David Cohen

The meeting consisted of two separate executive sessions. The first session addressed two student hearings, resulting in disciplinary measures being imposed. The second executive session involved discussions pertaining to reported HIB (Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying) cases and vandalism/violence reports, an update on an ongoing personnel matter, and updates on contract negotiations, specifically concerning the custodial contract, the Rutgers Block R matter (where an agreement was reached), and the PRMS Bubble project.

The special meeting focused primarily on the 2011-2012 budget presentation. Key discussion points included the importance of reinvesting in curriculum training and rewriting curriculum every five years, concerns regarding the allocation of funds to capital reserve, K-8 class size, Advanced Placement (AP) classes at RHS, and the Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC) position. A donation from Verizon's volunteer incentive program was accepted preliminarily. The public hearing addressed concerns about potential IDEA and NCLB funding cuts, the prudence of budgeting for capital reserve, and the status of a district-run summer program (R.E.D. program). The Board ultimately voted to approve the Preliminary Adoption of the 2011-2012 Budget for Robbinsville Public Schools for submission to the County Executive County Superintendent.

The special meeting included a facilities presentation by Spiezle Architectural Group, covering three options for expansion. The Board voted to approve a first reading of policy P8613 concerning the Waiver of Pupil Transportation. Furthermore, the Board authorized the Superintendent to proceed with a facilities referendum targeting December 2012. This referendum is slated to include adding classrooms and updating facilities at Sharon Elementary School and Pond Road Middle School. The Board also directed the Superintendent to obtain an appraisal for the Windsor Elementary School property to consider its sale as part of the referendum scope. During the public hearing, questions were raised regarding the transportation policy and the availability of state aid for renovation projects.

The primary purpose of the meeting was to provide a forum for the Board to debate the 2019-2020 annual budget, which included a recommended 1.74% increase to support teachers, students, and capital projects. Key discussion points covered the potential use of projected savings from The Difference Card, commitment to the REA contract and increased salary guide, rising health benefits costs, and the use of revenue from the Robbinsville Extended Day program. Other topics included evaluating outsourcing IT infrastructure (cloud vs. server-based), utility costs, the addition of a capital line item for approximately $17M in capital projects, enrollment trends, and the potential elimination or reduction of Student Activity Fees. Non-negotiable items included maintaining funding for security, SROs, RDT services, and Special Education. The Board discussed three budget scenarios involving tax levy changes (0.51% increase, 0% flat, or 1.51% reduction) and ultimately directed staff to create a new intermediate scenario (2a) between Scenarios 2 and 3. During the public hearing, citizens expressed concerns regarding tax relief, class sizes, security funding, and the status of a reported $6M in reserves.

The meeting addressed several administrative and personnel matters. Key discussions included the School Nutrition Policy, a new payroll position, and a student activity fee structure, which stipulates fees are returned if a student does not make a team or chooses not to participate in other activities. A presentation by the Robbinsville High School Booster Club occurred, and the Superintendent proposed the creation of a JROTC Air Force Program for the following year, noting external funding for the instructor's salary. Significant actions were taken under Personnel resolutions, including the employment of numerous full-time and part-time teaching and support staff for the 2006-2007 school year, appointments/changes in assignment for existing staff, and the acceptance of several staff resignations. The Board also approved curriculum changes for various math and business courses, adopted a revised Facility Use Policy (P7510), and approved the Board of Education/Superintendent's Goals for 2006/2007. Finance resolutions involved approving July 2006 bills and claims, and awarding Bid #06-02 for computers and accessories, with negotiations pending between two tie-bidding vendors. Contracts for the Extended School Year (ESY) and the 2006-2007 school year with various external academies were approved. The Board also convened an executive session to discuss personnel matters.