Board Re-Organizes
Re-organization was the first order of business at the Manchester Township Board of Education meeting on April 23. Re-elected incumbents Mary Walter, Gary Rhodes and Steve Placido were sworn in, along with newly appointed Lakehurst Representative, Sandra James. Mary Walter was re-elected as President and James Kenneth Pate was re-elected as Vice President.
School Budget Passes
Business Administrator Peter Corigliano announced that the school budget passed by a vote of 1863 for and 1821 against. “We’re thrilled about the budget and that it will allow us accomplish the goal we set to add all-day kindergarten next year.”
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. William E. DeFeo, commented on the fact that the incumbent board members ran unopposed. “You don’t run unopposed if people are mad at you or don’t like what you are doing. It’s an indication of your success. Congratulations to the three of you.”
New Superintendent, Business Administrator Appointed
Walter announced the Board’s selection of a new Superintendent, David Trethaway, and new Business Administrator, Craig Lorentzen. The board voted to appoint them to replace the retiring DeFeo and Corigliano, effective July 1. Trethaway and Lorentzen currently work together as Superintendent and Business Administrator in the Central Regional School District. [see related article]
Gypsy Moth Spraying
The township has announced their gypsy moth spraying program, said Corigliano. He stressed that the school district is not responsible for the spraying – the township and state are – but the district will work with the township to keep parents informed of spraying dates through written notices and automated phone calls.
Dr. DeFeo asked the board to approve the district’s participation in the Challenger Sports League program for students with disabilities. “We definitely want our students to be able to participate,” he said.
New Scholarship
Corigliano announced a new scholarship endowment, the Michael and Marion P. Crozier Scholarship Fund, in the amount of $204,000. An annual scholarship of $2,500 per academic year will be awarded to a Manchester High School student who otherwise would not be able to attend college.
School Calendar Revised
In other business, the board approved a revision of the 2007-08 school calendar to add one day to the school year to make up for a snow cancellation. The last day of school will now be June 17 for students and June 18 for staff.
Please note: these are NOT official minutes
