The JACKSON Times Vol. 21 - No. 31
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Friends Of The Jackson Library Ready To Laugh And Celebrate In 2025 we are told, ‘I understand you are doing great things over there.’ We do a lot.” “Each branch will be doing their own celebration. We will not be responsible for the celebration - we will participate in the celebration. All of the branches will be having their own birthday party around that date of September 19. That doesn’t limit us from doing something in the summer as well or any time,” she added. Photo by Bob Vosseller “We were talking about Friends of the Jackson Library assemble in the meeting room of the a birthday theme,” Branch Jackson branch of the Ocean County Library recently for a special Manager Karen Powell planning session to chart a course of fun and projects for the new year. said. She noted that such plans could include a face By Bob Vosseller media program, membership, painter, balloon artist and games JACKSON – Friends of the results of last month’s gift-wrap- to add to the fun and to make it Jackson Library gathered in the ping fundraiser, a comedy night inclusive to children as well. “I’m library’s meeting room to map fundraiser to be held in May and thinking a kind of birthday carout some plans for the new year plans for the 100th anniversary of nival family fun event. Perhaps we could get some food trucks, a and also to check out the arrival of the county library system. some children’s section furniture Group Vice President May Gi- cotton candy machine. A birthday that they had funded. aimo said she and President Sue bash!” The Friends are active volunteers Milo “went to a cocktail party that It was noted that the library’s who support the library through was the kick off of the Centennial magenta dragon mascot, Sparks, fundraising, programs and advo- Celebration, the County Library had pretty much retired from live cacy. During a recent Thursday will be 100 years old. I must say appearances. The mascot toured afternoon, 15 members of the group everywhere we go when we say a number of the library system’s assembled to discuss their social we are from the Jackson Branch (Friends - See Page 4)
February 1, 2025
Middle School To Close
By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – During the most recent Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Nicole Pormilli reported on the status of the school district’s ongoing strategic plan which is calling for the closure of a middle school and realignment of grades at its two high schools. Pormilli previously reported that the district was reviewing several models of action that would involve possibly consolidating the district’s two high schools into one and/or merging two middle schools. It was announced that the Carl W. Goetz Middle School will close and will be put up for sale. The school district’s five elementary schools will go back to pre-kindergarten-4th grade with Christa McAuliffe Elementary School housing 5th and 6th grades as an “upper elementary” school. Jackson Memorial High School will go to 7th and 8th grade while Jackson Liberty High School will become the only 9th-12th grade public high school in the township. Members of the Board have been discussing the district’s declining pupil enrollment and budget problems noting that a merger of schools might be necessary to meet some of its fiscal challenges. These problems were caused by the state aid funding formula S-2 that was introduced several years ago by Trenton leadership and signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy. The governor and state administrators have repeatedly refused to fully adjust S-2 which has (Middle School - See Page 4)
County Leadership Joined By New Commissioners
Commissioner Robert Arace is sworn in by Manchester Business Administrator (and former Ocean County Clerk) Carl Block as his wife Deanna holds the Bible.
By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER - Ocean County Deputy Commissioner Director Frank Sadeghi led the board for a second time at its January 15 meeting, stepping in for Director Jack Kelly. Clerk of the Board Michelle I. Gunther announced Kelly’s absence was due to perPhotos courtesy Ocean County sonal reasons. Commissioner Jennifer Bacchione is This is Sadeghi’s second year sworn in by former Lt. Gov. Kim Gua- as a commissioner, albeit his first dagno as her husband Berkeley Mayor elected position. Director Jack John Bacchione holds the Bible. Kelly and Commissioner Virginia
“Ginny” Haines are seasoned members of the board. All five members, including newly elected Commissioners Robert Arace and Jennifer Bacchione, are Republicans. Sadeghi was somewhat reser ved at public meetings during his first year, although he became a familiar face at various events throughout the county in 2024. At the board’s most recent meeting, Sadeghi added a lighthearted touch to
discussions after completing all agenda items. During the commissioner’s comments, Sadeghi reiterated his previous concerns about the services provided by Jersey Central Power & Light. “We had a positive initial meeting with the new president of JCP&L,” he announced. “I’m cautiously optimistic that we have their attention.” “We talked about damages that (Leadership - See Page 7)
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