Dear SBS Community,

It is a busy (and exciting!) time here at SBS as we prepare to celebrate a major milestone in the history of our school and community.

Construction is nearly complete on the vibrant and modern building addition, and it will be ready for our Tigers to make new memories inside and outside the classroom.

We are delighted to invite you to a ribbon-cutting ceremony and building tours on Wednesday, Aug. 27. Tours will be offered at two times - at 11 a.m. and following the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. The events are open to the entire community. Attendees can enjoy light refreshments.

At last year’s groundbreaking ceremony, I reflected on the many years of planning behind the construction project. Now the building is ready to serve current and future SBS students and maintain the excellence that the community expects from its school.

More opportunities inside the APR

The new building has an All-Purpose Room (APR), which will serve primarily as a cafeteria and to provide flexibility for other uses as needed. This solves the scheduling challenges of our original gym having to function as a cafeteria, auditorium and multipurpose space for all pre-K-8 students.

The current gym/stage facility will still be used for physical education classes and during the school day, in addition to other uses such as sports practice and drama club performances.

Striping gives the space a clean look to make it “home” for our Tigers!

Help us congratulate our own Tiger, Teddy Huthwaite, who earned second place in the fourth-grade category for Monmouth County’s Semiquincentennial Poetry Contest!

The MonmouthNJ 250 Committee hosted the contest to raise awareness about America’s Semiquincentennial in 2026. Students in grades 3-5 throughout the county were invited to write a poem reflecting on what patriotism means to them.

“My poem was about patriotism and the American dream,” said Teddy. “I think people can take small steps that can lead to big changes.”

When she learned she had won, Teddy was ecstatic. “I jumped on the couch and did my happy dance!”

She was also honored at a recent Board of County Commissioners’ meeting. Her poem will be highlighted along with those of other contest winners throughout the Semiquincentennial celebration.

Way to go, Teddy!

Get to know the SBS Board of Education

The SBS Board of Education continually strives to enhance Shrewsbury Borough School through the establishment of policies, goals and objectives for the school district and represents the concerns of the community to the school administration. It also sets educational goals, promotes student and staff wellness, and advocates for students.

Through this newsletter, we have highlighted many of our board members, and we are proud to cap it off with Mrs. Barber.

In Q&A format, learn more about BOE Member Mrs. Carolyn Barber!

How long have you served on the board of education?

I am currently serving my fourth and final term on the board of education. That will be 12 years all together at the end of this year. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time on the board, and it has been an honor to serve our students, parents, teachers and community.

I am especially proud of all the improvements our school has made during my tenure.

What do you do professionally?

I am a licensed New Jersey real estate agent. I also work part time at Riverview Medical Center, and I freelance in film development. I graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Communications.

My background is in TV and film production, with a work history that includes MTV Networks, 20th Century Fox and Universal Studios in New York and Los Angeles. I have also worked as actor/director, Diane Keaton's executive assistant/development executive and Jon Stewart’s estate manager.

Tell us about your children.

I have two boys. Dominick is 19 and is entering his sophomore year as a nursing student at San Diego State University. Luke will be beginning his sophomore year at Red Bank Regional in the Engineering Academy.

Why did you run for the board of education?

I originally ran for the board after the Sandy Hook school shootings. I wanted to make sure our school was safe and secure and that the students and teachers had everything they needed to be productive and successful. We quickly approved the current security lobby and visitor log-in system during my first year on the board.

Which committees do you serve on?

I was previously Vice President and have served on every committee during my tenure, in addition to being a member of the Sunshine Committee. Currently, I serve on the Personnel and Finance and Facility Committees.

How have you helped make a difference at SBS?

I have been instrumental in improving arts education and extracurriculars. I lobbied for organic snacks and milk in the school and also helped customize the Maschio’s school lunch program for SBS which we plan to relaunch now that we have a dedicated lunch space. To do that, I spearheaded a community meeting with other BOE members to learn about the preferences and needs of students and parents.

When I served as School and Community Relations chair, I sent out a quarterly newsletter and ran the yearly VIP lunch program. I also was Chair of the Assembly Committee and welcomed back a program where Holocaust speakers visited SBS and presented to our seventh and eighth graders.

What were your top priorities for the previous school year?

My top priorities were making sure the referendum construction project finished on time and on budget, and finding new ways to communicate effectively with the community.

How long have you lived in Shrewsbury?

I have been a resident of Shrewsbury for almost 20 years.

Your voice matters! Attending board meetings can be a crucial component toward the foundational growth of a community's future. The responsibility of the SBS board relies on feedback to continue representing the concerns of our community, keeping a check on the educational needs of our students, and creating policies to ensure SBS runs smoothly.

Every board meeting allows time for public comment and participation, and we encourage you to make your voice heard at any upcoming meeting to learn and be an active member of the Shrewsbury community.

Join us during this month's meeting: Wednesday, August 20 at 7 p.m.

In addition, join us next month for an inside look at the role of a board member presented by Tim Teehan of the New Jersey School Boards Association.

His presentation will begin at 5 p.m. Sept. 17 (prior to the executive session), and the regular board meeting will begin at 7 p.m.