Denise Barr

The meeting included a presentation from the President of the Historic Society regarding efforts to sustain the organization and a proposal to honor the anniversary of Winslow's incorporation with community involvement activities, such as an essay contest, vintage clothing day, and video creation projects. Committee reports covered athletic and arts achievements, including the upcoming musical 'Chicago' and recent indoor track state championships. The Citizens Advisory Committee reported on discussing improvements to parent organization coordination, the need to update recruitment brochures, and recommendations for Township History Day. The Education Committee focused on planning for township events and establishing connections with local organizations. The Operations Committee discussed the status of budgeted capital projects, noting that bids for a pole barn exceeded the budget, requiring the board to decide on funding options. They also addressed the necessary replacement of signage posts due to water infiltration and the development of the 2026-2027 budget amid rising healthcare costs and capped federal awards. The superintendent's report covered clarifications regarding representation on the Economic Development Council and Planning Board.

The meeting commenced with announcements regarding public notice and the district's mission statement, which focuses on educating students to become critical thinkers and caring members of the community. Key agenda items included the presentation of the 2025-2026 district goals centered on student achievement, promoting a positive environment, and increasing stakeholder engagement. Specific initiatives discussed under student achievement involved implementing research-based best practices, utilizing diagnostic assessments for data-informed instruction, and accelerating learning through additional support. The board also recognized long-serving members, specifically Mr. McManus and Miss Julie Peterson (a former president), for their years of dedication. Furthermore, updates were provided on the ELA pilot program involving teachers from grades K-8 testing five programs, with a decision anticipated by late February based on research and established criteria. A significant accomplishment noted was winning a competitive impact grant of nearly $200,000 to offset the cost of purchasing new High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM). Discussions also covered promoting a positive environment through enforcing the code of conduct, incorporating social-emotional learning, and developing strategies for students with significant behaviors.

The meeting agenda included recognition of the Winslow Elite Championship Football Team and a School 6 Presentation. The Superintendent recommended approval for several action items, including the second reading and adoption of revised and new Board Policies and Regulations concerning resource materials, library material, school names, and public complaints. Other approvals sought were for professional development/workshops, field trips, placement of tuition and homeless students, termination of out-of-district placements, security/fire drills for December 2025, and various school fundraisers and special events such as dances and workshops. Financial actions included approving grants amendments (IDEA Basic, IDEA Pre-K, Perkins, ESEA), awarding a contract for network infrastructure upgrade, approving purchases from various cooperative purchasing vendors, and approving the monthly bill lists and payroll for November 2025. Personnel actions involved approving leave of absence requests, lateral movement requests, and authorization for administrative staff to attend education job fairs. The Board also planned to enter an agreement with Rowan College of South Jersey for a High School Option Program and discussed the Spring Musical, 'Chicago: Teen Edition.' Executive session was planned to discuss matters related to potential employment issues, litigation, contract negotiations, and potentially acquisition of real property.

The meeting included several key agenda items and discussions. Initial segments focused on public notice, the district mission statement, and a review of the 2025-2026 District Goals concerning student achievement, promoting a positive environment, and increasing stakeholder engagement. The board recognized former board members. A significant discussion involved the Board President withdrawing certain committee assignments due to ethics concerns regarding his prior employment, leading to the Vice President making revised appointments to various committees (Education, Negotiations, Operations, Policy/HR, Technology). Committee reports covered the success of the Girls' Wrestling Program, relay team accomplishments, upcoming Arts Program events, and plans for the Citizens Advisory Committee. Superintendent recommendations included the first reading of revised and new Board Policies and Regulations, approval for various professional development opportunities, field trips, fundraiser requests, placement of tuition and special needs students, and the award of the Security Staffing bid to Semper Secure I, LLC. Financial actions involved approving two large vendor bill lists and ratifying two manual bill lists, as well as approving payroll for December 2025. Additionally, the board rejected all bids for the High School Pole Barn project because they substantially exceeded the budget. New business included discussions on establishing an Arts and Academic Hall of Fame and initiating the process for a five-year strategic plan. Personnel actions included approving a new bus driver hire, several leave of absence requests, and one retirement.

The meeting agenda covered several operational and administrative items. Key discussions included the presentation and adoption of the 2025-2026 District Goals focusing on student achievement, positive environment promotion, and increased stakeholder engagement. The Superintendent's Report recommended numerous action items, such as the first reading of new Board Policies and Regulations, approvals for professional development, field trips, tuition placements, and fundraising requests. Financial matters included approval of vendor bill lists totaling over $3.3 million and ratification of a manual bill list over $1.2 million, as well as approval of December 2025 payrolls. Bids were discussed, leading to the rejection of all responses for the High School Pole Barn project due to exceeding the budget, and the award of the Security Staffing bid to Semper Secure I, LLC. Personnel actions included the approval of new hires, leaves of absence, retirements, terminations, and various sixth/seventh period teaching assignment adjustments. The Board also approved attendance at NJSBA training programs and the renewal of BluePoint Monitoring Services.