Carol Carrara

The Town Hall focused on efforts to combat housing discrimination in New Jersey, specifically detailing the launch of Project HOME (Home Opportunity Made Equal). This comprehensive initiative addresses discrimination against residents seeking to pay rent using government assistance, such as Section 8 vouchers or other federal/state/local programs, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Key components include enforcement actions against violating landlords, voluntary agreements with rental companies and national real estate listing platforms, and the development of a model fair housing policy for public education. Specific outcomes of enforcement actions were discussed, including settlements with property management services that posted discriminatory advertisements, requiring policy implementation, staff training, and financial penalties. Furthermore, voluntary agreements with major web platforms like Zillow and Bright MLS were highlighted to improve content filtering and educate users about New Jersey's broader fair housing protections regarding source of lawful income.

The purpose of this special meeting was to organize the board of education for the 2026 year, in accordance with statute and board policy 0151. The meeting included administering the oath of office to newly elected members: Robert Biner, Anthony Leati, and Allison Tears. Key discussion items included review and adoption of resolutions concerning retained law firms (board attorneys, labor council, and bond council), and conducting required annual ethics training pursuant to statute, which involved reviewing the Code of Ethics for school board members and the School Ethics Act provisions regarding conflicts of interest and gifts. Board members were asked to sign an acknowledgement form regarding the code of ethics. The board also proceeded with nominations and voting for the 2026 President, electing Dr. Panichi, and for Vice President, electing Mr. Habith (who was absent). The meeting concluded with scheduling the review of committee appointments.

The discussion focused on recovery and addiction services during the COVID-19 crisis. Key topics included operational challenges for individuals seeking treatment or navigating recovery due to lockdowns, such as isolation increasing the need to use substances and blocking access to support meetings. Data presented indicated a 30 percent increase in overdoses in Burlington County between March 1st and May 5th compared to the previous year, though fatal overdoses had not increased due to increased Narcan availability. Initiatives discussed included Operation Safe Overnight for providing Narcan in motels, the Straight to Treatment program allowing individuals to seek assessment and referral directly at police stations, and Operation Helping Hand, a prosecutor-led opioid program connecting law enforcement with individuals needing substance use treatment. Data analysis showed a slight projected increase (3%) in statewide drug-related deaths from 2019 to 2020, a 20% increase in suspected drug-related deaths in Q1 2020 versus Q1 2019, and a 28% increase in methamphetamine submissions to labs in Q4 2019 over the previous quarter.

The meeting featured a presentation regarding dispatch and Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), focusing on community response alternatives to law enforcement. A representative from the Council of State Governments provided a project recap, explaining their support for state crisis systems, including New Jersey, Utah, and Virginia, with the goal of keeping individuals with behavioral health needs out of the criminal justice system. A presentation detailed New Jersey's 911 network history, covering its transition from a traditional landline network to incorporating wireless, VoIP, and telematics, highlighting ongoing efforts to upgrade to a NextGen 911 network and consolidate PSAPs. Regulatory requirements concerning privacy waivers upon dialing 911, access mandates, carrier responsibilities, and required training for telecommunicators were also discussed.

The meeting included student reports highlighting accomplishments in middle school science, such as modeling exercises (supply drop and egg drop experiments) and the upcoming Scholars Academy science fair. The student representative provided updates on various school activities, including powderpuff results, PTO vendor fair, robotics team success, and ongoing fundraisers. Key business items involved recognizing the service of a departing board member and Superintendent reports on facilities projects funded by the referendum. Discussions on current projects included proceeding with the renovation and conversion of tennis courts to pickleball courts, upgrading lighting at Wfield to LED systems, and expansion of the Harding School playground with new boulders and fencing. Future 2026 referendum projects under consideration include upgrading early childhood education classrooms at Harding School with in-class bathrooms and replacing the fire alarm system at Brley. Status updates on existing referendum projects noted that field improvements are closed out, HVAC upgrades are nearing closeout, and the project addition and renovations are facing delays, particularly with the elevator installation scheduled for April.