New Security System to Greet Oceanport Students This Fall

Oceanport Board of Education met on Thursday night at the Maple Place School library. 

• Superintendent of schools Mr. Andrew Orefice began by stating that the ongoing physical works programs at both Wolf Hill and Maple Place are coming to an end. Part of the project was funded by a ROD Grant (Regular Operating Districts Grant) from the State government. “The project have included the repair of walls, stairs, and lights, and restriping of the car parks” said Orefice. 

• There is a new security system that will be in place at both schools at the start of the school year. The computerized system will give the schools greater control of who has access as it requires staff members to each have a security card.

• School Business Administrator Norma Tursi announced a change to the districts prescription plan. The new plan with “Prescription Corporation of America” is equivalent to the previous plan with “Bollinger” however the change will save the school district between $15,000-$18,000 per year.  “The difference in spending is due to not only the cost of the premiums but also because we are no longer paying a broker,” said Tursi.

• Board President Kelly McGowan stated that to keep up with regulations, the board members will be required to take part in an anti-bullying workshops and training.

• President McGowan also indicated that Senator Michael Doherty has been invited to speak to the district in the fall at a ‘town hall’ meeting regarding his “Fair School Funding Initiative.”

• Finally, the board voted to approve stipends for individuals in extracurricular positions for the 2011-12 school year.  “With the drastic cutting of state funding, programs like the school play fall under the microscope in our budgets, however these programs give all our students an opportunity to shine, be it on the stage in the band or the athletic field,” said Superintendent Orefice.