David L. Ricci

The meeting began with the administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected Board Members, Brianne Seelman and Brian Lavender, followed by an official report of the results of the November 2025 election. The agenda included setting new terms of office for board members and reviewing mandated NJSBA Training Requirements. Key procedural items involved nominations for the Board President and Vice President, reading and discussion of the New Jersey School Board Members' Code of Ethics, and review of Robert's Rules of Order. The meeting was opened for public comment with a five-minute limit per speaker. A motion was proposed to designate the regular Board of Education meeting dates for 2026, typically held on the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m.

The meeting commenced with a public hearing, followed by presentations including the Student of the Month, Attendance Awards, and the discussion of the 2024-2025 audit report by Nancy Sbrolla from Ford Scott, and Associates. Financial matters included the review of the Board Secretary's Report and Treasurer's Reports for November 2025, approval of line item transfers for November 2025, and approval of expenditures for December 2025. The Board also approved the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Auditor's Management Report (AMR) for the 2024-2025 School Year. Superintendent's informational items covered an insurance fund award dinner, a mid-year budget review, recognition of various staff members (Teacher of the Year and Educational Services Professional of the Year), and security drill reports. Under Curriculum & Instruction, enrollment figures for September 2025 were presented, and the Board approved a 1st and 2nd Grade Field Trip to Edelman Fossil Park, along with an HIB report. In Personnel, approval was granted for a student to shadow an Occupational Therapist.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a public notice compliance check. A closed session was held to discuss contracts, followed by resuming the open session. Key actions included approving financial reports for December 2025, approving line item transfers for December 2025, and approving expenditures for January 2026. The Board accepted a $1,000 New Resiliency/Zen Den Grant and a $2,000 donation for cafeteria needs. Additionally, approvals covered a shared service agreement with the City of Estell Manor for snow removal and renewing membership in the ACCASBO JIF. Professional development opportunities were approved, as well as motions to approve Student Council and HSA Dances. Personnel actions included accepting a resignation, and approving substitute/part-time custodians and a Substitute School Nurse. The Board reviewed and moved to approve several revised and new policies on a first reading, while abolishing several existing sexual harassment policies. Enrollment data for September 2025 was reported.

The Reorganization Meeting began with the administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected Board Members, Brianne Seelman and Bryan Lavender. Following a roll call, the official results of the November 2024 election for these members were reviewed, along with their new terms of office and mandated NJSBA training requirements. Key organizational actions included the nomination and unanimous election of Ms. Seelman as President and Ms. Gray as Vice President. The Board also unanimously approved the reading and discussion of the New Jersey School Board Members' Code of Ethics and the adoption of Robert's Rules of Order. The Board designated the schedule for regular Board of Education meetings for 2026. Personnel actions included the approval of Kim Tucker as the Drama Advisor for the 2025-2026 school year, pending paperwork. There were no comments during the public comment session limited to agenda items.

The board meeting agenda focused on several key items including student recognition, financial reports and certifications, and the approval of various tuition and transportation contracts for the upcoming school year. Additional topics included the approval of lawn maintenance and fire protection inspection agreements, changes to school employee health benefits programs, and a corrective action plan regarding food service cash resources. The board also reviewed the tentative 2026-2027 school budget for public submission, established travel reimbursement limits, updated school calendars, and discussed personnel appointments for substitute teachers and volunteer coaching positions.