Ellen Spark

The committee reviewed the fiscal year 2026 financial statements as of March 31, 2026, noting that the budget is fully committed with a remaining balance. Key topics included discussions on significant budget overages related to out-of-district special education tuition and transportation, the impact of personnel vacancies on professional service contracts, and performance concerns with the bus company, which resulted in a $25,000 invoice for contractual violations. The committee also reviewed various fund reports and approved a lunch price adjustment to be forwarded to the Board of Education.

The Finance Committee reviewed the FY26 financial statements, discussing various general fund accounts, including budget overages in special education out-of-district tuition and transportation, as well as service contracts due to staffing vacancies. The committee addressed performance concerns with the bus company and approved a lunch price adjustment to be forwarded to the Board of Education. Financial performance across multiple funds was evaluated, and a plan for the reinvestment of excess funds within the School Nutrition Program was highlighted in compliance with state regulations.

The Board discussed and took action on several items including the approval of field trips for the high school mock trial team and marching band. Personnel matters, such as staff resignations and a leave of absence, were addressed. The Board reviewed an interschool food services agreement, tuition increases for the early childhood education center, and a playground donation for an elementary school. Significant focus was placed on finalizing the 2026-2027 budget and conducting a first reading of several new and revised policies regarding memorializing deceased individuals, student record confidentiality, instructional materials, and library collections.

The committee reviewed and approved several curriculum guide updates for Grade 12 courses, including Honors Dramaturgy, Honors Shakespeare, Honors World Literature, Literature of Peace, Protest and Tolerance, and Story of Self. Discussions centered on incorporating diverse texts, modern perspectives, and pedagogical shifts to improve student engagement and critical thinking. The committee also acknowledged the inclusion of new reading materials and pedagogical resources across various subjects to better align with current educational standards and broaden cultural exposure for students.

The meeting featured recognitions for various school achievements including the DAR Outstanding Teacher of American History award, championship wins by the Girls Wrestling and Gymnastics teams, and the success of the Middlebrook Odyssey of the Mind team, along with student leadership award winners. Public comments addressed budget concerns, including teacher support and technology improvements. The Board discussed personnel changes, including resignations and a leave of absence, and approved donations from the Frenchtown and Daniels Farm PTAs. A proposal to transition to a 3-tier bus system was considered but did not pass. Additionally, the Board approved various curriculum guides and texts, reviewed financial reports, adopted the Healthy Food Certification for the upcoming school year, and authorized a ten-cent increase in school lunch prices.