West Long Branch Board of Ed not at odds with superintendent

The West Long Branch Board of Education is concerned about an article that appeared in the Atlanticville during the week of Oct. 16. The article was titled "Superinten-dent, Board Clash on District Goals." It is unfortunate the article painted a picture of conflict between the West Long Branch Board of Education and the superintendent of schools. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Board of Education work sessions are intended to provide a forum to introduce, discuss,, and review issues and board policy matters that will ultimately come before the board for resolve and vote. This process is exactly what took place at the Oct. 9 Board of Education’s work session — not a "clash" — as reported.

The subject article centered on a discussion regarding the Frank Antonides School principal’s performance goals — not district goals — for the 2001-02 school year.

The principal’s goals were included in the quality assurance annual report, which the superintendent has properly coordinated with the Monmouth County superintendent, and was preparing to submit to the N.J. State Department of Education.

The West Long Branch Board of Education has an excellent working relationship with its superintendent and fully supports all efforts of Dr. Joan A. Kelly.

Since her arrival in July 2000, Dr. Kelly has established a very ambitious schedule to initiate and implement a complete realignment of the curriculum in the district. That initiative is ongoing for the next several years.

In just a few short months after her appointment, Dr. Kelly had gained the support of the school staff, Board of Education, school families and the community of West Long Branch.

The working relationship between the Board of Education and the superintendent is excellent; to portray that relationship any other way is just not acceptable. We believe Dr. Kelly is an outstanding educational leader who leads our district in an exemplary manner.

The education of young children is an emotional, highly charged subject. Our nation has recognized the critical importance of superior education for our children. It is not a subject to be taken lightly.

The community of West Long Branch is extremely fortunate to have a dedicated superintendent that is willing to look beyond acceptable, and strive for educational excellence in the school district with the board’s full support.

It is important to establish effective, efficient and attainable milestones supporting the continual improvement of the district’s educational system.

Open and frank discussion must occur among all members of the board and the administration in order to ensure that end. These discussions will continue to take place during public meetings.

Mary Orendorff-Gassman, President West Long Branch Board of Education

Editor’s note: This letter was signed by all members of the West Long Branch Board of Education.