Schools

Sandy Brought Community Together, Board Member Says

Montville board of education members thanked superintendent for leadership immediately following the storm.

Even though the school buildings were closed for nearly two weeks following Superstorm Sandy, district officials still had work to do informing parents and students of power progress and school openings.

Board members addressed the storm response at the Nov. 20 meeting, with several members commending Superintendent Dr. Paul Fried for his leadership in the days following the storm.

Board President Dr. Karen Cortellino told Fried the community appreciated the continued Honeywell alerts the district sent out to parents. She said she had heard positive feedback from many parents about the district's communication efforts.

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"You were the voice of Hurricane Sandy," Cortellino said she had heard from residents.

Board Vice President Dr. Matthew Kayne also thanked Fried and said that it is in times of crisis that leaders arise.

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"The community was proud of the leadership you showed," he said to Fried.

Cortellino thanked the Montville Township Police Department for helping the district get messages out to parents and assist with the shelters at the schools. The teachers' union was also praised by the board for flexibility in coming to school on Nov. 8 and Nov. 9, when students were originally scheduled to be out because of the New Jersey Education Assocation's annual conference in Atlantic City. When the conference was cancelled, the students and teachers returned to school.

Not only did the Montville Township Public Schools community come together, but so did the community at large, according to board members.

"I think the community really pulled together and we should be proud," Cortellino said.

Board Member Charles Grau noted the food that was donated to those who were without power and took advantage of the shelter set up at Montville Township High School. Grau said he visited the shelter on a Sunday night and people seemed pleased that the resource was available to them.

"I think the community is all very appreciative of our efforts," he said.


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