At its Wednesday, April 17 meeting, the Burlington Township Board of Education handed out a number of recognitions and offered updates on happenings throughout the district.
The top of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing the Pride Students of the Month for each grade level. Special recognition was given to senior Dillon Freeman for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
Board member Christopher Giannotti called Freeman to the front to receive a certificate of recognition for his accomplishments in the Scouts.
“Tonight we are very pleased to honor and pay tribute to Dillon, who has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Scouts program of the Boy Scouts of America. Since its inception in 1911, only 4 percent of Scouts have earned this rank,” said Giannotti as he introduced Freeman.
Along with his many accomplishments with the Scouts, Freeman was recognized for his Eagle Scout project when he lead fellow Scouts in constructing a shelter out of pallets to house alpacas, mini donkeys, horses and emus for the Paws Discovery Farm in Mt. Laurel.
A number of parents of current and former students were also recognized at the meeting for their involvement in two sub-committees organized by the Strategic Planning Committee last spring.
Planning Committee chair Susan Eichmann read the names of all parents involved in the Sports Exploration Committee, which considered current and potential sports offerings in the district, and the Climate Committee, which discussed communication, safety, engagement and overall climate throughout the district.
“The Burlington Township School District truly believes that our schools and community are partners in learning and appreciates the significant time and energy these community members shared with our school district,” said Eichmann.
Following recognitions, Eichmann also presented her report for the Strategic Planning Committee. At its last meeting, the committee discussed exercising caution with future budgets when it comes to hiring new positions.
“We’re going to look at the ways that we can meet the needs of all the students without necessarily filling all the positions that open up due to attrition, being cognizant of the fact that we will not always get the budget surplus that we got this year,” said Eichmann.
Eichmann also reported that they are considering a Pre-K grant from the state Department of Education to fund Pre-K expansion for the 2020-2021 school year.
During her student liaison report, Nancy Huynh reported that student government members will be giving students thank-you cards to hand out to their teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week, which begins Monday, May 6.
“This way students will be able to thank the teachers who have had an impact on them with a note and donuts,” said Huynh.
Superintendent Mary Ann Bell announced the hiring of Casey Kocsis to be the Young School vice principal during her superintendent report. Earlier in the year, the district also hired a new director of guidance, Katina George.
“With that, our administration team is now whole, and we are very much looking forward to a bright future with a solid leadership team in place,” said Bell.
