Rahway Board of Education Closes 2025 With Staff Farewells and Schoolwide Highlights
Final meeting of the year spotlights district celebrations, student programs, and an upcoming leadership departure.
December 17, 2025
Rahway’s Board of Education held its final meeting of 2025 Tuesday night, closing out the year with staff recognitions, holiday messages, and a series of updates highlighting student achievements and schoolwide celebrations across the district.
Dr. Tiffany Beer, the district’s Director of Curriculum and Instruction, was honored during the meeting ahead of her departure to accept an assistant superintendent position in another school district.
Board President Joseph Toma opened the meeting by wishing the community a happy and restful winter break and thanking staff, students, and residents for their continued work and support of the Rahway School District.
Superintendent Dr. Aleya Shoieb followed with a holiday message and an update on district goals. Committee members then shared reports on recent activities and celebrations taking place throughout the schools during December.
District leaders reminded families to monitor school lunch account balances, noting that unpaid balances have created a significant financial burden across multiple schools. Parents and guardians were encouraged to complete free and reduced lunch applications, which are available to help alleviate outstanding debts. Families needing assistance with the application process were advised to contact their child’s school directly.
Progress reports for all schools will be released on December 23, which will also be a half day for students districtwide, officials said.
Several schools also highlighted year-end winter events, including musical performances and spirit week activities, which were well-received by students.
Dr. Tiffany Beer, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Rahway School District, is departing for a new role as Assistant Superintendent of Schools in a separate district. (Courtesy of Rutgers Graduate School of Education)
At Rahway High School, administrators reported continued success with the school’s NBA program—short for Never Been Absent—which recognizes students who have maintained perfect attendance this school year and recently gained attention through a viral Instagram video. Improving attendance across the district has been a priority for Superintendent Dr. Shoeib, as show told The Central Jerseyan at the start of the school year. The high school is also hosting free ESL classes beginning in January in partnership with Literacy New Jersey, with both morning and evening sessions available.
High school students also participated in a virtual Parent Academy workshop, during which they pre-recorded presentations on course offerings to assist families with schedule planning for the 2026–2027 school year. Earlier this month, the school hosted another Parent Academy event focused on NCAA eligibility and scholarships, which drew strong attendance.
Rahway’s 7th and 8th Grade Academy is holding a winter-themed spirit week from December 15 through December 19, featuring coordinated outfit days, a grade-level color competition, festive attire, World Holiday Culture Day, and Pajama Day. The school also marked December 11 with a winter concert that drew positive feedback from students and attendees.
At Franklin Elementary School, staff and students participated in the annual Balloons Over Franklin Parade, a festive nod to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The school also hosted its Winter Instrumental Concert on December 3.
Madison Elementary School held its Winter Concert on December 8, which was attended by members of the school community.
Grover Cleveland Elementary School kicked off December with Operation Warm, a national nonprofit that partnered with the school to provide children with brand-new winter coats. The school also hosted a visit from Santa and a Winter Instrumental Concert. Its vocal concert is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, at 6:30 PM.
Roosevelt Elementary School continued its tradition of hosting an after-school reading of The Polar Express, organized by the Roosevelt PTA. The event offered crafts, interactive activities, hot cocoa, a snowball fight, and photos with Santa. The school also hosted a winter concert featuring first- and fourth-grade students and will hold its instrumental winter concert on Monday, December 22. Student artwork from Roosevelt Elementary is currently on display at the Rahway Public Library through January 15.
Following committee reports, the board heard a single public comment from a representative of the Rahway Education Association, who spoke positively about Dr. Beer’s contributions to the district and noted that she would be missed.
The next regular meeting of the Rahway Board of Education is scheduled for January 27. The public portion of the meeting will begin at 6 p.m., earlier than usual. While meetings typically open at 6 p.m. before entering a closed session, Mr. Toma announced that the January meeting will remain open to the public at that time for onboarding purposes and will not include a closed session. Residents may attend in person, typically at the 7th and 8th Grade Academy, or participate virtually.