The above resolution was introduced for passage at the March 25th, 2010 council meeting

NOTE: From Councilman Dan Spencer, March 22, 2010

Bill,

I believe in a recent article, you said it costs @$80,000 for benefits and/or Opt Out for the 7 members of the Governing Body.

At this point in time, I do not know the exact figure, but what I do know is that I DO NOT take the City benefits nor do I receive Opt Out in lieu of the benefits.

Also, at the recent Caucus meeting, the Mayor proposed we take a 20% reduction in our compensation. I also agreed to this.

I am sure the Mayor will be doing an article about the reduction for Mayor and Council.

Also, I am donating my $1,000 Council salary to the St. Mary School Development Fund. (well now $800, I will put up the other $200)

\”The teachers are always available to help you,\” said Farley, who is also the program’s student secretary.

Highland Park Principal Victoria Ernst praised Farley for her creativity and talent, adding that one of the student’s paintings currently hangs in her office.

Haylee Courant, a sixth grader at Mary Ethel Costello School, spoke about some of the programs there. She has enjoyed her time at Costello School, and will take many fond memories with her when she begins junior high school next year. Courant said her favorite activities are drawing and playing softball.

\”She is one of our most well-rounded students,\” Principal Ken Wagstaff said.

Second grader Alina Matejkowski, 8, spoke about upcoming events planned for the children at Cold Springs School.

Matejkowski, who also plays the violin, gave a very articulate speech about events at Cold Springs.

Gloucester City High School Senior Brandon Labbree read his winning essay from the VFW Voice of Democracy contest, as did Krystal Underwood, the junior high winner of the Patriot’s Pen competition.

Members of VFW Post 3620 were on hand to present both Labbree and Underwood with sweatshirts and checks in reward of their outstanding ac-hievement.

Spaventa praised GHS science teacher Mark Lattanzio for his work with students in his \”Mad Science\” lab, a program he put together to get students interested in learning about science.

\”Mad Science\” was included on New Jersey Network’s Classroom Close-up show, which highlights ac-hievements in education throughout the state.

Spaventa showed Board members and those in attendance a portion of the program, which featured Lattanzio and several of his students.

During the public forum, resident and Cold Springs parent Margaret Donahue shared her concerns about the parking and traffic situation along Cold Springs Drive when children are being dropped off and picked up.

Board President Louisa Llewellyn suggested Donahue contact the Gloucester City Police, adding that maybe a crossing guard could be placed at the location to ensure student safety at those hectic times.

The Board will meet again at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 25, for a caucus session, and the next regular meeting will be Tuesday, March 30, at 7 p.m. in the GHS media center.

The 2010 School Board Election will be Tuesday, April 20, from 2 to 9 p.m. Voters will be choosing members to fill four seats—three three-year terms and one two-year term.