Alfonso A. Gonnella

The meeting addressed several key areas for curriculum and instruction. Topics included training on the LinkIt platform, specifically regarding reporting data requests. Curriculum updates covered the posting of ELA & Math K-8 positions in April to prepare for the 27-28 school year, correcting pacing in the math curriculum guides, and suggestions for buffer time. Concerns were raised about administrators holding teachers accountable to rigid pacing schedules; guidance was provided for staff to report instances where best practices are compromised. Future material purchases for Superkids K-2 were noted, and the issue of incorporating keyboarding instruction for younger grades (K-2) in support of writing skills was raised for further discussion. Ordering procedures for the 26-27 school year included planning for the Winter Administration of Diagnostic and Literacy Tasks, which requires addressing internet issues for some teachers. Instructional Rounds for Math were scheduled for the first week of February, and updates concerning iReady End of Unit Assessments were discussed. Finally, discussions included obtaining new Magnetic Reading books and scheduling a Parent Meeting for Kindergarten Connection, as well as confirming the requirement for F & P assessments based on the Initial Team's request.

The Board Retreat meeting focused on establishing goals for the 2025-2026 school year. Key discussions involved setting Board Goals across academic excellence, school culture, community outreach, and operational excellence. District Goals were also established, focusing on measurable targets for student performance in ELA and Mathematics on the NJSLA, administering specific end-of-unit assessments, improving school climate by revising surveys and decreasing HIB incidents, coordinating parent presentations on academic programming, and continuing the systematic execution of the Long-Range Facilities Plan.

The meeting included discussions and actions covering several areas. Following a closed session to address personnel, student, and administrative issues, the public comment session involved community members speaking about local concerns such as bus drop-off procedures and proposing a ski and snowboarding club. The Board approved numerous personnel actions, including appointments for new teachers, coaches, and assistants, as well as managing leaves of absence, resignations, retirements, and terminations. In education matters, the Board approved reimbursements for unavoidable registration and travel costs for staff attending various professional development workshops focused on topics like HIB training and FMLA. Approvals were also granted for student fieldwork and clinical experiences, field trips, and the acceptance of Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) funds totaling $172,943.00 across several titles. Furthermore, the Board approved payment application #001 for window replacement at Katharine D. Malone Elementary School and several subscription busing arrangements. Finally, policies were reviewed for second reading, and the Board agreed to form an Ad Hoc Safety and Security Committee.

The meeting included both an Executive Session and a Regular Meeting. Key discussions during the Executive Session involved an HIB Hearing, personnel matters, a technology update, and a grievance. The Regular Meeting covered the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) audit presentation, recognition ceremonies for board members and service/tenure pins, and public discussion. The Superintendent's report detailed the introduction of the Comprehensive Adolescent Program (CAP) for at-risk students and the Cougar C.L.I.M.B. Program for academic improvement, highlighted student art displays, and mentioned upcoming parent support group sessions. Actions taken included the approval of personnel recommendations (appointments, leaves of absence, resignations), affirmation of HIB incident determinations, approval of education recommendations such as training reimbursements, student teaching placements, and field trips, approval of in-district special education placement tuition, and approval of administration matters including the employment contract for the Superintendent of Schools, a Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) Purchase and Sales Agreement, and subscription busing authorization. The Finance section involved approving financial reports for August 2025, authorizing payment of bills, and approving a Change Order for architectural services.

The regular meeting involved a closed session to discuss personnel, student, and administrative matters. Public discussion primarily focused on concerns regarding a KDM staff member's social media comments, district transparency, anti-bullying data (HIB), and staff accountability. Key actions included approving numerous personnel appointments, stipends, leaves of absence, resignations/terminations, and movement on the guide. Educational recommendations involved approving necessary travel costs for employee workshops and professional development, approving student internships and project presentations, and approving field trips. Administrative actions included approving the NJSIG Assessment Proposal, authorizing travel for several individuals to the NJSBA Annual Conference, and authorizing subscription busing for multiple students. Finance items included authorizing bill payments and approving a revised change order and payment application for window replacements at Katharine D. Malone School. Discussion items touched upon community outreach and collaboration with council members.