Board of Education News & Notes

The Flemington-Raritan Regional Board of Education held a regular meeting on October 14, 2026. Below is a recap of the meeting:

• All motions were approved. Agenda
• Superintendent Dr. Clifford Burns, Board President Ryan Birkenstock and school administrators presented the 2026-2027 District, Board and School Goals, linked here.
• Curriculum & Instruction Director Tanya Lopez-Gonzalez and Anti-Bullying Coordinator and RFIS Assistant Principal Jason Borawski presented 2025-2026 School Self-Assessment for Determining Grades Under the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, linked here.
• Ms. Lopez-Gonzalez presented Incidents of Violence, Vandalism, Substance Use, Weapons, and Confirmed HIB Reporting Period 2: December 2025-June 2026, linked here (starting on slide 12).
• This meeting was livestreamed. Click to access Recordings of Board of Education meetings.

J.P. Case Middle School students Ava Beerman and Maksim Zhivkovikj led the Pledge of Allegiance to start the Board meeting. They also shared updates about happenings at J.P. Case Middle School, focusing on the work and efforts of the school's Animal Science Club. They were joined by club advisor Taylor Waldron.

The Board of Education recognized Francis A. Desmares School Principal Mr. Mark Masessa. Mr. Masessa, who has been an FRSD staff member for the last 30 years, has been named a Hunterdon County United Way Legacy of Youth Honoree. This recognition acknowledges Mr. Masessa for his leadership, service, and commitment to strengthening Hunterdon County and making a positive difference in the lives of local youth.

Mr. Masessa’s dedication to creating opportunities and providing meaningful support for children and families reflects the positive impact he has made both within our schools and throughout the community. Specifically, Mr. Masessa was instrumental in helping to bring United Way of Hunterdon County’s Pantries with Purpose program to Francis A. Desmares School. The in-school pantry, which opened in Spring 2026, provides students and families with discreet access to food, snacks, and personal care items. This partnership reflects his commitment to ensuring that students have what they need to feel cared for, supported, and ready to learn.

Mr. Masessa has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting and empowering young people throughout Hunterdon County. He will be honored at an awards ceremony on October 15.

The Board welcomed representatives from the United Way of Hunterdon County, who shared a few words about Mr. Masessa and his distinguished honor. The Board presented Mr. Masessa with a certificate of recognition and a very sweet and special gift thanks to a generous donation from the Fudge Shoppe in Flemington.

Superintendent Dr. Clifford Burns thanked the J.P. Case Middle School student speakers and teacher Taylor Waldron for the Animal Science Club presentation.

Dr. Burns recognized Francis A. Desmares School Principal Mark Masessa, who was named a Hunterdon County United Way Legacy of Youth Honoree, for his commitment to supporting local youth. He shared remarks highlighting Mr. Masessa's dedication to the community, specifically his work in helped to bring United Way’s Pantries with Purpose program to Desmares.

Dr. Burns also congratulated Copper Hill Elementary School and Reading-Fleming Intermediate School on earning Gold-Level Recognition through the New Jersey Safe Routes to School Program for their efforts to promote safe walking and bicycling. He shared highlights from recent PTO meetings, thanked parent volunteers for their continued partnership, and celebrated the district’s Week of Respect, which emphasized kindness, inclusion, and the impact of individual actions on school communities.

The report included an update on the November 3 bond referendum, with information from the September 30 community session available on the district’s referendum website. The next Town Hall is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, at 6:30 p.m. at J.P. Case Middle School, with an online option available.

Looking ahead, FRSD staff are preparing for the district’s NJQSAC review, with a county visit scheduled for January 13, and a presentation on NJSLA assessment data is planned for the November 18 Board meeting.

View the full report here.

The Board adopted the following revised regulations:

• R 2360 - Use of Technology
  
• R 2360.1 - Use of Technology Creating and Publishing Web Pages

All Board-approved policies and regulations are available online here.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 7 PM at J.P. Case Middle School. View the full schedule here.

Our Mission:

As a Community of One, WE:
Foster social, emotional, and academic growth within a connected learning community;
Respect, honor and embrace diverse family and community values by building collaborative partnerships;
Strengthen opportunities that nurture creative and critical thinkers;
Develop and inspire personal excellence.
Every Student - Every Day - Every Opportunity