Kari Foote

The board discussed several items including the appointment of new non-certified staff and extracurricular assignments, approval of student field trips and professional development internships, and a review of district enrollment figures and monthly security drills. Financial business included the approval of bills, various reconciliations, and the adoption of the tentative budget for the 2026-2027 school year, including a health care cost adjustment and the establishment of travel expenditure maximums. Additionally, the board reviewed facility use requests, accepted student activity account donations, and addressed an executive session concerning student-related matters.

The board meeting featured a presentation on the Regional Learning Academy and Educational Resource Initiatives programs. A public hearing regarding the 2026-2027 district budget was conducted, followed by its formal adoption, including provisions for maintenance reserves, health care adjustments, and travel reimbursements. The board addressed various personnel matters, including contract renewals, new hires, and leaves of absence, and approved student-related items such as field trips, practicum placements, and reevaluations. Additionally, the board approved several operational contracts, including insurance brokerage, pest management, and internet services through E-Rate funding, and discussed school operations including facility usage, transportation agreements, and district tuition contracts.

The board meeting included an executive session to discuss student matters and harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB). Key actions included the approval of new employment appointments and staff changes, extra compensation for paraprofessionals, and professional development training. Educational items covered the piloting of a magnetic literacy program, the revision of several policies, and the review of the 2026-2027 school calendar. The board reviewed enrollment statistics, safety and fire drill reports, and student discipline data. Financial actions involved the approval of bills, various budget reports, and the acceptance of the ESEA Consolidated Grant for Fiscal Year 2026. The board also authorized an RFP for auditor services and approved technology purchases for laptops and displays.

The meeting included the approval of committee appointments for various roles, including delegates for NJSBA and SCSBA, and chairs for standing committees like Personnel/Technology/Finance. Presentations were given regarding Citizen of the Month Awards and Standards-Based Grading. Personnel actions approved new employment appointments for non-certified staff and extensions of leave. Educational matters included approving field trips and ongoing program/fundraiser activities, along with a first reading for several policy revisions (e.g., Recruitment Selection and Hiring, Gender Identity and Expression) and a second reading for meeting notification policy. General administration addressed enrollment figures, monthly drills, student discipline statistics, and the monthly HIB report. Financial matters involved approving claims, payroll, and reviewing reconciliation reports; a resolution was approved to request a waiver for the Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI) Program for the 2026-2027 school year. Additionally, a resolution was passed expressing appreciation to Alloway Township Public Works for snow removal services.

The reorganization meeting involved administering the Oath of Office to newly elected and re-elected Board Members following the November 2025 election results. Key reorganization actions included the election of Elizabeth Decktor as President and Richard Morris as Vice President for one-year terms. Significant administrative actions included designating NJ.com - South Jersey Times as the official newspaper, establishing the 2026 Board Meeting Schedule, appointing Shannon N. DuBois-Brody as Board Secretary, designating depositories of funds, adopting the policy manual, and approving evaluation instruments and various procedural manuals, including those for Food Service and Purchasing. The board also rescinded a previous approval for certain support staff salary adjustments and approved an hourly rate increase for a Part-time Paraprofessional. Additionally, board members received instructions regarding the filing deadline for 2026 Ethics Disclosure Statements and mandatory NJSBA governance training assignments. The meeting concluded with the adoption of the NJSBA Code of Ethics.