The May 8 Elizabeth Board of Education budget and agenda/business meetings at Donald Stewart Early Childhood Center School No. 51 opened with the introduction of the student representative to the Board for the May meetings, senior Christ Julien Villard of Admiral William F. Halsey Jr. Health & Public Safety Academy. Villard EOserves as the President of the Halsey Student Government, a role in which he advocates for his peers, working to create a positive and inclusive environment within the school. He is also a dedicated member of the Youth Enrichment Services (YES) Program, demonstrating his commitment to personal growth and community involvement. Beyond his academic responsibilities, Villard is actively engaged in a variety of extracurricular activities. He is a member of the Halsey National Honor Society as of this year (2024-2025). He has been a member of the FIC (Frere Institution Chretienne) for seven years and is also involved with the Jeune Animateur Chretienne (JAC), where he continues to build leadership and mentorship skills. Villard is passionate about fitness and sports, having earned a championship title at the Haitian Fitness Kickboxing & Karate Academy in 2019. He is also an active participant in the American Fitness Kickboxing & Karate Academy and the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Academy. Additionally, Villard has excelled in public speaking, winning the Rhetoric and Debate Competition in 2018, and has been recognized for his athleticism with a victory in the Saint Louis Gonzague (SLG) Soccer Championship in 2017. With his leadership experience, dedication to service, and diverse extracurricular achievements, Villard is committed to representing his school as well as peers with passion plus integrity.

Elizabeth Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Olga Hugelmeyer presented the proposed Elizabeth Public Schools budget for the 2025-2026 school year, indicating the various programs, capital projects, and new positions the budget supports. School Business Administrator Harold E. Kennedy, Jr. presented the financial data of the $752.8M budget, which included $651.2M in state aid and $26.4M in federal aid. For at least the 11th consecutive year, there was a 0% tax increase in the budget for Elizabeth taxpayers. The budget was unanimously approved by the Board.

After a 30-minute recess, the Board reconvened for the agenda/business meeting to review and approve May’s agenda. The agenda/business meeting opened with Villard providing his report to the members of the Board and the public in attendance. Dr. Hugelmeyer also presented the community updates for May, which can be found on the Elizabeth Public Schools website.