Alexander Ferrante

The meeting included recognition of Star Students from Union Valley, Lilley School, and C.W. Lewis Middle School. The board ratified October 2025 resolutions related to policy/planning, instruction & curriculum, special services, personnel, bill payments, and buildings & grounds. Committee reports were given on curriculum, special services, professionals, and transportation. The superintendent reported on district performance results from the Annual State-Wide Assessment, fire and safety drills, board member attendance, HIB investigations, policy and regulation readings, field trips, and student tuition. The Business Administrator's report included cash summary, line item transfers, bill payments, RFP for Architect of Record, transportation contracts, sale of the Miranda Building, door intrusion alarm installation, submission of Federal ESEA grants, addition to the State of New Jersey Mental Health Grant, and the Preschool program plan. There were discussions regarding new board members and the fire at Autumn Ridge Apartments, as well as public comments on various issues including transportation policies and employee terminations.

The meeting included the recognition of outstanding student achievements, specifically 'Shining Stars' from Union Valley Elementary School for demonstrating respect, responsibility, working together, and staying safe, including helping younger students with lunch. Students from Lily Elementary School were recognized for their participation in the Earth Club, focusing on monitoring bluebirds, planting milkweed for monarch butterflies, and handling live specimens after training from the Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge. Additionally, student library leaders from Charles W. Lewis Middle School were honored for maintaining the library operations, including shelving and book fair setup. Key administrative discussions involved a motion to amend previous minutes regarding a board member's vote. New business included adding an instructional appointment for a Guidance Counselor at Charles W. Lewis Middle School, replacing a transferred employee. A large bill payment from a prior meeting was added to the November bill list for consideration. Committee reports covered the Curriculum Committee's discussions on the English as a Second Language program and Title One, and the Special Services Committee's review of current programs and space constraints. The Transportation Department reported having 73 drivers covering 76 routes and detailed reasons for driver attrition and ongoing hiring/training efforts.

The meeting initiated with the swearing-in of three newly elected members, whose election results were announced. Key agenda items involved the election of the Board President and Vice President, resulting in Marian Johnson becoming President. The board also addressed routine reorganization matters, including the nomination and election of delegates to the New Jersey School Boards Association and the Camden County School Boards Association, with Mrs. Henry and Mary Joe Dentino being appointed, respectively. Furthermore, Maryanne Johnson was appointed to the Camden County Educational Services Commission. Consent resolutions were approved, which included readopting current policies, confirming the reading and signing of the code of ethics by all members, and designating Fulton Bank as the official depository, with an agreed-upon correction regarding the bank name on item three. New business included announcing the date for the subsequent regular board meeting.

The meeting included recognition of Star Students from various schools, with introductions regarding clubs like the Second Grade Yellow Jackets and the Recycle Arts Club. Key discussions under the Superintendent's report involved outlining Corrective Action Plans for schools with chronic absenteeism, presenting the mid-year Student Safety Data System report, and confirming fire and safety drills. Instructional and Curriculum matters included recommending approval for Homeless Student Tuition, approving Homeschooling for one student, authorizing a Joint Transportation Agreement with Washington Township Public Schools, and entering into tuition contracts with Paulsboro Public Schools. Special Services recommended approval for several Tuition Students. The Personnel section covered instructional and non-instructional appointments, resignations, retirements, and the approval of substitute nurse rates, as well as the appointment of an Interim Principal for Chews Elementary School with an associated stipend. Business Administrator items included certifying the status of district expenditures and revenue for October 2025, approving line item transfers, reporting on December 2025 payroll and cafeteria expenses, approving RFPs for Mentoring Services and a contract for Plumbing Installation and repair services, and approving results of Fall School Bus Evacuation Drills and awarding several transportation quotes. Finance items included accepting grant funds from the New Jersey Department of Education for literacy and professional development initiatives, approving the Business Office Standard Operating Procedures Manual, and approving amendments for the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account plan.

The meeting commenced with the flag salute and roll call, followed by a motion to enter executive session to discuss two personnel items. Following the executive session, the Board moved to approve minutes from the executive session of December 15, 2025, and the regular/reorganization meetings of December 15th and January 5th. Public comments were solicited for agenda items only. Key discussion points involved the ratification of January 2026 resolutions and significant revisions to the school district's calendar (Item 7.3E), which involved removing a school day from spring recess (April 7th) and extending the last day of school to June 18th to ensure 180 operational days, accounting for potential future snow days. Board members debated the impact of removing spring recess time versus ending the school year later in June, citing concerns over air conditioning capacity and vacation planning. Board committee reports for Curriculum, Buildings and Grounds, and Finance were deferred to the next regular meeting. The Business Administrator presented consent agenda items (8.0 through 8.7A), including an inquiry regarding check number 14394 for the Malvern school preschool budget, which covers salary and rental expenses.