               $500

                        Alder Ave.      $250

                        High School    $250

            Dr. Heery reported that he had received only positive responses for the new off campus parking system for this year’s graduation ceremony. The weather cut the ceremony short by 5 minutes, eliminating a speech by BOE student representative, Rhett Williamson. Fortunately, Rhett was able to tape it the next day in his cap and gown, so it is currently being seen as part of the graduating ceremony on Channel 2.

            The Superintendent’s Report was concluded with a “Thank You” to Ms. Mary Anne Spiker, and all the volunteers for a fantastic Project Graduation. This year’s theme was “Destinations” and featured major cities from across the USA. It was the 15^th year for Project Graduation, which is sponsored by the HSA and had 672 students attending.

            Under Finance/Operations:

·         The Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield prescription program for the district increased by 15 %, making the monthly payments $286,133.39 or $3,433,600.68 for the year.

·         3 buses (29 passenger each) cost $72,965 each or $218,895 total

·         Permission must be obtained from the County Superintendent to utilize classrooms as instructional space. Approval was given for 8 classrooms at Alder Ave Middle School, 10 at Fernwood Middle, 1 at Slaybaugh, 2 Swift and 18 classrooms at the High School.

·         Telephone maintenance costs $34,401 for the 08/09 fiscal year.

In the Public Portion:

A Harrah’s employee approached to BOE to inquire if the BOE or administration

had a way to reach out to senior citizens of EHT as Harrah’s is having a “Christmas in July” luncheon on July 25^th from 11-4 to kick off Toys For Tots. It’s open to seniors only and is free. Dr. Heery requested the employee call his office in the next several days.

            The same person also spoke about how wonderful Project Graduation was and encouraged the HSA to keep up the good work.

            Kathy Waszen, President of the Education Association, issued a “meet and greet” luncheon invitation to members of the BOE on the negotiation committee.

            Both new student representatives, Kristen Beatty and Dhara Vyas, called administration to say they would not be able to attend the meeting.

            Congratulations were given to Mr. Darren Hickman for his 1^st year as Principal of the High School and to Ms. Kim Gruccio for her 1^st year as assistant superintendent.

            Under Committee Reports:

            There will be a Sports and Activities meeting on July 14^th at 6:30 in the BOE room of the Alder Ave. Middle School which is open to the public. Statistics on sports and the participation numbers for the middle schools will be gathered at this meeting.

            Phase I of the High School is moving forward finally.

            Personnel:

·         Kelli Lamey, 5^th grade at Miller, was hired for the 08/09 school year to fill the maternity/child rearing leave of Ms. Lowry.

·         Tzerwan W. Penza, Mathematics for grade 7 at the Alder Ave Middle School, is filling the position created by the transfer of J. Temme for the 08-09 school year.

·         Victoria Marcus, Math for 7^th grade at the Fernwood Middle School, was approved for the 08/09 school year. Ms. Marcus replaces D. Prince who retired.

·         Dawn Grossman, High School Media Specialist, was hired for the 08/09 school year, replacing C. McCarthy who retired.

·         Mark V. Walter, High School Social Studies, was hired in a new position for the 08/09 school year.

·         Alphonse Cineus, French at Alder and Fernwood Middle Schools, is fulfilling for the 08/09 school year a position created by the transfer of G. North.

·         Audrey Groff, High School Physical Science, was hired for a one year position due to the vacancy resulting from Mr. Truman filling a one year mathematics vacancy due to a child rearing leave.

·         April Crean, 5^th grade at Miller, will be on maternity/child rearing leave from 10/27/08-3/30/09.

·         Karen Welsh-Sanchez, High School and Eagle Academy Spanish, submitted her letter or resignation, effective 6/30/08.

·         Kathryn Atzrott, Supervisor of Special Services, will retire on 1/1/09.

Other items of interest:

·         On June 16, 2008 Senior Awards were given out. Mr. Hickman announced that they amounted to 6.8 million.

·         NJ is highest in the nation for graduation rates: 83.3% vs a national average of 70.6% for the year 2005. EHT rate in 2005 was 95.8%.

·         The next BOE meeting will be on July 8^th at 8 PM in the BOE room of the Alder Ave. Middle School.