Alumnus proposes memorial wall and expanded programs; board and mayor respond

John Riccardi Jr., a lifetime Secaucus resident and alumnus, asked the board to pursue a formal presentation and plan to build a memorial wall near the high-school football field listing deceased classes, teachers and administrators and to explore extracurricular offerings tied to action sports and nearby facilities. "I'm requesting a formal presentation now to look at building a memorial wall with a perpetual light listing all of the 50 classes..." Riccardi said.

Board member Bartletta said the district and town are working on a memorial wall near the concession stand by the high-school football field. The mayor and council also discussed town revenue measures that can support municipal services; officials noted the Board of Education lacks the same authority to raise revenue and relies on waivers and voter-approved referenda for larger revenue options.

Riccardi also urged the district to consider remote methods of participation (e.g., Zoom) to let more residents speak at meetings. Board leaders said remote participation was discontinued after the pandemic but that the district advertises meetings and posts video on the district website; they said the suggestion to restore live remote participation would be taken under consideration.