Florencia Girman

The meeting agenda included the establishment of quorum, presentations for School Board Recognition Month, and a public hearing concerning the Semi-Annual Violence and Vandalism Report and the Semi-Annual HIB Report for the period of September 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. The Superintendent's Report covered personnel actions, including substitute approvals, new hires, a retirement, a termination, an interim position, a teacher practicum, leaves of absence, and honorariums. The report also addressed tuition reimbursements, curriculum contracts, a movement on guide salary adjustment, and enrollment statistics for January 2026. Financial reports included a transfer of funds for December 2025, certification of financial reports as of December 31, 2025, and approval of bills for January 2026 totaling $1,971,843.71. Other business items involved approving travel expense reimbursements, field trips, building use requests, appointment of an Architect and Engineer, approval of an Out of District Tuition Contract, approval of a transfer of funds due to increased Charter School enrollment, approval of a revised bank signer list, and approval to go out to bid for district transportation for three future school years. The agenda concluded with provisions for an Executive Session.

The meeting was called to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The Superintendent's Report included a motion to approve new hires, specifically a Pre-K Teacher at Magowan School with a specified salary step and grade level. Following this, the Board moved into Executive Session for approximately two hours to discuss confidential matters pertaining to personnel, legal, student, professional services, and negotiations. The meeting concluded with an adjournment motion.

The meeting commenced with the administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected Board members. Key agenda items involved the election of the Board President and Vice President, and the appointment of various professional services for the period spanning January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, including the Architect, Risk Management/Insurance Broker, Solicitor, School Physician, Health Benefit Advisor, and Auditor. Reorganization procedures included appointing the Board Secretary, establishing the depository for Board Funds, approving official newspapers, setting regular and special meeting schedules, and adopting the Policy Manual and Code of Ethics. The Superintendent presented goals for the 2025-2026 School Year focused on Safe and Inclusive Schools, Student Agency and Academic Empowerment, Collaborative, Connected Community, and Financial and Facilities Stewardship. A motion to approve the 2025-2026 District and Superintendent goals was listed.

The Board of Education meeting included the announcement of the official results of the Annual School Board Election, with new members elected. Key presentations covered the Superintendent's Information Report and the PreK Expansion Operational Plan and Projected Enrollment for 2026-2027, leading to the approval of the Preschool Expansion Aid (PEA) Plan and the submission of the PEA Preschool Operation Plan. Committee reports addressed personnel matters, curriculum updates including the First Reading of a new policy, and information on grants and professional development. The Superintendent's Report addressed personnel actions such as new hires, resignations, salary changes, and leaves of absence, as well as curriculum approvals, HIB reports, and enrollment figures. The Secretary's Report included motions to approve financial reports, including the transfer of funds, Board Secretary's Report, Treasurer's Report, and approval of bills for November 2025. The Board also discussed goals for the upcoming year.

The meeting included presentations on the Superintendent's Information Report, Student of the Month Recognition, NJSLA 2024-2025 Assessment Results, and QSAC District Performance Review. Public hearings were held for the Semi-Annual Student Safety Report and the Semi-Annual HIB Report. The board approved the second reading of several policies related to harassment, intimidation, bullying, student smoking, electronic surveillance, cooperation with law enforcement, acceptable use of AI, eligibility of students, food services, duties of the public school accountant, legal services, professional services, internal controls, administrative employment contracts, special education Medicaid initiative, budget preparation, notification of job opportunities, and statutory curricular requirements. Personnel matters were addressed, including the approval of substitutes, new hires, additional hours, homebound instruction, transfers, room changes, revised mentor fees, EPEA sidebar agreements, student teaching, and rescinding positions. The board also accepted a donation of backpacks and supplies, approved the Nursing Services Plan, and approved the Memorandum of Agreement Between Education and Law Officials. Financial matters included the transfer of funds, approval of the Board Secretary's and Treasurer's reports, certification of the reports, and approval of bills. Travel expense reimbursements were approved, and the Nutri-Serve Food Management financial statement was reviewed. Field trips and building use requests were approved. The board authorized the procurement of goods and services through the New Jersey Division of Purchase and Property State Contract for the 2025-2026 school year. The budget calendar and handbook for the 2026-2027 school year were approved, and the FY26 ESEA Grant Application was submitted. The board also approved contracts for occupational therapy services, private investigation services, student home instruction services, and out-of-district tuition.