More than two dozen people, most of them Holmdel High School students, came to Wednesday's Board of Education meeting at the Satz School to endorse instructor David Kaiserman for tenure.
Word had gotten around that the TV instructor had not been recommended by the administration for tenure, and would not be reappointed to his position. Anyone who is not to be renewed for employment is placed on notice by April 30.
On May 16, the nine-member board is scheduled to vote upon the superintendent's recommendation of several categories of non-tenured staff for reappointment (including, but not limited to non-tenured teachers and special education monitors).
The students hoped their heartfelt pleas could sway the board members before the board meeting vote.
President of the Holmdel TV & Film Society, Jennifer Pomarico, delivered a petition she said was signed by more than 300 students stating they would like Kaiserman to keep his position.
Television and Film Society Vice-President Georgia Muchen, a junior, said, "If I was going to talk about all the things Mr. Kaiserman has taught me I'd be here for four days."
Mary Marchese's son Nick wants to pursue broadcasting in college, thanks to Kaiserman. She asked the board to reconsider the administration's recommendation when they prepare to vote. "I've never seen my son so thrilled to go to school each day," she said. She asked the board members to listen to the kids and "feel it in your heart."
Several students spoke about the television production team's success when it won the bronze Telly Award for a news segment and first place in the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey’s “U Got Brains” public service announcement contest last year.
Board President Barbara Garrity thanked the students for their comments.
