CNBNews

There was a brief discussion about when the search would begin, when it would be advertised, and how much the advertising would cost.

Earlier this year, the School Board had voted not to renew the contract of current Superintendent Paul Spaventa, which goes until June 30, 2012.

In other business, student representatives from all four Gloucester City schools also addressed the Board.

Jenn Boggs, a senior at Gloucester City Junior City High, enjoys calculus and art history classes. She was also recently named 2011-12 Homecoming Queen.

Among her many activities, Jenn is involved with marching band, ensemble, National Honor Society, swimming and stage crew. She also participates in Toys for Tots and Gloucester City’s tree decorating. After graduation, Jenn has aspirations of travelling the world and pursing studies in art history.

Jenn commented on the recent Powder Puff game and of the fundraisers that have taken place at the school. She mentioned that the Toys for Tots drive is now underway.

 She said students have been bringing in new, unwrapped toys to drop off in their homeroom because “GHS cares for those in need.”

She also said that the Blood Drive on December 9 helped 231 patients.

Representing the Highland Park Program for Success was Deanna Cobb, who said being at Highland Park allowed her to stay focused on her education while being a great mother.

  She added that the school has a positive atmosphere because teachers are helpful and provide one on one attention to students.

  When Deanna graduates in 2012, she is going to pursue a career as a computer technician.

  Speaking on behalf of Mary Ethel Costello was sixth grader Meghan Orsino. Her activities include the Good Manners Club and the Environmental Club, and she is also involved in the school’s music program.

  Meghan said that being in sixth grade can be challenging, but fun. To help review math facts, students play math games.

  Meghan spoke of the upcoming holiday concert on December 21. She said she is excited that she will play the hand chimes and also sing in the chorus.

  Meghan has enjoyed her time at Mary Ethel and said, “Since this is my last year at MEC, I hope I can make it last.”

  From Cold Springs School, third grade student Grace Fenton enjoys all of her subjects, especially computers where she learns how to take pictures and make time lines.

  In art class, the students make craft projects for the school plays.

  Grace said she likes reading “expository books.” She also spoke of the recent PTO Food Drive and the donations that were recently collected for the U.S. troops.

  During the various committee reports, Jackie Borger said that there are several homeless students who are being bused to and from Gloucester each day. She remarked that this “is a sad commentary of the times we now live in.”

  Superintendent Spaventa presented November’s HIB report to the Board.

  The following motions were made and passed during the meeting:

  To approve the administrative reports, to approve student action items, to approve personnel items, which include leaves of absences and clinical students, to approve workshops, to approve fundraisers and field-trips, which includes a trip to see Ben Franklin at the Pitman theatre on March 16, 2012, to extend winter recess until January 2, 2012, and to add one more school day in June 2012, to approve financial action items, to approve the usage of the McKrel Teacher Evaluation System, which is a software program to aid in teacher and regular observations, and to approve the long range facilities plan.

 (this includes the boiler, chimney and fire suppression issues at Mary Ethel Costello, the parking lot and sidewalk issues at Gloucester City Junior-Senior High School and also communications equ-ipment at the schools), and to approve the advertising cost of $1,214 for the superintendent search.