Gina Berry

Key discussions during the meeting included approval of curriculum and instruction resolutions, such as the 2026/2027 District Calendar and affirmations of HIB reports. In Finance, Facilities, and Operations, resolutions covered the approval of February and March 2026 bills and claims, certification regarding account overspending, approval of necessary financial transfers, a general ledger adjustment, cancellation of a balance for the Haskell Elementary School Project, and the adoption of the Tentative 2026-2027 Budget, which included a public hearing scheduled for April 28, 2026. The Board also set the maximum travel reimbursement for 2026-2027, approved a contract renewal with The Pomptonian, Inc. for food services, approved an agreement with Systems 30000 Inc., passed a resolution supporting Highlands Impact Aid and equitable state funding, approved the submission of a Climate Literacy Grant application and a High-Impact Tutoring Grant application, approved a contract with Health Source Group for nursing services, and authorized Competitive Contracting for Custodial and Management Services. Personnel matters included approving the revised 2025/2026 Stipend List, an internship approval, the retirement of a teacher, and several leave approvals/rescissions, including adjustments for an employee on FLA leave.

The meeting included statements to the public regarding the thorough review process for agenda items prior to action. The main discussion point was a resolution authorizing a closed session meeting to interview candidates for the Superintendent position, consistent with provisions allowing exclusion of the public for confidential discussions outlined in N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b). Public participation was provided for agenda items only.

Key discussions during the meeting included the presentation of the Wanaque Borough Public Schools 2024-2025 Audit by Wielkotz & Company, followed by presentations for the WBPS 2024-2025 Governor's Educator of the Year awards for both Wanaque and Haskell Schools. The board also reviewed the Student Safety Data System (SSDS) report for September 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. Resolutions approved under Curriculum and Instruction involved expense reimbursements, submission of the Paraprofessional Staff Statement of Assurance for 2025/2026, approval of K-8 ELA and Math curriculum, and affirmation of three HIB reports. Under Finance, Facilities, and Operations, the board certified that no major accounts were over-expended as of December 2025, approved revised and current bills/claims for December 2025 and January 2026, accepted the 2024-2025 Audit along with the Corrective Action Plan, and approved three parental contracts for student transportation routes. Personnel actions included approving new substitute teachers, processing resignations, approving substitute rates effective January 1, 2026, approving new Instructional Assistants, and approving extended medical leave for two employees. Additionally, the board designated the calendar of Board Meetings for 2026 and authorized an executive session to discuss Personnel matters.

The Reorganization Meeting included several administrative and organizational actions. Key discussions involved the administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected Board Members (Nicholas Bastean, Jessica Geyer, and Barry McCloud) following the certification of election results. The Board addressed the nomination and election procedures for the Board President and Vice-President. Furthermore, the Board resolved several new business items, including approving the Calendar of Board Meetings for 2026 (which indicated meetings spanning January 2026 through January 2027, with a mention of 2025 budget hearings), establishing committees, adopting existing policies, approving professional service appointments (such as Architect of Record, Board Counsel, and Auditor), designating official newspapers, and authorizing the Superintendent to make emergent/unanticipated staff hires. The meeting concluded with a resolution to enter a closed Executive Session to discuss Personnel matters.

The meeting included discussions and resolutions on curriculum and instruction, approving reimbursement for workshops. Financial matters were addressed, including financial reports, certification of fund availability, approval of revised and new payments of bills and claims, necessary budget transfers, and cancellation of a balance in the capital project account. Agreements for services were approved, including those with Northern Region Educational Services Commission, NJ Solutions Joint Health Insurance Fund, Brown & Brown Benefit Advisors, PediatriCare Associates, ProCare Medical Associates, and the County of Passaic for Hi-Speed Internet Services, as well as Let's Talk Speech and Edvocate School Support Solutions. Personnel matters included the approval of new hires, resignations, leave requests, movement of employees on the salary guide, a sidebar agreement with WBEA, student teacher placements, and new substitute teachers. The board also acknowledged a donation of winter coats for students.