Much of the talk at the recent Washington Township Board of Education work session was centered around the equity committee – specifically that Washington Township looks to be the home of an upcoming Gloucester County superintendents roundtable.
“I sit on the equity committee for the county under the guidance of Ave Altersitz, our county superintendent, and Washington Township has been asked to host the county roundtable,” Superintendent of Schools Joseph Bollendorf said.
He added equity presentations done by himself and Director of Secondary Education Steve Gregor. Bollendorf said he plans to invite board members to attend the event that is tentatively scheduled for late this year in either November or December.
“We’ll be sure to communicate out to the board when that’s going to happen,” Bollendorf concluded.
Board of education Vice President, Ray DiNovi also spoke about the equity committee, specifically noting it is the umbrella for everything from mindfulness and respectful classrooms to anything that promotes interaction between students. He said he would like to have some fabric that translates from year to year so the students hear the same language from elementary school through high school.
“We’re doing so much in that area. So much that’s student-centered in regards to developing better character students, social emotional, and maybe show the public and the board all that’s happening and equity is the umbrella for that.” DiNovi said.
He concluded, saying he hopes the committee can make a presentation at a future meeting to show the public what it’s working toward.
In other news:
- Janine Wechter, who will begin as board of education business administrator next month, was introduced at the meeting.
“I just wanted to take a minute to thank you guys for this opportunity. I really appreciate it,” she said. “I’m looking forward to it, I’m very excited to work with you guys as well.”
Wechter is a product of the school system and has two children in the system. She credits that as part of the reason she’s excited to be a part of the team.
- Board member Ginny Murphy reported on the student activities and communication committee meetings, noting the topics of conversation were a mentoring program and the possibility of an unsung hero banquet. She said the committee discussed a signing day for high school students who are entering the workforce, similar to that of high school athletes signing to play college sports.
- The next board of education work session is scheduled for Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. with the public meeting set for Aug. 26 at 7 p.m.. Both meetings are open to the public and will be held at the Eileen Abbott Central Administration Building.
