Janine Byrnes

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and included a procedural move into executive session, followed by a return to the public session. Key discussions included the affirmation of the second reading of the January HIB report during executive session, and the removal of the February 1st HIB report approval due to weather delays. A significant part of the meeting was the official swearing-in of the newest board member, Mr. James Warren, to fill a one-year vacancy. The board approved the superintendent's report. Acknowledgements were given to students for academic achievements (Honor Roll, High Honor Roll) and scholar-athlete awards for the winter season, as well as staff nominated for Governor's Educator of the Year and Educational Service Professionals of the Year awards. The board also discussed the upcoming Tricky Tray event scheduled for March 21st. Under Finance, the general bills and operational list were approved, and several generous donations toward the high school gym floor restoration project were recognized from organizations like the Rotary Club of Lake Hopatcong and local families. Personnel actions included approvals for various leaves of absence, new track and field volunteer, drama program approvals, tuition reimbursements, and approvals for substitute paraprofessionals and teachers. Policy discussions involved a first reading for an update to the policy for use of school facilities, and a second reading for policies mandated by New Jersey state regarding harassment, nepotism, and employment of the chief school administrator. Resolutions included posting an RFP for fiber optic cabling relocation associated with high school roof restoration, with the intent to utilize federal funding. Finally, the board addressed matters for the Sussex County Regional Cooperative, including route approvals, acceptance of quotes for special education and field trips, and welcomed new member districts for the current and upcoming school years. Board member comments included welcoming the new member and reiterating thanks to donors and recognition for student and staff achievements.

The meeting commenced with the flag salute and a notice regarding compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. A motion was passed to enter into an executive session, which concluded at 7 p.m. Upon reconvening, the Board approved the minutes from the October 27th regular and executive meetings. Key discussion points included the Superintendent's report which featured updates from student representatives on the Sussex County Honors Band performance, the start of a new high school band director, planned holiday ensemble events, and auditions for the North Jersey Area Band. Student representatives also reported on the NHS/NJHS Thanksgiving food drive benefiting 13 families, the start of winter sports seasons, the high school tree lighting ceremony, a basketball showcase, the esports team winning their fourth consecutive state championship in Super Smash Bros, fundraisers for the Class of 2028, a cornhole tournament, the high school play "Arsenic and Old Lace," the announcement of the spring musical "Mama Mia," and details about the winter pep rally and a pizza sale fundraiser. The cheer team qualified for nationals in Florida. Recognition was given to high school students of the marking period, HMS students of the month, AP scholars, and students who passed the state cosmetology exam. Acknowledgment was also given to Joan Marshall, who is retiring after 26 years of service. The session concluded with a financial presentation from Nisaceia regarding the draft financial statements for the year on a budgetary basis, addressing revenues (including tax levy increases related to a bond and shortfalls in state/federal aid) and expenses, while explaining the technical accounting treatment of the TPAF contribution.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters and attorney-client privilege before reconvening in the public session. Student Representatives provided updates on student achievements in the NJ Area Band, holiday events, and ongoing school activities. The Superintendent presented the HIB reports, including a second reading and approval of the November 2025 HIB report and a first reading of the December 2025 HIB report. Acknowledgements included congratulating students for Honor Roll achievements and naming Students-of-the-Month. Parent/Teacher Organization representatives reported on fundraising efforts, including blanket sales, a Tricky Tray event, and activities for Project Graduation. In public comment, a board member was thanked for years of service, and a statement was read regarding equity in staff compensation, along with a request for a high school crisis counselor replacement. Financial items approved included the revision and approval of General Fund and Special Revenues bills, the Treasurer's and Board Secretary's Reports for November 2025, various financial certifications, the appointment of a Treasurer of School Monies, acceptance of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, and acceptance of a donation. Personnel actions included the approval of a new custodian, an employee leave of absence, a stipend for an Acting Director of Special Services, and approval for various instructional, extra duty, coaching, and substitute positions. The Board approved travel costs for professional development and modifications/additions to board policies and regulations on a second reading. Approvals were also granted for home instruction services, student participation in the Inter-district Public School Choice Program, and approval for specified field trips. Finally, items related to the Sussex County Regional Cooperative were addressed, including bill approvals, approval for staff travel to a transportation conference, approval of contracted sick day pay, the hiring of a new Bus Driver, and the recommendation for acceptance, award, or rejection of bids and quotations for Special Education School Year Routes and Athletic/Class/Field Trips for the 2025-2026 school year.

The meeting included an executive session to discuss personnel and attorney/client privilege matters, followed by the public portion. Key agenda items included the approval of the Budget Development Calendar and the mid-year SSDS Data Submission. The board reviewed and approved financial matters, including bills for various funds covering December 15, 2025, through January 26, 2026, and approved monthly financial reports for December 2025. Personnel actions involved accepting several resignations (including two retirements) and approving new employment for a paraprofessional and a part-time custodian, along with granting tuition reimbursements. The board also addressed policy modifications, approved home instruction services for a student, accepted donations for the high school gym floor refinishing, approved modifications to the 2026-2027 school year calendar, and reviewed matters related to the Sussex County Regional Cooperative, including fee schedules and transportation contracts for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years.

The meeting commenced with the call to order at 6:01 p.m. Key discussions included congratulating students for high placements in the North Jersey Area Band auditions, participation in the holiday ensemble performances, and updates on the upcoming honors band auditions. Reports detailed participation in spirit week activities, sports updates including basketball games and cheerleading, and recognition for staff. The Superintendent's report acknowledged one instance of HIB on second reading for confirmation and one instance found not to be verified on first reading. A significant portion of the report honored Mr. Dphano for his nearly nine years of service to the board of education, and celebrated the retirements of Ms. Miller and Ms. Marshall. Public comments focused on the need for equitable financial compensation (stipends) for faculty and support staff taking on extra responsibilities, and the urgency of restoring a dedicated crisis counselor due to increased student mental health needs. The board then moved to approve personnel actions, travel and professional development, policy and regulations, and student services, including recognizing intent to participate in the interdistrict public school choice program.