September 29th’s Board of Education meeting was undeniably packed with updates, debates, and even a few emotional moments. The main topics ranged from mental health resources in our schools to the district’s magnet programs and even the board’s communication with each other and the public. While there was plenty of discussion on these topics, one thing that stood out was the board’s claims of tenacious efforts into transparency to ensure every voice – even students’ – is heard.
The meeting began with the board president, Mrs. Lisa Santagelo, reminding attendees about proper behavior after some people interrupted or got heated. In the last meeting, people were upset that the Board voted to discontinue CarePlus and School-Based Youth Services after the superintendent recommended continuing them. She said the board’s job isn’t just to “rubber-stamp” the superintendent’s recommendations, but to ensure that all decisions are legal and in the best interest of the students. Furthermore, the board has been working to increase transparency, with initiatives like launching a newsletter, reviewing legal bills, and letting all board members — not just committee ones — have a say. She emphasized letting all board members have a say because at previous board meetings, some members had expressed concern that the board was beginning to function too unilaterally — or without the input of board members not on the committee. Still, some members and community speakers said that real communication between the board and the public needs more work.
One of the biggest topics was about mental health services. The superintendent, Ms. Jessica Cangelosi-Hade, said that while academic success is always a top priority, students can’t thrive if their physical, social, and emotional needs aren’t being met. Previously, two outside programs brought mental health services to Hunterdon Central: School-Based Youth Services and CarePlus. Instead, the district is now partnering with NJ4S — a program that provides free mental wellness support for people across New Jersey — for free mental health programs that include group sessions, counseling, and family support. There are also plans to hire a full-time mental health clinician for students with more serious needs. Some parents said they still had concerns about whether the district is providing enough support, but the board didn’t completely shut down the idea; they just want to explore different options.
The meeting also highlighted the school’s magnet programs, which are theme-based programs that Central offers, which focus on curriculum in areas like STEM, the performing arts, or career education. Students from programs like Engineering, Architecture, Media Communications, Biomedical Science, and Robotics talked about their experiences and how these programs have given them real-world skills and confidence. For example, one student said his engineering teacher used to work for Lockheed Martin, and another talked about dissecting cadavers during a medical school field trip. The district even announced two new magnet programs coming soon, an Education Academy and a Performing Arts Academy, so that more students can find their passions without having to leave campus.
Even though the meeting got tense at times, it showed how much people care about our schools. Parents thanked teachers for their dedication, students shared how programs changed their lives, and community members challenged the board to communicate better and stay focused on students’ well-being. The superintendent ended by inviting everyone to take part in the district’s new five-year strategic planning process. So, while there were disagreements and concerns, especially about mental health services, it really seems like the goal for everyone is the same: to make Hunterdon Central the best it can be for students, staff, and the community.
