Emmanuel Brathwaite

The community budget forum focused on presenting the challenges of the current year's budget, which was described as exceptionally difficult. Key topics included an overview of the district's large operation, serving over 10,000 students and 1,500 staff, and providing nearly 11,000 meals daily. Discussions highlighted successes such as improved graduation rates and scholarship earnings. The presentation detailed demographic trends, including the growth of multilingual learners (nearly 20% of students) and students requiring specialized plans (one in four students). Significant time was spent discussing the high cost of outplacements for students with substantial disabilities, noting that reimbursement from the state is incomplete, impacting the local budget. The speaker addressed concerns about administrative costs, stating that administration accounts for only 2.7% of total staff. Student performance data indicated positive growth in elementary reading and math, but concerns were raised regarding middle school reading and high school math scores. Conversely, success was noted in dual credit course completion by high school students and the rate at which multilingual learners master English. The forum concluded with an overview of revenue sources, emphasizing the impact of being an urban school district and raising concerns about the general fund budget received from the city.

The meeting included the Superintendent's Report, where appreciation for budget forum support was expressed, and an announcement of an upcoming budget forum in Spanish. The Food Service Manager presented on food offerings. Committee reports included a review of mandated policies by the Policy Committee and an overview of Adult Education programs presented to the Curriculum Committee. The Personnel and Finance Committee meetings were canceled, with items moved to New Business. Board members reported on attending the Martin Luther King Jr. Event and the League of Women Voters Brunch. Executive sessions were held regarding a legal matter with Attorney Peter Murphy and discussions concerning Local 51 and Local 818 Union Contracts, which subsequently led to the unanimous ratification of these contracts. New Business included approving the Report of Personnel Transactions and Extracurricular Appointments, reviewing staffing updates and exit survey data, and updating facilities/IT information. The Board reviewed and approved a board policy on immunizations, physical exams, and tests. Several Memorandums of Understanding were approved concerning Reengagement Staff funding, a new Slade Club Advisor position was approved, and two donations were accepted for behavioral health systems support and essential student needs. Contracts were approved for early childhood behavioral supports and purchases of laptops and automotive modernization equipment. A bid award for a food service forklift and purchase orders for instructional needs and software renewals were also approved. The December 31, 2025, financial report was accepted. The Consent Agenda included the approval of four proposed and existing board policies related to work-study, credit for online courses, and student attendance/homeless children.

The key discussion focused on the Financial Budget for the 2026-2027 School Year. The Superintendent presented the proposed budget, including an overview of student demographics, staffing, identified needs, and support services, alongside comparative data from benchmark districts. The proposed budget was noted to address ongoing economic cost increases without including new initiatives. Following a caucus, the budget was voted on and approved by a 6-4 margin.

The committee meeting agenda included new business items such as a Facilities/IT Update. Financial actions involved accepting donations from CHDI-Connect and BJ's Charitable Foundation for behavioral health supports and essential student needs, respectively. The committee was set to approve a contract with Integrated Wellness Group for early childhood behavioral supports, and several purchase orders, including those for Dell laptops for NBHS, automotive modernization equipment for NBHS, emergency heating repair at DiLoreto Magnet School, a food service forklift, instructional needs for Pulaski Middle School, a renewal for LinkedIn Learning, and the renewal of efinancePlus. The committee was also scheduled to review the financial report for December 31, 2025. Updates were provided on concurrent capital projects, projected future capital needs based on a facilities audit, and IT updates covering direct messaging/calling system usage and CSDNB app downloads.

The Curriculum Committee meeting included the review of the Adult Education curriculum as a new business item. The agenda also scheduled the review and approval of minutes from the preceding Curriculum Committee Meeting held on December 8, 2025. The December 8th meeting included presentations and committee motions to add curriculum reviews for English (Journeys, Voices, and Stories, Grades 11-12) and Math (Grades 9-12) to the consent agenda for the January meeting.