Jessica Green

The Board meeting included recognition of the 2025-2026 Governor's Educators of the Year and updates on school programming, technology, and facilities. Key operational items discussed included the application for a local recreation improvement grant, food service updates, and financial reviews, including budget projections and check journals. The Board approved various personnel actions, including resignations, coaching appointments, and leave requests. Additionally, the meeting covered approvals for field trips, summer program schedules, special education evaluations and placements, the 2026-2027 district calendar, policy revisions, and a contract for flooring replacement.

The meeting included a session led by a representative from the New Jersey School Boards Association concerning the Superintendent evaluation and Board self-evaluation processes. No public comments were provided regarding the agenda items.

Key discussion points and actions taken during the meeting included personnel actions such as approving staff substitutes, revising a leave of absence request, and appointing teachers and staff for various roles, including a long-term leave replacement. The Board approved several field trip destinations for PK-8 and PK-12 grades, including trips to Hershey Park, Pax Amicus Theater, and The College of New Jersey. Personnel actions also covered movement on the salary guide for several employees and approval of home instruction for multiple students, including the use of external providers like Silvergate Prep and LearnWell Education. The Board approved the amended Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Grant Fiscal Year 2026 and the amended Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA aka ESSA) Grant Fiscal Year 2026, including carryover amounts. Additionally, the Board approved the final reading of several policies, including those related to Nepotism and Employment of the Chief School Administrator. Operations included the approval of various financial payments, payroll expenses, and transfer reports for the month ending January 2026. Finally, the Board affirmed findings related to Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying complaints.

The meeting began with the results of the November 4, 2025 election and the subsequent reorganization of the Board, including the selection of a new President and Vice President. The Board approved numerous resolutions related to its operations for 2026, such as establishing the annual meeting calendar, approving official newspapers, adopting the Code of Ethics, and appointing the Board Attorney, Architect of Record, and Insurance Brokers of Record. Additionally, the Board re-adopted existing Bylaws, Policies, Regulations, Job Descriptions, Educational Curriculum, and Textbooks. Key personnel actions included approving emergent hiring authorization, designating various officers and coordinators, and accepting several letters of resignation, primarily for retirement. The Board also approved field trips for PK-8 and PK-12 students, approved substitutes, and accepted the FY2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and its associated Corrective Action Plan. The session concluded with financial approvals including check journals and payroll expenses, followed by an executive session to discuss personnel matters, potential litigation, and attorney-client privilege.

The meeting included an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, current or potential litigation, and attorney/client privilege issues. The open session covered liaison reports detailing activities at John Hill School, Boonton High School (including spirit days and Multicultural Night), and PTA updates (Square One delivery). The Superintendent provided updates on remote learning status, Covid statistics, state assessments, and individual results. Key administrative actions included approving resolutions for extra hours for nursing coverage, staff for the Bridges to Learning Program, curriculum work, a field trip to Santa Land, 1:1 nursing services, home instruction, a Baseball Coach appointment, and academic support staff. PK12 resolutions involved a staff transfer, adding a substitute teacher/aide, approving November 2021 Fire Drill and On-Roll Reports, approving additional hours for student transportation support, approving a district-wide volunteer, approving staff for ELA and Math Refresher instruction, approving a volunteer coach, increasing the hourly rate for substitute bus drivers, and approving a Merit Goal bonus payment to the Superintendent related to an energy-saving upgrade project. Operations resolutions covered approving check journals, transfer reports, Board Secretary and Treasurer reports for November 2021, payroll expenses, professional development expenses, the District Facilities Use List, acceptance of a donation for a Thanksgiving Feast, approval of home-to-school transportation payment, and renewing an internet service agreement. Policy actions included approving the final reading of revisions to Policy & Regulation #5751 regarding Sexual Harassment. The Board also affirmed the findings and recommendations on two Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying complaints (BHS #6-7).