Brandt Anderson

The meeting began with an Executive Session to discuss Negotiations, with action to be disclosed later. Key discussion points included a presentation on the Student Safety Data System (SSDS). The Superintendent's report covered numerous topics such as Red Ribbon Week activities, updates on library furniture, Parent Teacher Conferences, School Closing for NJEA Convention, World Diabetes Day recognition, status of Preschool Health Screenings, building and grounds updates including HVAC punchlist completion and Long Range Facility Plan revisions, and new unfunded mandates concerning curriculum additions and testing. The Board approved the minutes from the Work Session of September 10, 2025, and the Regular Session of September 24, 2025. New business included discussions on traffic congestion and water fountains. District Operations saw approval for facility use agreements, the McKeown Elementary School Nursing Service Plan, submission of the 2026-2027 Preschool Plan, resolution determinations for HIB cases, approval for Wellness Committee fundraisers, the SSDS Report, Board/Superintendent goals for 2025-2026, approval related to the M-1 and Comprehensive Maintenance Plan, and approvals concerning the Indoor Air Quality Program, Integrated Pest Management Program, and a Phone-Free School Grant Program. The Board also approved the QSAC self-evaluation. Curriculum items included approval of various reports and professional development attendance. Policy actions involved the second reading and adoption of several new and modified policies and regulations, including one regarding Acceptable Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Finance involved accepting monthly reports, approving fund transfers, approving a list of bills totaling $1,403,604.23, and accepting a donation. Personnel actions included accepting a retirement resignation and approving a shared service contract for a Regional Curriculum Coordinator, as well as approving contracts for Administrative Assistants and listing approved substitutes. Transportation involved approving the 2025-2026 DRTRS report and participating in Joint Transportation Agreements.

The meeting commenced with the presentation of the 2024-2025 financial audit. Key discussions included commendations for various staff members and parent-teacher association (PTA) activities, recognition of student achievements in the McKeown Governor Educator of the Year program, and updates on school closures and events that occurred in early December 2025. The Superintendent reported on the LEAP Regionalization Grant extension and upcoming events like the HTEF funded assembly. Under New Business, approvals were granted for the 2026 Annual Schedule of Meeting Dates, a contract for Substitute Nursing Services with AllShifts, a special education tuition agreement with the Frankford Township Board of Education, and the Arbor Buddies Assembly for Preschool and Unit I. Curriculum approvals covered reports from various school departments, a 6th Grade Activity Night, and advisors for the Fit Club. Financially, the board accepted the November 2025 reports, approved fund transfers, ratified a substantial list of bills, addressed the New Jersey minimum wage increase effective January 1, 2026, and approved the Budget Calendar for FY27. Personnel actions included approving teachers for the after-school tutoring program, approving professional development attendance for staff, approving a substitute custodian, approving a curriculum consultant, and approving a Home Instruction Tutor. The board also approved an adjustment of hours for a Paraprofessional effective January 1, 2026. A transportation agreement with Sussex County Regional Cooperative was also approved.

The meeting commenced with presentations covering NJSBA Board Ethics training and the results of the 2025 Board Self-Evaluation. Key superintendent report items included the submission of QSAC DPRs, the closing of Marking Period 1 with associated honor roll statistics, updates on parent conferences, a successful Veterans Day Ceremony, and facility discussions regarding a generator and storage maintenance facility, as well as ideas for the LRIG at MEMS. The board acknowledged numerous commendations for staff and students, including a Walmart grant for the eSports Club and a clean annual audit with no recommendations. In new business, the board approved several district operations matters, such as the 2026-2027 Application for State School Aid submission, the updated Safety and Security / Crisis Management Plan, the Annual Health and Safety Evaluation submission, a paraprofessional services agreement, and the administration of surveys regarding potential school district regionalization. The finance section included the acceptance of monthly fiscal reports and approval of fund transfers and outstanding bills. Personnel actions involved approving teachers for the after-school tutoring program, approving professional development attendance, and approving a part-time paraprofessional, while the motion regarding the contract for the Maintenance Facility Coordinator was tabled. The board also approved posting for a Full Time Paraprofessional and accepted new substitutes.

Key discussions included the presentation of the 2024-2025 NJSLA scores. The Superintendent provided updates regarding a potential government shutdown's impact on Impact Aid payments, activities planned for Week of Respect 2025, the upcoming NJ DOE Preschool Visit, ongoing Preschool Health Screenings, and the schedule for the Halloween Parade. Significant time was dedicated to discussing various school reporting requirements for October, including NEW NJ SLEDS, SID, SMID, ASSA, Title Grant Performance Reports, EEOC data, Transportation reports, Comprehensive Maintenance Plan, and QSAC. The Board also reviewed recent positive events, such as the Fairview Lake Trip and the Hawk Hustle Fundraiser. Buildings and Grounds items covered a meeting with the Architect, closing out the HVAC punchlist, and reviewing the Updated Long Range Facility Plan (LRFP) concerning Phase 3 projects (Gym/Cafe/Staff/Music Areas) and potential future phases, plus generator consideration. New unfunded mandates from the NJ DOE were highlighted, specifically concerning curriculum additions (History of Labor & Organized Labor, Latino & Hispanic Education) and new K-3 testing requirements. Personnel actions included the approval of Dakota Mailloux as a substitute teacher, an adjustment of hours for Amanda Hosgood (ESL Teacher), and the approval of Ashley Attanasio as a Part Time Paraprofessional.

The meeting began as an annual reorganization and work session. Key activities included the administration of the oath of office to newly elected Board of Education officials following the November 4, 2025 election results. The Board proceeded to elect Dr. Joseph Santora as President and Mr. Jeffrey Orosz as Vice President. Reorganization actions involved reaffirming the State of New Jersey Code of Ethics, adopting Robert's Rules of Order, approving official newspapers for legal advertisements, and reaffirming existing bylaws, policies, and the 2026 meeting schedule. The Board unanimously adopted a resolution requiring the adherence to the New Jersey School Board's "Doctrine of Necessity" when necessary due to conflicts of interest. Annual appointments were reaffirmed, including service appointments and professional contracts for the auditor, physician, architect, and attorney, and 2026 delegates were appointed. The meeting transitioned into the work session, during which the Superintendent reported on topics including a community donation to cover unpaid lunch balances, finalizing the tentative 2026-2027 school calendar, mid-year budget reviews, and ongoing building issues such as freezer compressor loss. In New Business, the Board approved professional development funding for Tier 1 Foundational Learning Awareness & Leadership Alignment and accepted cash donations totaling $1,250.00 to reduce unpaid lunch account debt. The Board also approved substitutes for the 2025-2026 school year.