The January 25 Elizabeth Board of Education business meeting at Donald Stewart Early Childhood Center School No. 51 opened with a moment of silence for retired Victor Mravlag School No. 21 custodian Anastasia Ciuia, Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Academy engineering teacher Virginia Tantow, retired Joseph Battin School No. 4 general worker (4 Hours) Angela Dimaggio, Teresa Ann Politano, wife of Elizabeth Public Schools Spokesperson Pat Politano, Teresita Marsal-Avilla, sister of Chief Information Officer Alberto A. Marsal, and Leonardo Roger Caramazana, father of Vice President of the EEA and Christopher Columbus School No. 15 science teacher Leonardo Caramazana.

Elizabeth Public Schools Superintendent Olga Hugelmeyer presented the student representative to the Board for the January meeting, senior Maria Zavala of Thomas A. Edison Career & Technical Academy. As a top-ranked senior and member of the National Honor Society, Zavala serves in Student Government and the Senior Advisory Committee. She has been described by her teachers as someone who is patient, friendly and ambitious with a positive attitude. Zavala is currently enrolled in the cosmetology program and has set a goal to pursue a nursing track after graduating. She has applied to Montclair State University, Union College, St. Peter’s University, and Siena College.

Following the public participation portion of the meeting, Hugelmeyer recognized the nine members of the Elizabeth Board of Education in honor of School Board Recognition Month for their leadership, dedication, and the sacrifices that they make to ensure all our students learn and grow. A video was presented highlighting their presence in the school community and commitment to our students. Board President Charlene Bathelus Dorgely took a moment to express her profound gratitude for the privilege to work alongside the esteemed members of the Elizabeth Board of Education, recognizing each member individually for their pivotal role in shaping the education and landscape of the Elizabeth community.

John Swisher, a partner of auditing firm Suplee, Clooney, and Company, presented an audit of Elizabeth Public Schools for the year ending June 30, 2023. For its financial statement, a requirement of all school districts in the State of New Jersey, Elizabeth Public Schools received an unmodified opinion indicating that the district’s business department can release financial statements that can be relied upon by the Board, the public, and the state and federal governments.

After the presentation of the findings of the audit, Bathelus Dorgely presented a video highlighting the youth mentoring program initiative with the Elizabeth Police Department sponsored by Vice President Stanley Neron. Following the video, Student Representative to the Board Zavala provided her monthly report to the members of the Board and the public in attendance.