03/11/2025
๐ป ๐๐ผ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ผ๐บ ๐๐ฎ๐๐๐น๐ฒ๐: ๐๐ผ๐ปโ๐ ๐ฃ๐ผ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ! ๐ป
During a school board meeting, staff members and students were recognized for their contributions. Mr. Joshua Milgazo, a mechanic, received a staff certificate for maintaining transportation despite a shortage of personnel, while various Frank Dugan Elementary School staff were commended for their exceptional support during a family's challenging time. Additionally, Asher Holmes Elementary School's student ambassadors presented their activities promoting kindness, citizenship, and responsibility, receiving certificates for their efforts.๐๐
Great Job everyone. Now onto the other matters.
Board members shared positive messages received from students for World Mental Health Day, expressing appreciation for the encouragement, while Mr. Vincent Palmero and the Chartwell staff were recognized for achieving allergen safety certification, ensuring a safer dining environment for students. Amazing art show by the Marlboro Memorial Middle School to showcase Lunar New Year.๐๐จ
An Old Bridge resident (because what else is there for someone from another town to do on a Tuesday?) spoke at the school board meeting to advocate for honoring Black History Month and suggested eliminating Pride Month from Marlboro schools, arguing that it imposes values not embraced by all cultures and families in the community. He tried to use his support for Black History Month as a shield to excuse his blatant homophobia and open hostility toward the LGBTQ+ community, revealing a clear lack of integrity and compassion ๐๐๐. Several other residents criticized the influence of non-residents at previous meetings and urged the board to prioritize the voices and concerns of Marlboro Township taxpayers.
The board briefly touched on communications with Mr. Ballone confirming he had no updates. Moving swiftly, they reviewed the superintendentโs HIB report noting two incidents between February 7th and February 20th. The next meetings were confirmed for March 11th and March 18th, with budget discussions on the agenda.
The drama picked up when the board moved to the policy development and community relations section, pushing it up earlier in the agenda to address the hot topic of abolishing Policy 5756. Ms. Mendez introduced the first and second readings for various policies, including the motion to abolish Policy 5756, which was quickly seconded.
The real fireworks started when the topic of policy development was pushed up the agenda, bringing Policy 5756 front and center. As has become a theme of the meeting, the attacks against Ms. Gandhi resumed, this time focused on the timing and transparency of policy changes. Ms. Gandhi, clearly prepared for this, defended the current procedure confidently, explaining that sharing policies in advance only happened occasionally in 2024 due to timing constraintsโnothing new or sinister.
However, Ms. Siewert and Ms. Mendez ๐ seemed determined to paint this as a deviation from tradition, pushing back and expressing frustration over what they claimed was a lack of communication. What followed was essentially a game of procedural ping-pong, with Ms. Gandhi calmly batting down accusations and clarifying that the process was unchanged, despite the increasingly passive-aggressive tone from her critics ๐.
Through a lot of eye-rolling, thinly veiled snark, and a noticeable uptick in childish behavior from certain quarters, the board eventually moved on and voted. Ms. Gandhiโs steady handling of the situation might not have won her any popularity contests with certain board members, but it did make it clear who actually understood the rules.
The board moved quickly through the secretary's report and then dove into committee updates. The Advisory Committee, led by Ms. Mendez, presented a well-prepared charter outlining responsibilities and a selection process for members, which received praise for its thoroughness. The Buildings and Grounds Committee provided updates on various maintenance projects, including HVAC upgrades and playground replacements, all expected to be completed by the end of the school year. The Communications Committee, led by Mr. Hyett, discussed a comprehensive communications plan and the need for clear guidelines on board and district responsibilities. Meanwhile, the Curriculum Committee focused on improving eighth-grade math scores and alignment across grades, as well as updates on physical education and world languages. The Safety and Security Committee emphasized ongoing upgrades and a plan to address polling site security, while the Special Education Committee highlighted the expansion of the ER program and a new reading initiative.
The Technology Committee finally got off the ground with Mr. Lilonsky, Ms. Corraro, and Mr. Hyett as co-chairs, much to the relief of some and the outrage of others. El Presidente clarified that while the committee was approved back in October, it wasnโt seated immediately because he wanted to understand its purpose better. He also mentioned that Mr. Ballone had started working on a technology plan last year, but the work was paused due to the boardโs interest in being more involved.
Then came the fireworks. Ms. Bellomo wasted no time making it clear that she was furious about not being on the technology committee (she thinks being a keyboard warrior makes her qualified for the technology committee ๐คฃ๐คฃ). She aggressively threw around words like "nepotism" and practically demanded an investigation into the seating process, acting like sheโd just uncovered the Watergate scandal of school boards. With a tone that dripped with self-importance, she ranted about how her professional background in AI (she can use Chat GPT and Gemini) and technology made her the obvious choice for the committeeโas if the entire board would collapse without her expertise.
Ms. Mendez (still bitter over not being President)๐ก, never one to miss an opportunity for some passive-aggressive jabs, chimed in to back up Ms. Bellomo's complaints. She questioned the transparency of the whole process, hinting that there might be some dark conspiracy behind the scenes to keep them outโbecause clearly, a local school board's tech committee is where all the real power lies. Mendez's comments were more about stirring the pot than seeking actual answers, but hey, why let facts get in the way of a good grievance session?
She also took issue with El Presidenteโs decision to share a draft policy with the tech committee instead of the policy committee first, accusing him of operating behind closed doors like some kind of school board Illuminati. Her performance would have been almost impressive if it werenโt so blatantly transparentโthis wasnโt about technology; it was about Ms. Bellomoโs bruised ego and Ms. Mendez's flair for drama.
Amid the chaos and finger-pointing over the technology committeeโs seating and transparency, Mr. Lilonsky emerged as the voice of reason. He calmly pointed out that the newly seated committee hadnโt even met yet, let alone started making decisions. His reminder that they still needed to coordinate with Mr. Balone.
When El Presidente calmly explained that the draft policy was just a starting point and not an official document, Ms. Bellomo barely let him finish a sentence before interrupting with even more accusations of secrecy and favoritism. Ms. Mendez backed her up with exaggerated sighs and pointed questions, as if they were auditioning for a reality TV show instead of participating in a school board meeting.
Now back to something important to many parents and students, The Marlboro Scope Special Education PTO presented their efforts to foster partnerships among teachers, parents, administrators, and the community to support students with disabilities. The organization has awarded over $20,000 in grants since the 2021-2022 school year for various resources not covered by the school budget, including sensory equipment, read-aloud pens, and specialized learning tools. They also organize inclusive events and fundraisers, such as painting parties, Bagel-making events, and the annual "Walk for Change." Board members expressed appreciation for Scope's contributions and discussed the importance of promoting their initiatives through district-wide communications and PTO support, noting that grant approvals were scheduled for a vote later in the meeting.
Probably the most important aspect of the meeting was on budget; there was a proposal for a referendum to fund HVAC upgrades at Robertsville and Asher Elementary Schools through debt issuance, allowing the district to receive up to 34% state aid for the project costs. If the referendum passes, the state aid would cover a portion of the expenses, with the remaining cost to be paid from capital reserves, ensuring no new tax increases for residents. Bond counsel explained that issuing debt would make the district eligible for state funding, reducing the burden on local taxpayers. Additionally, the board reviewed a timeline for submitting a resolution and working with architects to ensure the project aligns with the New Jersey Department of Educationโs requirements.
Aside from the HVAC project, the board discussed various other budgetary items, including repairs and upgrades such as asphalt and concrete work, flooring replacements, gym floor remediation, security upgrades, and purchasing new equipment for maintenance and snow removal. Rising utility and maintenance costs, as well as a significant $4.5 million increase in health benefits and salaries, were highlighted as major budget challenges. To address these increases, the board considered utilizing bank cap and health benefit waivers. The discussion also covered the need for prudent fiscal management by leveraging maintenance reserves and budget surplus without inflating revenues artificially. The board aims to balance the budget responsibly while minimizing tax impacts on residents, with further discussions and a potential resolution on the referendum expected in the coming meetings.
During the discussion on financial and business operations matters, the board reviewed and approved a range of resolutions, including budget transfers, bills, monthly financial reports, travel approvals, and various operational items like home instruction and out-of-district placements. A notable point of contention was the approval of travel for board members to attend the NJSBA Equity Expo.
Mr. Hyett, Ms. Corraro, and Ms. Gandhi defended the conference, clarifying that it was not focused on DEI or sociopolitical issues as some had claimed but was about providing equitable support for all students to achieve excellence. Ms. Corraro shared a personal perspective on the importance of such conferences, citing her own experiences with neurodiversity and the need for accommodations.
The meeting took a cringeworthy turn when Ms. Siewert launched into a dramatic tirade, sounding less like a board member and more like a child who didnโt get their way. She threw a fit over Ms. Gandhiโs supposed hypocrisy, whining that Gandhiโs behavior this year was totally unfair. According to Siewert, Gandhiโs willingness to praise Mr. Cohen for not sharing policy drafts with certain board members was just the worst thing everโdespite the fact that, you know, no one else seemed to care.
But like any tantrum, Siewertโs outburst didnโt stop there. She escalated to full-on conspiracy mode, dramatically listing off names like Nadia Singletary, Michael Cooper, Jada Sinclair, and Roslyn Fero, accusing them of being fake social media profiles created specifically to bully her. In her breathless rant, she even dropped the phrase โdeep state,โ as if sheโd just discovered a new favorite term on a YouTube video.
Finally, El Presidente, like a weary babysitter, managed to steer the meeting back on track, leaving Ms. Siewert to sulk about how no one understood her or appreciated her bravery. If anyone watching was keeping a bingo card for melodrama and martyr complexes, they definitely hit the jackpot.
The liaison reports highlighted various school activities and achievements, including Freehold Regional High School's plan for a November referendum to address funding cuts and improvements, and Abbott School's successful 100th-day celebrations and food drive. Marlboro Education Foundation promoted a Harlem Wizards vs. MTPS staff fundraiser, while Marlboro Middle School prepared for the musical "Shrek Jr." and a blood drive. Memorial School focused on drug prevention and conflict management programs. Robertsville School raised over $10,000 in a Glow Run and planned a lip sync contest, and Defino School celebrated kindness with challenges and a successful lip sync show. SCOPE and SEPAG collaborated on special education support and inclusion events.
Two retirements, Mr. Angel Valdez and Rosalyn Wolkowitz. Mr. Valdez was our Spanish Teacher, who taught at the elementary schools. Ms. Wolkowitz taught Kindergarten at Abbot for 35 years. Great job and congrats.
OK, so after celebrating two amazing teachers, we now go to old business, with grievances.
It must be Fesitvus, as Ms. Gandhi had her list of grievances. Ms. Gandhi dismissed the repeated mentions of fake social media profiles and Facebook as irrelevant to the board meeting, subtly implying that the focus should remain on board matters rather than online drama. Ms. Siewert brings up Ms. Gandhiโs husband, what?? Is he on the board? Grasping at straws.
Ms. Gandhi criticized Ms. Siewert for voting against professional development for two board members due to a lack of an agenda, pointing out the inconsistency as she had voted for other professional development without an agenda. She also refuted Ms. Siewertโs claim about requesting a detailed write-up, stating she only requested a photo and a list of sessions attended. Ms. Gandhi defended her previous suggestion about being financially prudent with professional development, comparing it to common corporate practices. Finally, she directed a sharp remark at Ms. Bellomo, sarcastically thanking her for demonstrating how not to collaborate effectively and expressing concern about the influence of such behavior on students.
Ms. Siewert unleashed an emotional and frantic tirade against Ms. Gandhi, desperately accusing her of arrogance, hypocrisy, and immaturity in a flurry of insults that seemed more like a personal vendetta than a professional response. At one point, in a laughably dramatic attempt to assert dominance, she warned Ms. Gandhi, "Don't poke the bear,"๐ป๐ as if trying to paint herself as some kind of fearsome force rather than a board member losing her cool. ๐คก๐คก
In a rare moment of practicality, Ms. Bellomo suggested reassessing the school lunch program to offer more organic and wholesome options for students. Despite her enthusiasm, Ms. Bellomo's understanding of the RFP process and vendor management seemed a bit shaky. She eagerly suggested exploring new lunch vendors for healthier options, apparently overlooking the restrictions and procedural requirements tied to the National School Lunch Program.
Ms. Mendez formally requested to be swapped from the Advisory Committee to the Technology Committee, wow, abandon your existing committee for something new and shiny.
At the last public comments of the night, a social worker at the David Abbott Early Learning Center, expressed disappointment at the abolishment of the original transgender policy, fearing it might leave transgender students feeling unsupported. She emphasized the importance of ensuring compliance with New Jersey's anti-discrimination laws to prevent legal challenges. Simmons also praised her retiring colleague, Mrs. Walowitz, highlighting their positive collaboration.
A resident and parent from Marlboro, expressed frustration over the increasing difficulty of attending Board of Education meetings due to the contentious discussions. She inquired about the advisory committeeโs formation, its public involvement procedures, and timelines, emphasizing the importance of parent and community input on issues like transportation, security, and special needs.
๐ญ๐๐๐๐ ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐๐: ๐ฑ๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐ซ๐๐โ๐ ๐ฎ๐ ๐ท๐๐๐๐๐ ๐จ๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐! ๐ป๐
