BOE to Hold Forum Sunday, Regular Meeting Tonight

The Millburn Township Board of Education with hold its fifth annual open forum, A Conversation with Dr. Crisfield and the Board, on Sunday, Jan. 29, where board members and administrators will address the strategic planning process and other educational topics, including this year’s budget.

Superintendent Dr. James Crisfield and Dr. Christine Burton, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, will introduce Dr. Judith Ferguson, the board's contracted Strategic Planning Consultant, who will provide a general overview of and timeline for the strategic planning process.

That will be followed by the open forum, which will be an opportunity for  members of the public ask questions regarding any school issues about which they have concerns. As this is not a business meeting, district administrators say, the forum allows for a more informal give-and-take between the board and members of the public.

District officials say the forum is a way for parents and other members of the community to get to know administrators and board members and learn about issues that may not be discussed in-depth at Board meetings. They say they hope that the informal setting will provide an opportunity for thoughtful dialogue on a variety of subjects, especially those that may be important ideas for the strategic plan.

The strategic plan will include many topics that would fall under the umbrella of planning for the future. At numerous board meetings in the last six months, many topics - from homework to certain course offerings to later start times for the high school - have been set aside for further study under the strategic plan.

The administration and the board encourage members of the public to bring their ideas and comments on the school budget, long-term planning and other priorities.

This year’s forum will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Auditorium. Refreshments will be served.

To submit questions in advance, e-mail them to webmaster@millburn.org, with “Forum Questions” in the subject line. Administrators will try to include as many questions as possible in the forum.

Tonight's regular meeting:

Meanwhile, board members will also have their regular meeting tonight (Monday), when they will continue initial discussions on the budget as well as the new law that allows school boards to change elections to November to coincide with the presidential election.

In addition, Crisfield will show the board a power point presentation on the school district's need for technology and how much it will take to bring the schools up to speed (including high speed internet access).

The regular meeting will be held at 7:45 p.m. at the