The October 17 Elizabeth Board of Education business meeting at Donald Stewart Early Childhood Center School No. 51 opened with a moment of silence for Nathan Dodge McBean, husband of Future City, Inc. founder Michelle McBean.

Board President Charlene Bathelus presented a video spotlighting Board member Isaias Rivera who during the month of October is sponsoring Hispanic Heritage Month to highlight the rich diversity of Elizabeth Public Schools and the outstanding work being done in our schools to ensure all students learn and achieve at high levels regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, neighborhood, household income, or home language. During the month of October, Rivera visited several district schools to interact with members of Elizabeth Public Schools’ Bilingual and ESL program, which has been recognized by the New Jersey Department of Education as a model program and is vitally important in a district that is home to students who emigrated from 93 different countries. He had the opportunity not only to witness how Elizabeth Public Schools is helping its multi-language learners develop the skills and knowledge needed to prosper as adults, but also to experience the program as an ESL student while attending EPS and serve as a shining example for today’s bilingual/ESL students of the success they can achieve.

Elizabeth Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Olga Hugelmeyer presented the student representative to the Board for the October meeting, senior Emely Herrera of Elizabeth High School – Frank J. Cicarell Academy. Herrera is an AP Capstone scholar athlete and member of The National Honor Society at Elizabeth High School – Frank J. Cicarell Academy. She serves as president of the student government and captain of the District Speech and Debate Team. In addition to these rigorous extracurricular activities, she plays varsity soccer and conducts bible study with children at her church. Herrera’s leadership skills and commitment to serving her community make her an excellent choice to be the student representative of the Elizabeth Board of Education from EHS – FJC. During the meeting, Herrera provided her report to the members of the Board and the public in attendance.

Dr. Hugelmeyer also presented the community updates for October, which can be found on the Elizabeth Public Schools website.

Supervisor of Antibullying Peter Vosseler presented the district’s HIB Self-Assessment for the 2023-2024 school year.