CNBNews

A number of those young people were also on hand, to demonstrate the benefits of the Rigby Language and Textbook Reading Series.

Superintendent Annette Castiglione said students from Kindergarten to Fourth Grade at Bellmawr Park and Ethel Burke schools read from specially designed, age-appropriate books and reports.

Mrs. Beckett and other teachers spoke of the history of the program, and how it helps students at each grade level.

Two of Beckett’s granddaughters traveled from Maryland for the ceremony.

“I’m shocked,” she said, adding that the recognition really means a lot.

She said her granddaughters are also part of the Rigby series at their school.

Board President Jody Mangus thanked the children and teachers for doing a wonderful job.

In other business, Castiglione commented on a memorial fund in honor of the late Betty Sheppard.

Also, she mentioned possible changes to the current graduation procedures, which do not affect any graduation requirements.

Castiglione said results of the Middle School Schedule Survey would be sent out this spring.

She discussed her attendance at the recent School Board Association Conference, thanking the Board for the opportunity.

Finally, she urged all residents to get out and vote in the School Board Election on Tuesday, April 21.

Board President Jody Mangus said the vacancy left by the passing of Vice President Betty Sheppard will not be filled, and that the rest of her term, which expires in 2010, will be on the election ballot in April.

Board Member Mary Di Mattesa nominated Mr. Casey to assume her former position as Interim Board Vice President. It was unanimously approved, and Solicitor Anthony Padovani later swore in Casey.

Casey discussed EMC activities, along with the installation of additional security cameras. He noted the implementation of the card reader system, as well as budget and finance notes. He mentioned briefly the proposed Field Hockey and Tech Club programs.

Castiglione said the Quality Single Accountability Continuum (QSAC) is a self-assessment program, where overall operations are reviewed. Five criteria are covered: instruction and program, finance, operations, personnel, and finally, governance.

Members Jeff Brickner and Casey commented on buildings and grounds, touching briefly on the “School Dudes” program.

Brickner said there was a meeting in January in regards to new computers.

Mangus said the district’s “Smart Boards” enabled students to see the inauguration of President Barack Obama in the schools.

Burke Principal Frank Jankowski Jr. said the addition of the boards would not have been possible, without the help of the schools’ PTOs.

Mangus said the budget season was upon them, and that the Board needs the support of parents.

Castiglione said the Board has formed a Budget Advisory Committee, and that they need a public relations outreach to expand plans.

Under PTO business, Bellmawr Park Principal Elizabeth Calabria said there would be a Barnes & Noble Night January 27, along with Valentines Day Candygrams on February 13. She said the Basket Auction, originally planned for April 3, is now being rescheduled for a later date.

The PTO is sponsoring a field trip to the Cape May Zoo for Kindergarten and first graders April 24, at no cost to the district.

Burke PTO representative Colleen Marengo stated that their Basket Auction is scheduled for April 3.

Bell Oaks is sponsoring a field trip to Lake Garrison for eighth graders June 12.

During the public forum, resident Mike De Vito said there is an ongoing problem with parent parking at Burke School, adding there is no current ordinance in place for the police to issue tickets for parking offenses.

The superintendent said the BOE is working with the Police Department on potential solutions.

Mangus said the BOE would ask Padovani to contact Borough Solicitor Robert Messick on the matter.

Regina Andrews-Collette, president of the Bellmawr Education Association, commented on the importance of passing the budget.