Superintendent's Advisory Committee to Meet Monday, Invites Membership

Residents are invited to listen and share during a meeting next week with Superintendent of Schools David Trethaway.

Trethaway, who has led since 2008, will hold his Superintendent's Advisory Committee at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 7, at . 

"The purpose of the committee is to let the community know what is going on in the schools," said Cheryl Mackenzie, the superintendent's secretary. "Then the committee members can communicate to others in the community who may not be on the committee."

Trethaway said that, compared to a board of education meeting, the more informal setting of gathering around a table encourages natural conversation among himself and those attending. 

"It's a little less intimidating," he said. "They don't have to get up and talk. It's a little less formal — more comfortable."

The superintendent said that he plans to speak about the updated bullying policy on Monday and hear what parents have to say on the issue. 

In the past, the committee has helped the district institute advanced placement music theory and psychology courses, Trethaway said. Members also asked for better communication with educators, which led to the development of an , according to Trethaway.

Mackenzie said that about 40 to 50 members participate in the committee, which began meeting about once every other month — depending on the time of year —shortly after Trethaway came to the district three years ago. Members include parents of students, school staff members and others from the community.

During summer months the committee may not gather, but meetings may become more frequent as the school budget is formed, leading up to the April vote, Mackenzie said. 

More information is available by calling Trethaway's office at 732-350-5900, ext. 2214, or by emailing Mackenzie.