Christopher M. Rodia

This document outlines Woodbury Heights Elementary School's shared commitment to educational growth through a challenging curriculum, high expectations, and a safe and caring learning environment. It emphasizes fostering responsibility and developing students' respect for themselves and others to cultivate productive citizens. These efforts are guided by four core values: Educational Growth, ensuring academic excellence and intellectual curiosity; Safe & Caring Environment, providing a secure and nurturing space; Encouraging Responsibility, fostering accountability in students; and Developing Student Respect, cultivating self-respect, empathy, and inclusivity.

This document outlines the procedures for implementing federal programs (Title I, II, III, and IV) across the Gateway Group Schools, which include Gateway Regional High School District and the elementary school districts of National Park, Wenonah, Westville, and Woodbury Heights. It details requirements for parental involvement, compliance documentation, nonpublic school services, and the annual school planning process. The plan aims to ensure effective and compliant management of these programs to support student academic achievement, close educational gaps, and provide high-quality education.

The meeting covered various topics including the approval of the November 9, 2021 regular board meeting minutes; financial reports for the period ending November 2021; the secretary's report, including board member training, meeting dates, renovation updates, and JIF rewards; the chief school administrator's report, including educator of the year, after-school clubs, and personnel updates; setting tentative meeting dates for 2022; acceptance of IDEA carryover grant funds for FY21; approval of facility use; updates on harassment, intimidation, and bullying; approval of student services for the 21/22 school year; approval of a student services contract; hiring and resignation of instructional aides; hiring of a certified teacher and a certified school nurse; and payment of bills. A presentation on superintendent search options was also given.

The meeting included several key decisions and discussions. Appointments were made for a district purchasing agent and school physician. Financial reports for June 2022 were approved. A one-year contract with Sodexo Education for food service management was approved. Various grant funds were accepted, including IDEA funds, non-public aid entitlements, and ESSA Title I, II, and IV funds. Budget appropriation transfers were approved, along with a business services agreement with Gateway Regional School District. Several payments were approved, including a health benefit waiver, administrator training, and school pictures. Shared services agreements were approved, along with technology support services and library media specialist services. A child care program was approved, as well as parent transportation costs and student breakfast/lunch costs. Facility use approvals were granted. Student safety data and the school self-assessment were accepted. The parent handbook and student code of conduct were approved, along with the professional development plan and mentoring plan. Evaluation rates were approved, as well as the revised school calendar. Brookfield Schools were approved to provide homebound instruction. Curriculum and courses were approved, along with speech services. Numerous hires were approved for substitutes, lunch/recess aides, custodial staff, and instructional aides. Substitute rates were approved, along with additional duties for staff and breakfast duty hours. Resignations were accepted for a certified teacher and school secretary. Finally, payment of bills was approved.

The meeting included a presentation of NJSLA scores, reports on school happenings (including the Week of Respect and Team Terrific activities), and the secretary's report covering board training, upcoming elections, and a joint insurance fund dinner. The chief school administrator's report covered the Week of Respect, Red Ribbon Week, upcoming events, and a bus evacuation drill. Significant agenda items included approving the 2024 board meeting schedule, financial reports for August 2023, payment of bills, a shared services agreement for occupational therapy, the district's safe return plan, a comprehensive maintenance plan, facility use approvals, a harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) update, the school safety and security plan, the nursing services and first aid plan, preschool tuition approvals, student services evaluations, a school self-assessment, revised summer technology services, and additional staff duties for extracurricular activities.