It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Shrewsbury Castle gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Shrewsbury, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I have been working for Always Best care for 1.6 years and my experience has”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding!”
“My working experience with Always best care has been a blessings and a life changing.”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them.”
“The dementia class was very helpful,I learned about it ,it was good to know.Thank you”
“I enjoyed learning and understanding the pros and cons of dementia How deal and coupe”
“Good”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind,”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college,”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides.”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They”
“I have been working for Always Best care for 1.6 years and my experience has been nothing but amazing. Although there are some hiccups here and there with cancellation of confirmed shift but regardless, it’s been a pleasure and good experience working for the company.”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding! And extra thanks to Carli, who always came through when we needed backup. Many thanks to the ABC team for all the care you gave to my husband Al H. through 3 years of Parkinson's suffering, and the support you gave me through a hard time.”
“My working experience with Always best care has been a blessings and a life changing. Always best care have been a blessings also to my friends have introduce to the company”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them.”
“The dementia class was very helpful,I learned about it ,it was good to know.Thank you”
“I enjoyed learning and understanding the pros and cons of dementia How deal and coupe with the everyday and new behaviors How to help assist respect and enjoy every day life with clients How to help and assist with maintaining their respect. Dignity individuality their purpose of life”
“Good”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind, attentive, and provided excellent care tailored to our family’s needs. Communication was clear and supportive throughout. We’re so grateful for their compassion and professionalism. Highly recommend them for anyone seeking trusted senior home care in the area!”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to support staff, they are exceptional”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING ALZ AND STAGE IV PANCREATIC CANCER. QUALITY OF CARE TAKER WAS SUPERB AND RESPONSIVENESS TO CHANGING NEEDS PERFECT.”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was very lucid and managed his own care with the agency, I was at his house alot and participated in his care with the aids. They were all very caring and he kindly spoke of the owners being very attentive and offered very personalized care. They even visited him. I am very fond of many of the home health aids..they were loving and concerned. They took their job to another level. I even formed friendships with some of them. The golden years are a very delicate part of our lives. Always best care not only offered good physical care to my father, but unbounded love and compassion !!!! Thank you and he is looking down at us. I'm sure.”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was to die in her home. I can’t say enough about how ABC was able to give her a quality of life that she valued as well as provide comfort to her family knowing that she was in good hands with ABC's Caregivers. From the caregivers that always went the extra mile to the fast response we got 24x7 from folks like Carli…you were there for us!”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to care for herself for that night. I called Always Best Care Senior Services (ABC) at the very end of the business day, asking if they could find someone for one night of 12-hour private duty care on pretty much an emergency basis. The ABC team went to work and secured a caregiver for mom within a matter of hours for an 8pm-to-8am care shift at mom's senior living community. We had worked with ABC in the past on a scheduled basis, but this experience was above and beyond the call of regular duty and it truly helped us get through a difficult and stressful episode. We would recommend ABC for any and all of your senior care needs.”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father in day to day activities. Sam helps him with gait training and understands dementia care and how to handle care, the way the client needs it. I would not hesitate using this agency and Sam is excellent.”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college, and they always provided me an aide that is helpful, considerate, and hardworking. Thank you for always providing me with an aide like Ms. Colleta!!”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He was God sent; thank God for him”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides. Thank you again!”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she is paid! I miss her. Her help was timely, professional, and invaluable”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had professional help. Tremendous your service”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The management met with us and assigned caregivers almost immediately. As our needs evolved and increased, they were responsive and flexible. The caregivers were well-trained, kind, hard-working, and truly fine people whom we enjoyed having in the house.”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up the good work, and be safe!”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and concern that was shown for my husband by the Always Best Care staff. Thank you for the exceptional attention to his comfort, as well as the wonderful insights, strength, knowledge, and emotional support you showed our entire family. Watching someone you love make the transition out of this life is a really difficult thing, and your wisdom and comfort helped us navigate this challenging time. I will always be thankful for the service you provided for him. I would also like to acknowledge the excellent care provided to my husband by Ms. Marie Louisjean. We thank Ms. Louisjean for her incredible patience, tenderness, and attention to his needs. We thank her for being such a dedicated caregiver. God has given her a very special talent and He has blessed her with a compassionate heart. I could not have asked for a more passionate group of people. May God continue to bless the Always Best Care staff as you continue to care for people in need.”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They came out to his house and offered suggestions so that he would be able to get around with his walker easily. Their person took great care of my Dad. It is such a relief to my sister and I that we had someone stay with my Dad that was so reliable. I highly recommend them.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting The Quarry with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Willy's Steakhouse Grill Sushi Bar or visit Shrewsbury Abbey, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Shrewsbury, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Shrewsbury, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Shrewsbury, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
At Wonder Shrewsbury, customers can try plates from chefs and restaurants around the country. See details: Sara Winick, Patch Staff|Updated Tue, Jun 17, 2025 at 4:45 pm ETSHREWSBURY, NJ — Not sure what to get for dinner? A new food hall opening in Shrewsbury is looking to help you decide.Wonder, located at 490 Shrewsbury Plaza, is set to ho...
Sara Winick, Patch Staff
|Updated Tue, Jun 17, 2025 at 4:45 pm ET
SHREWSBURY, NJ — Not sure what to get for dinner? A new food hall opening in Shrewsbury is looking to help you decide.
Wonder, located at 490 Shrewsbury Plaza, is set to host its grand opening on Thursday, June 19. The restaurant aims to “revolutionize” the food industry by creating a mealtime super app that operates a collection of delivery-first restaurants.
Featuring chefs such as Bobby Flay, Jose Andres, Nancy Silverton, Marcus Samuelsson and more, alongside award-winning restaurants like Tejas Barbeque and Di Fara Pizza, Wonder customers can experience any combination of these chefs and restaurants all together in one order.
Everything is made-to-order at a Wonder storefront and delivered to your door in under 30 minutes, officials said. Pick-up and limited dining options are also available.
At the Shrewsbury location, available restaurants will include:
"We're excited to be expanding in New Jersey by bringing Wonder to Shrewsbury to offer multiple cuisines and dishes in one order!" said Jason Rusk, EVP of Restaurant Operations. "We’re grateful for the warm welcome, and we look forward to making mealtime easy with delicious, crave-worthy food for the Shrewsbury community."
The grand opening for the new location will begin at 4:30 p.m. on June 19 with a ribbon-cutting, which will be followed by doors opening at 5 p.m. The first 100 customers will get an exclusive Wonder gift.
Once the restaurant opens, hours will be from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Delivery is available to the following zip codes:
In addition to Wonder’s new Shrewsbury location, Wonder also has New Jersey locations in Brick, Westfield, Hoboken, Springfield, Midland Park, Cresskill, Ledgewood, Teterboro, New Providence, Livingston, Parsippany, Randolph, Green Brook, Middletown, Cherry Hill and Woodbridge.
This will be Wonder's 17th Wonder opening in New Jersey, having opened in 16 additional locations throughout the last two years.
To order from Wonder Shrewsbury, you can click here. Wonder Shrewsbury is located at 490 Shrewsbury Plaza, Shrewsbury.
Editor's Note: This article has been updated with a quote from Jason Rusk, EVP of Restaurant Operations.
Zain Akhtar, a freshman at MAST, was chosen alongside junior Laila Caramanica to serve as New Jersey delegates at the conference.SHREWSBURY, NJ — A high school freshman from Shrewsbury Township has been selected by Rutgers University as an NJ delegate to the 2025 World Food Prize Global Youth Institute Conference, which will take place in October in Des Moines, Iowa.Zain Akhtar was chosen alongside ...
SHREWSBURY, NJ — A high school freshman from Shrewsbury Township has been selected by Rutgers University as an NJ delegate to the 2025 World Food Prize Global Youth Institute Conference, which will take place in October in Des Moines, Iowa.
Zain Akhtar was chosen alongside Laila Caramanica (a junior from Ocean Township) as state delegates for the conference. Both Akhtar and Caramanica are students at the Marine Academy of Science & Technology (MAST).
Prior to being chosen, the competition required students to research a specific issue related to world hunger, develop a comprehensive paper addressing the problem and propose viable solutions.
Delegates then presented and defended their work before a panel of expert judges, demonstrating their understanding and commitment to tackling global food challenges.
For Akhtar’s paper, he explored Pakistan’s water crisis and its wide-ranging impact.
“Water is becoming dangerously scarce, affecting agriculture, health, and education,” he said. “Solutions like rainwater harvesting and NASA’s satellite tools could help, but it will take collaboration.”
In Caramanica’s paper, she focused her research on how poverty and unemployment fuel food insecurity in South Africa.
“I wanted to spotlight how expanding education can strengthen both the economy and underserved communities,” she said. “Hopefully, we can address these issues and forge a better future together.”
The students presented their papers to a panel of judges, where they defended their research and proposed solutions — a process that determined their selection as delegates.
“As the Marine and Environmental Science Club advisor, I’m incredibly proud of Laila and Zain,” said MAST science teacher Clare Ng. “Their work shows a deep understanding of global challenges and a commitment to meaningful solutions. Their recognition as Borlaug Scholars reflects both their hard work and the strength of the MAST community.”
The education at MAST focuses on rigorous STEM classes and classes in marine sciences and global awareness. It is considered one of the Monmouth County Vocational School District's "career academies," which aim to prepare students for the workforce immediately after graduation.
Other Monmouth County Career Academies include the Academy of Allied Health and Science, Academy of Law and Public Safety, Biotechnology High School, Communications High School and High Technology High School.
Parents and staff took to the floor at a recent meeting to raise concerns about teacher retention rates and call for more transparency.SHREWSBURY, NJ — Parents, staff and community members filled Shrewsbury Borough School (SBS) for a Board of Education meeting in late June to call for more transparency from school officials and to raise concerns about the school’s teacher retention rates.The meeting, which took place in the school auditorium on ...
SHREWSBURY, NJ — Parents, staff and community members filled Shrewsbury Borough School (SBS) for a Board of Education meeting in late June to call for more transparency from school officials and to raise concerns about the school’s teacher retention rates.
The meeting, which took place in the school auditorium on Wednesday, June 18, heard concerns from current staff members, parents and even some students.
Emily Cuervo, a fourth-grade teacher at SBS, started the night by accepting an award for SBS’s Governor Educator of the Year.
During her acceptance speech, Cuervo took the time to applaud Kate Hoppe, who was named as the school’s 2025 Service Professional of the Year.
Though Hoppe was named for the award, she revealed that she will not be returning to SBS next year due to her position being cut.
“When I first met you, I instantly liked you,” Cuervo told Hoppe during her speech. “You were genuine, hardworking and deeply committed to making a difference. You stepped into your role as reading specialist with purpose and pride – a role you would hope to carry you all the way through to retirement. And you did it with excellence from the start.”
“Unfortunately, we will not have the privilege of your continued presence to ensure [your] work continues,” Cuervo continued. “...We’re all better off for having worked alongside you, and worse off for losing you. Your legacy here is one of kindness, excellence and quiet, powerful leadership.”
During her acceptance speech, Hoppe spoke about the significance of receiving this award and what the honor means to her. Though she appreciated the recognition, Hoppe went on to say that she’d be remiss if she didn’t acknowledge the “difficult and complex situation and reality” surrounding it.
“Shortly after receiving this honor, I was informed that the Board of Education would not be renewing my employment,” Hoppe said. “To say that this was disappointing would be an understatement.”
“It is difficult to reconcile being recognized for excellence while simultaneously being asked to step away from it,” Hoppe continued. “I want to be clear: I understand that organizations evolve, that budgets change, and that difficult decisions must be made. Still, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that it didn’t hurt. It’s hard not to feel the contradiction.”
Throughout the public comment portions of the meeting, community members took to the floor to voice their support for SBS staff and call on administration to provide more transparency around staff retention rates and the budgeting process.
Christopher Martinetti, an SBS parent with a son in first grade, spoke about the anxiety associated with limited transparency from the school on recent budgeting decisions. Though he understands that there are existing budget constraints, Martinetti said it’s hard to navigate why teachers are leaving without understanding what those constraints are.
“I just listened to someone talking about being a teacher here and they’re no longer with us,” Martinetti said. “That person’s an asset to our education. If you want something to run well, you don’t let your greatest asset walk out the door.”
Another parent, Kristin Spitale, questioned what was going on behind the scenes at the school, raising concerns about educators resigning and how SBS students are doing in comparison to those at other schools.
“Let me be clear: I have served on boards before. It can sometimes be a thankless job,” Spitale said. “As a board member, you are sometimes a target of rants and raves of people who are unhappy with this, that, and the other thing. But if you are honest and transparent with them, they will often understand.”
“The problem I’m hearing in Shrewsbury is a vast lack of transparency,” Spitale continued. “I understand that privacy for certain matters is important, but we cannot use that as a veil to hide other matters for which the public should be privy."
During the meeting, Superintendent Brent MacConnell told attendees that while the school never wants to cut staffing positions, they’ve had to make “strategic decisions to address budget gaps.”
According to MacConnell, three positions were eliminated for this year, and a total of seven teachers have resigned for the 2024-25 school year as of Friday. Meeting attendees say resignations have been ongoing since 2021.
“We make decisions that we believe will be the least disruptive to students’ educational experiences,” MacConnell said.
He went on to explain that as the school makes these changes, they’ve asked some teachers to adjust their roles for next year, which could mean teaching a different subject or grade level within their certifications.
“We appreciate teachers’ flexibility to work where our school needs them the most at this time,” MacConnell said. “When we work together, it contributes to a healthy district that best serves students and retains as many staff members as possible.”
As potential solutions to community concerns, many called on the board and school administration to take action, with requests such as:
In an email statement sent to Patch, Board of Education President Jessica Groom said the district instituted a climate survey last year to provide “a comprehensive, evidence-based view of how students, staff, and families experience the school environment,” including areas such as safety, relationships, engagement, and overall support. The survey results can be found here.
In response to requests for anonymous feedback from current and former staff, Groom said there is no additional anonymous survey provided, as the school encourages staff to engage directly with the administration.
Groom went on to say that the school feels this is “the quickest and most effective way to give feedback and resolve any potential issues.” She added that the administration does not see a need for an independent superintendent evaluation at this time.
“The Board of Education, made up of Shrewsbury residents, understands the concerns of their neighbors. Budget constraints and staffing cuts are never easy to navigate,” Groom said. “These decisions, however, were made to ensure the continued strength and stability of SBS – not just for today, but for the next five to ten years.”
“Our goal is to continue working together as a community – families, teachers, staff, administration, and board members – to navigate these budget challenges and maintain SBS’s reputation for quality education,” Groom continued. “This collaboration is critical to our district’s top priority: the students of Shrewsbury.”
Amidst calls for action at the meeting, many also took the time to highlight the strength of the Shrewsbury community over the years.
Nora, a former SBS student and current Red Bank Regional High School student, spoke about how SBS staff helped her get through hard times and called for the community to come together to support one another.
“I’m extremely proud to be an alumnus of SBS,” Nora said. “And that’s not just because of the administration or Board of Education — that’s because of the teachers and people like Mr. Colette giving me a peace sign in the hallway. That’s because of everyone at this school.”
“We need to stop fighting and be a community like we always have been,” Nora continued. “Because that’s what makes this school great.”
Emergency responders wheel a victim from the rear of the house at 249 Shrewsbury Avenue in Red Bank as smoke pours from the working house fire. (Photo by Brian Donohue. Click to enlarge.)NOTE: INFORMATION ON THIS FIRE HAS BEEN UPDATED IN A FOLLOW-UP POST HERE. Firefighters rescued a victim who was taken to a hospital by helicopter from...
Emergency responders wheel a victim from the rear of the house at 249 Shrewsbury Avenue in Red Bank as smoke pours from the working house fire. (Photo by Brian Donohue. Click to enlarge.)
NOTE: INFORMATION ON THIS FIRE HAS BEEN UPDATED IN A FOLLOW-UP POST HERE.
Firefighters rescued a victim who was taken to a hospital by helicopter from a house fire on Shrewsbury Avenue Tuesday morning.
The fire at a single family home at 249 Shrewsbury Avenue between Bank and River Streets broke out shortly after 10 am.
Firefighters from the Red Bank Volunteer Fire Department and Middletown were on the scene with visible smoke pouring from the structure as they broke through the front door. EMTS pulled one person from the rear of the house on a stretcher and loaded the victim, who appeared to be conscious, into an ambulance.
At least one firefighter was being treated with oxygen as firefighters worked in full gear in extreme heat. Police chief Mike Frazee said another firefighter was taken to a local hospital for signs of possible heat exhaustion.
Shrewsbury Avenue remained closed to traffic in both directions as of 11 a.m. with heavy traffic on the surrounding roads.
redbankgreen will update this post with further information as it becomes available.
redbankgreen editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331 or yelling his name loudly as he walks by. Do you value the news coverage provided by redbankgreen? Please become a financial supporter if you haven’t already. Click here to set your own level of monthly or annual contribution.
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