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Resident Yasmine Alberto asked if there was extra work available for her eight year-old daughter, who is gifted to the point of being “bored” with her schoolwork. Mrs. Alberto further cited an issue with her Kindergarten-aged daughter, noting she was led to believe she would be “left back,” if she was unable to read a written sentence.

The superintendent said Mrs. Alberto should discuss both issues with the respective school principals.

Resident Lisa Swales had several questions on the Pre-School program, and a lengthy discussion ensued on the matter.

Ms. Castiglione said that Bellmawr Park Principal Elizabeth Calabria is a certified Early Childhood Specialist, which meets the state mandate of one in each school district.

She further commented on the District’s tutoring program, known as NJ ASK.

The Pre-School issue far out shadowed the opening of the meeting, where Board Member Mary Di Mattesa presented 8-year-old Kayla Rhodes with an award honoring her donation of a portion of her hair to Locks of Love, an organization designed to fashion wigs and like items for people undergoing treatment for cancer.

Under Committee reports, Mrs. Di Mattesa commented on the Policy Committee, while Ms. Mangus touched briefly on the Education and Tech Committees, adding all of the District’s “smart boards” are in and working.

The superintendent noted there are six boards at Ethel M. Burke, and four at Bellmawr Park schools.

Bell Oaks Principal Anthony Farinelli said they currently have 16 in operation at the Middle School, with another 10 on order.

Castiglione also commented on the new video security system, adding the card access system should be installed within the next two weeks.

She added that the recent parking lot issue has been addressed, with letters going out to parents, along with being posted on the District website.

Ms. Mangus thanked the Police and Fire departments for their assistance with a fallen tree at Bellmawr Park during a severe windstorm on February 12.

She further commented on the upcoming budget, adding the Board will not know what will transpire, when Governor Jon S. Corzine issues his budget address early next month.

Ms. Castiglione spoke about the “District Report Card,” noting Bellmawr falls into District Factor Group (DFG) “B.”

She also reiterated previously published comments regarding Pre-School expansion, noting the Board is unsure if funding will go through to be able to operate a full-day program. She said the District may use a lottery system for the selection process.

All business listed on the agenda was approved, with the following exception:

Agenda item #B.1.B: “Approval of the Treasurer’s Report” for the month ending January 31, 2009, was tabled.

Under the PTO portion, Mrs. Calabria commented on recent school assemblies at Bellmawr Park, Burke PTO Representative Colleen Marengo stated their Basket Auction will be held on March 27, and Bell Oaks Principal Anthony Farinelli noted Bell Oaks’ Basket Auction was scheduled for February 27.

Ms. Castiglione said she met with various PTO Officers regarding the conducting of joint activities.

While the majority of the public portion was consumed by the Pre-School situation, resident Joseph Young asked how his son was permitted to leave school and walk home alone following a recent tutoring session.

Mangus said the Board was made aware of the situation, and have since begun adjusting the necessary procedures, to prevent another occurrence.

Resident William Kerns inquired about the distribution of budget monies, and was advised by Interim Board Secretary John Amato, that it will be posted in the Gloucester City News legal section with a full breakdown of expenditures.

The Superintendent said the new budget will be coming in around the $13 to $14 million mark. She noted that as much as $11 to $12 million of that figure is for fixed costs, leaving little breathing room for additional spending.

Mr. Amato also mentioned that New Jersey should be getting approximately $1.34 billion from the federal stimulus package, recently proposed by President Barack Obama.