Social Media Policy, Superintendent Search Keep BOE Busy

About this column: In this column, Moorestown Board of Education Member Brandon Pugh provides monthly updates on what's going on in the school district and on the BOE.

September has been a hectic month, with the start of school, back-to-school nights, and required state testing. However, it’s an exciting time period because there is a lot to look forward to during the 2013-14 school year.

At the board meeting on Sept. 17, the board passed Policy 3282, which clarifies and establishes social media guidelines for the district’s teachers. The school district recognizes social media can be beneficial when it is shown to support education, but that there should be restrictions, such as discouraging staff from interacting with students via personal social media and other electronic mediums.

The board unanimously accepted the 2013-14 memorandum of agreement between education and law enforcement officials. The memorandum stipulates that members of the education community, including principals and administrators, shall meet with law enforcement locally and at the county level to review safety and security procedures and policies at least once during the year. In the past, many important updates and practices have resulted from these meetings. 

There has been understandable concern regarding the status of the superintendent. Lynn Shugars, the district’s business administrator and the board secretary, is currently the acting superintendent, approved by the county and state. The board is exploring all options regarding the direction to go in the search for a new superintendent. As information and updates arise, I will be sure to share them in this column.

On Sept. 12, the district was very fortunate to host Dave Robinson, a former Moorestown High School (MHS) football player and Pro Football Hall of Famer for “Dave Robinson Night.” Many community residents, students and dignitaries came out for the event. Robinson also conducted two assemblies during the school day for MHS students, telling his story and motivating students for success. 

The Moorestown Business Association will hold its annual Autumn in Moorestown festivities on Saturday, Oct. 12. At the event, MoorArts will be sponsoring a student art show, so be sure to stop by. Also, as a reminder, the Moorestown Education Foundation will be holding its 18th annual golf outing on Oct. 7 and the Sean Fischel 5k and 1-mile walk will take place on Oct. 13.

The next regular board of education meeting will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15, in the William Allen Middle School media center. As always, do not hesitate to reach out to either the board as a whole, or myself, if you have any questions or need anything. I would be delighted to hear from you, and I hope to see you at a future meeting.

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The views and content in this column do not necessarily represent those of the Moorestown Board of Education as a whole or any other individual member.