The Howell Township Council recently recognized and commended contributions by the Howell K-8 School District Board of Education and the Freehold Regional High School District Board of Education to Howell, and proclaimed 2021 as School Recognition Year in Howell.
According to a council resolution, the state’s 5,000 school board members serve as advocates for public education as they work with administrators, teachers, parents and residents. Council members said they are proud of the academic, athletic and social achievements of Howell’s students.
The New Jersey School Boards Association declared January 2021 to be School Board Recognition Month.
Al Miller, president of the Monmouth County School Boards Association for the New Jersey School Boards Association and vice president of the Howell Board of Education, said, “Over this past year during this pandemic, our school board members, central office administrators, teachers, bus drivers, custodians and many, many other staff members have been working hard to provide the excellent education Howell is known for, from its K-8 district to its high school district. This (council) resolution shows the partnership and support between your municipal government and your local K-8 and (high school) districts.”
Howell Mayor Theresa Berger wants to re-establish a citizens advisory committee in the municipality. She said the panel should be able to ensure projects that are going forward in town are projects residents believe are good for Howell and not just occurring for the benefit of developers and/or politically connected individuals.
Berger said a citizens advisory committee was in place some years ago and said she wants to revisit the issue.
“I look to (members of the Township Council) and hopefully that they support our community and residents of Howell to have a voice,” the mayor said.
Township Attorney Joseph Clark said a municipal ordinance provides for a citizens advisory committee to the Planning Board. He said Berger could move to re-establish the committee.