Darlene Joseph-Markman

The board conducted a public work session involving a residency hearing in executive session and a district goals presentation. Business matters included approving professional services and tuition contracts for multiple school years, a change order for the boiler replacement project at Roy W. Brown Middle School, and the procurement of educational resources and database software. Personnel actions involved policy revisions and the adoption of new policies. Further approvals covered grant allocations, field trips, professional development, and large-scale technology equipment purchases from Dell Technologies, including Chromebooks and servers. The board also addressed the Statement of Assurance for lead testing in water and concluded with an executive session for a superintendent evaluation.

The meeting included presentations on student achievement board training and an English language arts proposal review. The Board discussed strategic planning, the upcoming NJSBA Delegate Assembly, and various administrative reports. Key business actions included approving tuition contracts for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years, a cooperative pricing system agreement with the County of Union, and a revised OMNI Group service agreement. Furthermore, the Board approved personnel recommendations, the use of facilities, the creation of the Hoover Alumni Scholars' T.H.I.N.K. Scholarship, a Memorandum of Understanding with the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, a food service contract renewal with Aramark Educational Services, and the purchase of the K-5 my View Literacy program from SAVVAS Learning.

This document outlines the strategic planning goals for the Bergenfield Public School District, which aims to develop self-directed, lifelong learners successful in college and the workplace, demonstrating a strong sense of citizenship. The plan focuses on four key goal areas: Student Foundational Skills & Communication, Future-Ready & Student Opportunity, Student Well-Being & Balance, and Student Family Engagement & Community. The strategic objectives seek to strengthen foundational skills for seamless transitions, prepare students for diverse post-high school pathways, foster an environment that promotes overall well-being, and increase opportunities for inclusive school and community partnerships.

The board approved the recommended personnel actions and the contract for Sametric Research, LLC to conduct an evaluation of the ESL/Bilingual program using Title III Immigrant Funds. Discussions during the public comment session focused on the importance of the ESL program at lower grade levels and the benefits of providing after-school ESL homework assistance.

The board meeting focused on the presentation and subsequent approval of the budget for the 2016/2017 school year. The approved budget includes a 2% tax levy increase and outlines total figures for the operating and special revenue categories.