Annual & Legal Notices

Long Branch Public Schools is committed to transparency, equity, and compliance with federal and state laws. Each year, we provide required annual notices to ensure that students, families, and staff are informed of their rights and responsibilities. These notices are designed to protect the rights of our school community and ensure that Long Branch Public Schools provides a safe, inclusive, and supportive educational environment for all.

If you have any questions regarding these notices, or if you require accommodations to access this information, please contact:

Jena Valdiviezo, Title IX Coordinator
Long Branch Public Schools
540 Broadway
Long Branch, NJ 07740
(732) 571-2868, ext. 40030

Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity

Federal Non-Discrimination Notice

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION PRACTICES:
The Board of Education shall provide equal and bias-free access for all students to all school facilities, courses, programs and services, regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, disability or socioeconomic status.

No qualified handicapped or disabled person shall, on the basis of handicap or disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in activity or vocational opportunities sponsored by the Board of Education.

The following persons have been designated to handle inquires/complaints regarding non-discrimination policies:

Affirmative Action Officer: Jena Valdiviezo Ed.D., 732-571-2868, Ext. 40035
Title IX Coordinator: Jena Valdiviezo Ed.D., 732-571-2868, Ext. 40035
Section 504 Compliance Officer: JanetLynn Dudick, Ph.D., 732-571-2868, Ext. 40610

District Policy - 1530 - EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES (M)

Accessibility Statement

Long Branch Public Schools is committed to making our website accessible to all visitors, including individuals with disabilities. We strive to ensure that our digital content complies with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA, and that it remains usable by everyone. If you experience any difficulty accessing information on our site, or if you require an accommodation, please contact: Jena Valdiviezo, Title IX Coordinator, 540 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ 07740, (732) 571-2868, jvaldiviezo@longbranch.k12.nj.us

District Policy - 1511 - BOARD OF EDUCATION WEBSITE ACCESSIBILITY (M)

Program of Study - Equal Opportunity Statement(s)

Student and Parental Rights

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act( FERPA)

Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)

Child Find / Special Education

Long Branch Public Schools is committed to supporting the success of every child. Through a process called Child Find, we work to identify children who may need extra help with their learning and development — even before they enter school.

What is Child Find?
Child Find is a federal and state requirement under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It ensures that all children, from birth through age 21, who may need special education services are located, identified, and evaluated — at no cost to families.

Who is it for?

Children not yet in school whose parents or caregivers have concerns about speech, language, or general development.
Preschool-aged children who may need extra support to get ready for kindergarten.
School-aged students (including those who are homeschooled or attend private schools in Long Branch) who may be experiencing difficulty with learning, behavior, or development.

Why is it important?
Early identification makes a big difference. The sooner a child’s needs are recognized, the sooner they can receive the services and supports to help them thrive in school and in life.

What should parents do?
If your child has not started school yet and you have concerns about their language or overall development, please call the Office of Pupil Personnel Services at:

732-571-2868 Ext. 40610

Additional Material(s)

Parental Rights in Special Education (PRISE) handbook link

Public Notices of Standardized Testing Schedules

New Jersey school districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects are required by statute (N.J.S.A. 18A: 7C-6.6) to annually notify parents or guardians by October 1 of any statewide student assessment or commercially-developed standardized assessment that will be administered over the course of the school year. If after October 1, it is decided that an additional commercially-developed standardized assessment will be administered, then the information shall be shared with parents as soon as possible (within 30 days of receipt of final reports for statewide assessments).

2026-2026 Statewide Student/Commercially-Developed Standardized Assessments

Emergency Remote Instruction Plan

Long Branch Public Schools has developed a Virtual/Remote Instruction Plan to ensure learning continues if schools are closed due to a public health emergency, weather-related event, or other situation where in-person instruction cannot take place.

Key Points of the Plan:

Equity & Access: All students will have access to instruction, including devices and internet connectivity where needed.
Instructional Continuity: Teachers will provide meaningful lessons aligned to grade-level standards through digital platforms and resources.
Attendance & Participation: Student attendance will be monitored daily. Participation in lessons and completion of assignments will count toward attendance.
Support Services: Special education, English language learner supports, counseling, and related services will continue through virtual means whenever possible.
Communication: Families will receive updates through district email, phone messages, the district website, and school communication apps.
Meals & Nutrition: If schools are closed for an extended period, the district will continue to provide access to school meals for eligible students.

Why is this important?
New Jersey law requires every district to maintain a plan for remote instruction. This ensures that up to 180 school days can be met even if in-person schooling is disrupted, so students’ education is not interrupted.

Click Here

McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act

In accordance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, our district is committed to ensuring that all children and youth experiencing homelessness have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as other students.

A child or youth is considered homeless if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This may include living in shelters, motels, cars, campgrounds, temporary foster care, or sharing housing with others due to economic hardship.

Students experiencing homelessness have the right to:

Enroll in school immediately, even without required documents.
Remain in their school of origin, with transportation provided if needed.
Access school meals, Title I services, and all programs and activities available to other students.

The district’s Homeless Liaison helps identify eligible students, assists families with enrollment, and ensures students receive the supports they need to succeed.

District Homeless Liaison: Tara Puleio, Chief Academic Officer, 732-571-2868 Ext. 40070

District Policy - 5116 - EDUCATION OF HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTHS

HIB (Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying)

Our district prohibits all forms of harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) on school property, at school-sponsored events, on school buses, and—when it impacts the school environment—off school grounds, including cyberbullying, pursuant to the NJ Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act (N.J.S.A. 18A:37-14 et seq.). The policy defines HIB, outlines student behavior expectations, and establishes clear reporting, investigation, and response procedures. Reports may be made to the Principal (including via the HIB 338 Form); investigations begin within one school day, are led by the Anti-Bullying Specialist, and are typically completed within 10 school days, with written parent notifications to follow.

The policy details consequences and remedial actions for students and adults, prohibits retaliation and false reports, and requires training, prevention programs (including the Week of Respect), and ongoing school climate work by the Anti-Bullying Coordinator, Anti-Bullying Specialists, and School Safety/Climate Teams. The district posts required HIB grades and provides semiannual public reports, and coordinates with law enforcement when warranted.

HIB Grades: Please Click Here

District Anti-Bullying Coordinator: Marissa Fornicola, 732-571-2868 ext. 40211

Website

District Policy - 5512 - HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION,OR BULLYING (M)

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Report Card & Annual Notification

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a federal law that requires each state and school district to share information with families and the public about how schools are performing. This information is published each year in a document called the ESSA School Performance Report or ESSA Report Card.

What does it include?
The ESSA Report Card gives parents and the community a clear picture of how well schools are serving students. It typically includes:

Student Achievement – test scores in subjects like English and Math.
Graduation Rates – the percentage of students who graduate on time.
Student Growth – how much progress students are making year to year.
English Language Learners – progress for students learning English.
School Climate & Safety – attendance, suspensions, and other indicators.
Accountability Ratings – how schools are meeting state and federal goals.

District Report

Parents’ Right to Know
Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), parents/guardians of students in Title I schools have the right to request information about the professional qualifications of their child’s teachers. This includes details such as state certification status, grade/subject areas the teacher is certified to teach, and whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or provisional status.

Parents' Right To Know Letter

Health & Safety

School Wellness Policy

Our district is committed to supporting student health and wellness in accordance with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. Policy 8505 outlines goals for nutrition promotion, nutrition education, physical activity, and other school-based activities that encourage lifelong healthy habits. Each school implements programs such as nutrition presentations, wellness week activities, healthier menu options, and opportunities for physical activity.

The policy also sets standards for all foods and beverages sold in schools, requires annual progress reports, and ensures community involvement through a District Wellness Committee. Oversight is provided by designated Wellness Policy Coordinators at both the school and district levels.

District Policy - 8505 - SCHOOL NUTRITION

Drinking Water Test Results

Long Branch Public Schools is committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment for all students and staff. As part of this commitment, the district conducts annual testing of drinking water outlets in all school buildings for the presence of lead.

Why do we test?
Lead can sometimes be found in plumbing and fixtures. Even small amounts of lead in drinking water can be harmful, especially for young children. By testing regularly, we ensure that our water is safe and that any issues are identified and addressed quickly.

How does it work?

Water samples are collected from drinking fountains, sinks, and other outlets used for drinking or food preparation.
Certified laboratories analyze the samples to determine if lead levels are above the state’s action level (15 parts per billion).
If any outlet exceeds this limit, it is immediately taken out of service until it can be remediated or replaced.

Transparency and Results
In accordance with New Jersey regulations (N.J.A.C. 6A:26-12.4), all results are publicly posted on the district website. Families receive letters whenever exceedances occur, along with information on steps taken to correct the issue.

Our Commitment
Annual testing and prompt remediation are part of our ongoing efforts to keep students and staff safe. Long Branch Public Schools will continue to prioritize the health of our community by maintaining safe, high-quality drinking water in every building.

District Water Testing Results

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

In compliance with the New Jersey School Integrated Pest Management Act, Long Branch Public Schools has adopted an Integrated Pest Management Policy. The policy is designed to implement a comprehensive approach to managing pests in schools that reduces exposure to pesticides and promotes safe, healthy learning environments.

The policy requires that the district provide annual notification to all parents and staff regarding pest management practices and pesticide use. Copies of the full IPM Policy are available for review in the main office of each school.

The following person has been designated as the District IPM Coordinator and is responsible for overseeing all pest management activities:

District IPM Coordinator: Ann Coyle Degnan, MBA, CEFM, Assistant School Business Administrator for Facilities, 732-571-2868 ext. 40710

If it becomes necessary to use a pesticide (other than a low-impact pesticide), parents/guardians and staff will receive notification at least 72 hours in advance. Notice will also be posted at the treatment site.

District Policy - 7422 - SCHOOL INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN (M)

Radon Testing

Long Branch Public Schools is dedicated to ensuring that all students and staff learn in a safe and healthy environment. As part of this commitment, the district conducts radon testing in school buildings in accordance with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) regulations and N.J.A.C. 6A:26-12.2(n), which requires schools to test for radon at least once every five years.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that comes from the ground. It is colorless and odorless, and while most buildings have low levels, higher concentrations can sometimes be found indoors. Because long-term exposure may present health risks, schools are required to test periodically to ensure safe levels.

If test results show levels above the EPA action level (4.0 pCi/L), the district takes immediate steps to address the issue and reduce levels. All results are available for review, and families will be notified of any findings and corrective actions.

District Test Results

AHERA Notification

Right-to-Know / Chemical Safety Information

User-friendly Budget Summary

In accordance with New Jersey Department of Education requirements, our district provides annual User-Friendly Budgets to ensure transparency and easy access to financial information. These reports present the adopted school district budget in a clear format for parents, staff, and community members, highlighting revenues, expenditures, and district priorities for each school year.

Below you will find the most recent budget documents, including the 2025–2026 School District Budget and prior years for reference.

2025 - 2026 School District Budget

2024 - 2025 School District Budget revised

2024 - 2025 School District Budget

2023 - 2024 School District Budget

2022 - 2023 School District Budget

2021 - 2022 School District Budget

2020 - 2021 School District Budget