At the January 18 Elizabeth Board of Education meeting at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Early Childhood Center School No. 52, the Board hosted performances prior to the start of the meeting by students of George Washington Academy of Science & Engineering School No. 1 ("Greatness Within Us All” a poem written and performed by student Ashley Ximena Bustos), Benjamin Franklin School No. 13 (“We March for Equal Rights” performed by School 13 students), and William F. Halloran School No. 22 (“One Wish” performed by Fourth and Fifth Grade Choir).

At the start of the meeting, the Board observed a moment of silence for Frances C. Smith Early Childhood Center School No. 50 teacher Edward Dieguez and retired Department of Special Services school psychologist Dr. Andre Francois.

During the meeting, John E. Dwyer Technology Academy senior Orlando David Avila Corea was introduced as the student representative to the Board by Vice Principal Wilnes Jilus. Avila Corea has demonstrated great leadership and academic success at his school by participating in student government and as a member of the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, and English Honor Society. He plans to attend Kean University and major in cybersecurity.

Superintendent Olga Hugelmeyer expressed her gratitude and appreciation to each of the members of the Elizabeth Board of Education for their tireless work, passion for the community, and love for Elizabeth Public Schools' students, team members, and families in honor of School Board Recognition Month and presented a video that expressed the appreciation of students and team members from throughout the district. Each Board member was presented with a copy of the proclamation by Governor Phil Murphy for School Board Recognition Month 2023.