On Thursday, Sept. 18, the Marlboro Board of Education discussed potential recycling methods for unusable technology.

“There are a few companies that are interested in the equipment. They’re supposed to quote us. I have not put back on them yet, and we were also waiting for this evening to actually surplus the equipment,” said Michael Bakatsias, Assistant Superintendent for technology, “So that’s our first step for this. A lot of it is like Chromebook parts.”

Bakatsias explained how they use Advanced Recovery for recycling technology, claiming that they are “very ethical.” If potential companies do not bid on the material, the next step is to put it out for public purchase for seven to ten days, with the opportunity to set up appointments to view the equipment beforehand.

With that being a possibility, Bakatsias is hopeful that they will get a bid on the material.

Student representative, Gwen Benninger, gave insight into how her fellow students are feeling about the new “Bell-to-Bell” ban that has now taken effect.

“I feel that it’s benefiting all of us, even though, we were all upset at the beginning, I understand I was upset, and then being in the classroom and not having it on me, it’s so much easier, because if it’s there, it’s there, you can just go on it. But when it’s not there, you either pay attention or stare at the wall,” Benninger said. “I know people feel different about it, but I feel like when they know by the end of the year that it’s just only for the good of them, they’re gonna wind up being happy about it.”

Patricia Benninger brought up the idea of looking into different statistics regarding the number of counselor referrals within the district because of the new cell phone ban.

“If they [counselors] see a decrease in the referrals they get for our students that are so emotionally stressed out and anxious due to them constantly being on their phones,” member Benninger said. “Suicides up over 200% these statistics are outlandish and, not all, but a lot of the roads lead back to this social media.”

Rydell stated that it would be interesting to look into, but would stay confidential.

The September Students of the Month were recognized for their “outstanding” behavior and representation of each school: Elementary – Kimberly Medina; Middle School – Celeine Qaqish; and High School – Grant Bell.

Resident and mother, Katie Wallace stood up during the public comment section to address a concern to the board.

“We need our teachers in the classroom. They are the front line of education in this school or in this district. You guys [the teachers] are the ones that our children come home and talk about. You are the ones they look up to,” Wallace said. “We need them happy. Investing in them is investing in our kids. They are who comes first, ultimately, and that’s what needs to be. The focus is keeping our kids educated, so I implore the board to please make them happy, give them what they want.”