James V. McLaughlin

The meeting included discussions on enrollment, SHSD & BTSD joint meeting, regionalization update, new BoE members, first-grade STE(A)M project grade level collaboration, PTO pumpkin patch, NJ Governor's Educator of the Year Program nominations, Student Council food drive, US News & Reports Top 100, conferences, MP2 grades, girls/boys basketball, Somerset Cty Vo-Tech annual visit, NJSLA-A adaptive pilot, NJ Revolutionary Schools program coordinator, school calendars, winter workshop, orchestra/strings, band/jazz, and choral/handbell concerts, Grade 8 mural, Green Team, Wellness Team International Heritage Night, Sustainability, NJSIG insurance, policy and regulation, bus evacuation drill, Board of Education Meeting Dates, pay schedule for athletic officials, school calendars, piano accompanist, facilities use request, Nursing Services Plan, School Partnership Program (NJDOE), Statement of Assurances (SOA's), Financial Reports, transfers, invoices, ROD Grant Payments, HIB Report, job description, professional development/workshops/teacher training, substitute teacher hire, leave of absence, maternity leave, volunteers, Workshop(s)/Site Visit(s), Field Trip(s)/School Event Chaperone(s), trips, school/class events, donation, Executive Session, and Math Criteria.

The special meeting addressed organizational matters for the Board of Education. Key agenda items included compliance statements regarding the Open Public Meetings Act, the appointment of Eulalia Gillis as the Interim Board Secretary and chair for the Reorganization Meeting, and the certification of the 2025 Annual School Board Election results for two three-year terms. The meeting also involved administering the Oath of Office to new members, adopting the Code of Ethics, and conducting elections for the Board President and Vice President. Furthermore, the Board passed a resolution recognizing January 2026 as School Board Recognition Month, acknowledging the contributions of local school board members throughout New Jersey.

The meeting commenced with an executive session to discuss matters including an HIB case, collective bargaining agreements, real property transactions, investment of public funds, public safety tactics, pending litigation, attorney-client privilege, and personnel employment matters. Key discussions during the public session included the Wellness Committee District Wellness Presentation, which covered the SSDS HIB Reporting Period 1 summary, enrollment updates, and technology project holds prioritizing safety and security. The Business Administrator's report focused on budget matters and required disclosure form completion. District Goals for Student Achievement, Citizenship and Well-being, and Engagement were reviewed. Business items approved included the resolution approving the Uniform State Memorandum of Agreement Between Education and Law Enforcement Officials for 2025-2026, submission of the ESEA Title I Performance Report, designation of May 2026 as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, approval of the 2026-2029 Bilingual ESL/ELL/MLL three-year program plan, a contract for entertainment services, and facility use requests. Finance approvals included acceptance of the December 2025 Secretary's and Treasurer's Reports, approval of transfers and invoices for various accounts, and a tuition increase for the 2026-2027 PreSchool year. Personnel and Programs actions included accepting the determination for HIB case #HIB 2026-2, submission of SSDS/HIB Mandating Reporting data, approving various leaves of absence, hiring substitute teachers, accepting resignations, approving new appointments and title changes for administrative staff, and outlining Extended School Year dates. Stipends and registration fees for extracurricular activities, such as the MS Robotics Tournament, were also approved.

The meeting included an executive session to discuss confidential matters such as individual privacy exceptions, collective bargaining agreements, real property transactions, investment of public funds, public safety tactics, litigation, attorney-client privilege, and personnel matters. Key discussions in the Superintendent's Report covered enrollment updates, acknowledgments for departing Board members, planned increases in behaviorist hours, and various events including a food drive and choral concert. The Business Administrator presented the audit by Nisivoccia. The Board reviewed and took action on numerous business items, including approving the second reading of policies P 2624 (Grading System) and P 5420 (Reporting Student Progress), approving Behavior Analyst Services, and several out-of-district placements and service agreements, including contracts for the Lead Attorney and Special Education Attorney of Record for 2026. Financial actions included accepting the November 2025 Secretary's and Treasurer's Reports and approving transfers and various invoices. Personnel actions involved approving several leaves of absence and hiring substitute teachers. The Board also scheduled the annual Reorganizational Meeting for January 6, 2026.

This Technology Plan outlines Bedminster Township School's vision for digital learning from 2022 to 2025. It focuses on integrating virtual learning technology for effective global communication and incorporating more STEM-infused projects into current courses. Key initiatives include aligning the technology curriculum with national standards, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital citizenship, and expanding opportunities in computer programming, robotics, and multimedia creation across all grade levels.