The Evesham Township Board of Education’s regular meeting on Sept. 16 had little in the way of new business, but school Superintendent Dr. Justin Smith did cite school staff for helping students adjust to the new school year and provided an update on the district’s bus issues.
“Just want to stop by some recognizing points as of late since,” he said. “Since school started 10 days ago, we’ve seen our staff working in all roles to help our students make that smooth transition to school routines, expectations, and begin to develop the relationships, connections with their teachers that are their lifeblood of learning and the positive impact that we strive for our mission as a district.”
“Thank you to everyone from our teachers to paraprofessionals, administrators, secretary’s, custodians, bus drivers and more,” he added. “(Thank you) for hearing our students, hearing them, valuing them and making them feel that, so they can learn to find their confidence and courage.”
Smith also highlighted staff efforts during the district’s recent back-to-school night and noted that the board meeting was being held on a Monday – as opposed to the usual Thursdays – as a result of ongoing parent-teacher meetings.
“Thank you to our staff as well for their efforts with the excellent back-to school-nights last week,” he noted, “which is how we ended up with back-to-school night tonight, as it is the only night without a back-to-school night event.”
In his update on district buses, Smith noted that there were recent changes in the transportation staff.
“The start of any school year can bring busing delays,” he explained. “We’ve seen more wrinkles to iron out with transportation this year than usual. I’d like to thank our families and staff for their patience and understanding as our transportation department works on those improvements.”
Smith further pointed out that the department is going through a leadership transition after the unexpected absence of a coordinator.
“For board approval tonight,” Smith said, “I’m recommending our assistant transportation coordination Ashley Brusco as acting transportation coordinator, and our transportation secretary, Karri Knauss, as acting transportation coordinator.”
The superintendent also highlighted Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.
“Our schools will recognize this month in varying ways throughout,” Smith said.
Smith then noted that the meeting would be the final one for Richard Dantinne Jr., director of district personnel.
“This is (Dantinne’s) last board meeting, so you know, (do) the math on 35 years in education,” Smith remarked. “(Dantinne.) is someone who has talents of mind, heart and spirit. One of the things that stand out is, he’s able to help people by listening, by having an authentic absence of his own agenda, by helping them come to the best decision for their situation.
“That authenticity comes from a place of care,” Smith added, “which has helped him be a sounding board and quasi life coach for many staff over the years. His work ethic is peerless across anyone I’ve known in our district and beyond.”
The next board of ed meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, at Marlton Middle School.
