Dina Mattessich

The Board discussed several key items, including student and staff recognitions, the induction of the National Junior Honor Society, and a presentation on the Student Safety Data System. The Board approved the 2026-2027 district calendar, educational assemblies, field trips, and various personnel actions, including professional development workshops, graduate-level coursework, staff appointments, resignations, and leaves of absence. Additionally, the Board reviewed and approved financial reports, payroll, a supply procurement system license, a SEMI waiver, and the auto travel reimbursement rate. The first reading of several new and revised policies concerning nepotism and sexual harassment was also conducted.

The meeting agenda covered several key procedural and substantive items. Discussions included the 2024-2025 Audit Presentation and Approval, the Board of Education Ethics Presentation, and the appointment of 2026 Board of Education Committees across various functional areas such as Curriculum & Instruction, Finance & Facilities, and Negotiations. The consent agenda addressed the current enrollment report, emergency and crisis situations drill records for December, and submissions including the School Safety Data System report, Assurance Statement regarding paraprofessional staff, Chapter 44 review, and the HIB Report for December 2025. Finance items included the approval of bills for the period of December 1, 2025, to December 30, 2025, approval of Bills and Claims for January 2026, and approvals for reports from the Board Secretary, Treasurer, and Monthly Transfers for November 2025. Furthermore, approval was sought for the All In for Inclusive Education 2025-26 Professional Services Agreement. Policy matters involved the second reading and adoption of several revised or new district policies and regulations concerning Resource Materials and Public Complaints. The agenda concluded with provisions for Old Business, New Business, public comments, and a planned closed session to discuss personnel, litigation, negotiations, or HIB matters.

The board meeting included several key reports and discussions. The Superintendent and Board President presented reports covering September Student Shout Outs, the 2025-26 National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony, NJSLA District Scores Presentation, and the review and finalization of the 2025-2026 BOE District Goals. Extensive discussion focused on District Goal 3: developing an in-district program for students currently placed out-of-district, including hiring specialized personnel and providing necessary training for staff. Other significant items included the approval of five District Goals, approval of several field trips, acceptance of one resignation and appointment of one new Custodian, approval for graduate course reimbursements, approval of stipend distribution for Yearbook advisors, and the approval of various financial items such as payroll bills and tuition contracts with Demarest Pre-School Program and Bergen County Special Services. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss HIB matters.

The meeting agenda included several key items for discussion and approval. The board received and approved the 2024-2025 audit presentation, noting a clean audit with no recommendations. They also reviewed the Board of Education Ethics Presentation. A significant action was the approval of the 2026 Board of Education Committees appointed by the President. Under the consent agenda, the board approved the enrollment report to date, records of emergency and crisis drills conducted in December 2025, various submissions and certifications including the School Safety Data System report and HIB report for December 2025. Personnel actions included approval of graduate courses for staff members seeking reimbursement. Finance matters involved approving bills for the period of December 1, 2025, to December 30, 2025, approving the Bills and Claims for January 2026, and approving the Secretary's and Treasurer's reports for November 2025, along with a professional services agreement for inclusive education. Finally, the board approved the second reading and adoption of several new or revised district policies and regulations related to resource materials and public complaints.

The Reorganization Meeting addressed several administrative and procedural items for the upcoming school year. Key actions included acknowledging the election results from November 4, 2025, and administering the oath of office to newly elected Board Members, including Jessica Spiegel and Danielle Insalaco-Egan, while Nicole Brennan was absent. The Board then proceeded to nominate and elect Charles Crowley as President and Dr. Egan as Vice President. Significant resolutions involved approving monthly public meeting dates for 2026, adopting "Robert's Rules of Order" for parliamentary procedures, and designating Valley National Bank as the official depository for Board funds. Numerous professional appointments and agreements were approved, such as appointing Paul Wolford as Title VI Coordinator and School Safety Officer, Kristi Giambona as Board Secretary, Nisivoccia, LLP as auditor, and Fogarty, Hara, LaPira & Cherry, LLC as Board Attorney. The Board also approved participation in various plans (State Health Benefits, Delta Dental/Vision), adopted existing job descriptions, policies, bylaws, curriculum guides, and affirmed participation in regional consortia and insurance groups like NESBIG and NJSBA. Final actions included approving the 2025-2026 school budget implementation and affirming several technology and management systems.