Daniel Papa

The meeting involved a review and approval of the previous month's minutes. A core segment focused on reviewing the description and purpose of the SEPAG for new members. Bylaws were discussed, followed by a motion for their unanimous approval. Updates from the special education director meeting included posting SEPAG positions to the website, approving a Sensory Friendly Bookfair hour with supplied headphones, and the ongoing work regarding the SEPAG email and the addition of Social Media Admins. The Event Coordinator provided updates on the calendar and information session, including a discussion about World Kindness and Choose to Include for March. Information on grants was shared, suggesting pairing with a teacher to apply and surveying teachers regarding their needs. Discussions for future meetings included providing refreshments and possible childcare. In open discussion, the group agreed that family game nights would be a suitable first activity, and a suggestion for a calm down tent with misting fans for field day was also discussed.

The meeting included Board Business items such as recognizing January as Board Appreciation Month and honoring the 2025-2026 Educational Services Professional and Teacher of the Year. Financial matters involved the approval of the December 31, 2025 Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Reports, the approval of ad hoc committees for budget, negotiations, building & grounds, and regional shared service. The Board approved the cancellation of a February 10, 2026 meeting and scheduled a special meeting for February 18, 2026, for architect interviews. Personnel actions included retroactive approval of a contract for a part-time RTI Interventionist leave replacement teacher and accepting the resignation of a staff member effective September 1, 2026. Curriculum discussions involved retroactively approving a presentation cost split with neighboring districts and affirming the Superintendent's decision regarding a Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying Case. Building & Grounds approved revised and current use calendars. Budget & Finance resolutions included approving checks from December 16, 2025, through January 26, 2026, approving purchase orders over $1,000, approving a transfer of $51,500 from capital reserve for boiler project architect fees, and authorizing the application for a waiver of requirements in the Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI) Program for the 2026-2027 school year.

The Committee of the Whole meeting addressed several resolutions and reports. Board Business included the approval of the November 2025 Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Reports, certifying that no major accounts were over-expended. Personnel actions involved accepting the resignation of a substitute teacher/paraprofessional and rescinding two motions related to a full-time Para-Professional staff member's contract and stipend as a bus aide, followed by the approval of a new staff member to sub as a bus aide starting in January 2026. Education & Curriculum resolutions involved affirming the Superintendent's decisions regarding three Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying cases for the 2025-2026 school year, and retroactively awarding a revised professional services contract for Behavioral/Educational Consultants. Budget & Finance resolutions included approving transfers from November 2025. The session concluded with plans for a public participation period and an Executive Session to discuss Student Privacy.

The Reorganization Meeting commenced with the announcement that notice of the meeting was provided to the press and posted in several municipal and school locations as required by law. The certified election results for the three-year terms for the Board of Education were presented, followed by the swearing-in of the new and returning Board Members. Key agenda items included the nominations and election of the Board President and Vice President. Annual motions proposed for approval involved adopting the current policy manual, designating official newspapers for legal notices, setting locations for posting legal notices, and establishing the schedule for Committee of the Whole and regular Board of Education meetings for the 2026 calendar year. Furthermore, the Board considered approving maximum dollar limits for Public Relations and Professional Services for the 2026-2027 school year, which included specific maximums for Architects, Attorneys, Auditors, and the School Physician. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments regarding the Code of Ethics, review of board member contact information, annual appointments to external associations, and a section for public participation.

The Stillwater Township School District's strategic plan for 2025-2030 focuses on enhancing elementary academic achievement by developing critical, independent thinkers and fostering collaboration. It aims to provide a strong elementary foundation that prioritizes a love of learning and prepares open-minded, self-driven learners. The plan also emphasizes fiscal responsibility through innovative funding approaches and maintaining safe facilities to ensure a positive learning environment. These goals are supported by objectives such as project-based learning, community involvement, and continuous upgrades to security and infrastructure.