Colleen Blake

The meeting included an introduction of new staff, recognition of staff gaining tenure, and updates from NutriServe. The board discussed a board vacancy and appointed a new member after an executive session. Committee reports were given, covering athletics, discipline, curriculum, facilities, finance, negotiations, personnel, policy, residency, sick bank, strategic planning, and technology. Financial actions were approved, including budget reports, transfers, adjustments, certifications, payment of bills, non-public funding, and contracts. Facility requests and DOE project submissions were approved. New and revised board policies were read and adopted. Student matters such as out-of-district tuition contracts, home instruction services, homeschool requests, and senior privileges were approved. Instructional matters included professional development, field trips, new curriculum, and annual school plans. Personnel matters included new hires, retirements, resignations, terminations, salary guide movements, staff payments, and grade level leader assignments.

The meeting commenced with procedural and informational items, followed by the election results and swearing in of newly elected members. Key actions included the nomination and appointment of the Board President (Mrs. Rivas) and Vice President (Mrs. Evans). The agenda covered numerous action items grouped under Appointments, Designations and Other Business (e.g., designation of meeting nights, official depositories, adoption of existing policies and curriculum), Financial Actions (including payment of bills and acceptance of the Phone Free Schools Grant), Facility Items, Board Policy and Procedures (District Goals Update), Student Matters (including tuition contracts and home instruction services), Instructional Matters (field trips, professional development), and Personnel Items (new hires, retirements/resignations). New business included a request for Board members to reach out regarding committee assignments, noting that the Finance Committee would review budget details on January 22nd.

The meeting included presentations on Dynamic Learning Map and WIDA Access Testing for ESL Students, as well as a student representative's report on Marking Period 1 highlights. Committee reports covered athletics, discipline, curriculum, facilities, finance, negotiations, personnel, policy, residency, sick bank, strategic planning, and technology. Financial actions included approving Board Secretary and Cash Summary Reports, revenue/budget transfers and adjustments, financial certification, payment of bills, IDEA carryover funds, a Chromebook purchase, a construction contract, and electricity supply services. Facility requests and student matters, such as home instruction services and out-of-district tuition contracts, were approved. The board also approved professional development, field trips, and the Preschool Program Operational Plan/Projected Enrollment. Personnel matters included new hires, employee leaves, retirements and resignations, staff/coaching/student body activity payments, and salary guide movements. The board entered and returned from an executive session, approving a motion to remove student numbers due to lack of residency. Additional reports included monthly attendance, nurse report, and bus evacuation drills.

The meeting included a presentation on the Student Safety Data System and NJSLA scores. Committee reports covered athletics, discipline, curriculum changes, facility project updates, finance matters including a K9 contract and transportation, personnel issues such as long-term substitutes, policy reviews, residency updates, and strategic planning. Financial actions included approving the Board Secretary's Report, budget transfers, financial certifications, payment of bills, a tentative budget calendar, acceptance of the Phone Free Schools Grant, and awarding bids for consulting services and E-Rate programs. Facility requests and the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan were approved. Student matters included home instruction services, out-of-district tuition contracts, tuition received contracts, homeschool requests, and HIB reports. The QSAC DPR Self Assessment and Nursing Services Plan were approved. Professional development, mentor programs, and field trips were also approved. New hires, resignations, and employee leaves were addressed. The board also approved homework help/remediation services, an educational consultant, a basic skills instructor, and staff/coaching/student body activity payments. A GCEA Sidebar Agreement for the Varsity Football Site Supervisor Rate was approved. The use of funds from the Phone Free School grant to offset the cost of phone lockers was discussed.

The meeting included the introduction of new staff members across various schools. Committee reports were given, covering athletics, discipline, curriculum, facilities, finance, negotiations, personnel, residency, sick bank, strategic planning, and technology. Financial actions included approving board secretary and cash summary reports, revenue/budget transfers and adjustments, financial certifications, payment of bills, appointment of a school treasurer, and transfers to capital and maintenance reserves. The board also discussed establishing petty cash funds, certified tuition rates, compliance with state laws, various grant applications, contract ratifications, and service contracts. Facility requests and a change of use application were approved. The strategic plan was updated, and policies for emergency virtual or remote instruction were approved. Out-of-district tuition contracts and home instruction services were addressed, along with harassment, intimidation, and bullying incidents. Professional development opportunities and field trips were approved. Personnel matters included new hires, retirements/resignations/terminations, employee leaves, salary guide movements, and staff/coaching/student body activity payments. The AFSCME holidays for 2025-2026 were approved, and grade level leaders/department chairs were appointed. Finally, contracts for the superintendent, assistant superintendent of curriculum & instruction, business administrator, and assistant business administrator were approved. Concerns were raised regarding a stop sign in the GHS parking lot and airhorns at graduation ceremonies.