Katie Siciliano

The board discussed several operational and financial matters, including updates on the status of student transportation for a youth program and the 2026-2027 district budget preparation. Key actions included the approval of various personnel appointments, staff transfers, and contract renewals, such as the software license agreement for accounting and payroll and fiber optic cabling services. The board also adopted a tentative budget for the 2026-2027 school year, approved withdrawals from capital and maintenance reserves for facility improvements, and updated several legislative and internal policies. Additionally, the board affirmed actions regarding harassment, intimidation, and bullying incidents and authorized the disposal of obsolete technology equipment.

The board conducted a work session and regular meeting which included a public hearing and final adoption of the 2026-2027 school budget. Other key business included approving staff contract renewals for the upcoming school year, authorizing various capital and maintenance reserve withdrawals for facility improvements, accepting resignations and retirements, and approving several state and wellness grants. The meeting also addressed harassment, intimidation, and bullying cases, as well as legislative policy updates and out-of-district student placements.

The board discussed several operational and educational matters, including a review of district and board goals for the 2025-2026 school year. Key agenda items included the adoption of the tentative 2026-2027 school year budget, personnel actions such as staff appointments and leaves, and revisions to district policies. The board also addressed Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying reports, reviewed facility maintenance plans including capital reserve withdrawals for security door replacements, and renewed various service contracts and software licenses. Additionally, the board approved tuition rates for special services and adjustments to daycare rates for the upcoming school year.

This Corrective Action Plan for Maud Abrams School addresses chronic absenteeism, aiming to reduce rates below 10% as mandated by N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25.1. The plan outlines a multi-tiered system of support (Universal, Small Group, Individualized) focusing on identified areas for improvement, including transportation, student engagement, and parent engagement. It details current strategies and proposes new data-driven interventions such as SEL lessons, ongoing family communication, small group activities, and personalized student support plans, all designed to foster a sense of belonging and improve consistent attendance.

The agenda for the combined session included discussions on the Board Management Calendar and Aide in Lieu for Choice Student Transportation during the Work Session. The Regular Meeting included a recognition ceremony for the Principal's Secretary of Sandman's School as the 'Educational Support Professional of the Year,' and reports from the Board President, Superintendent, School Business Administrator, and various committees (Finance & Facilities, Personnel & Management, Curriculum & Instruction). The Consent Agenda covered routine financial matters including the approval of December 2025 financial statements and bill lists, personnel actions such as approving substitute teachers, accepting several retirements and a resignation, and approving various employee salary guide placements and leaves of absence. Educational items included approval for the Lower Cape May Regional High School Teacher Cadets Program and an application for the Literacy Initiative for Families and Thriving Communities (LIFT) Grant. Finance matters included the acceptance of the Annual Audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 (which had no findings or recommendations), and approval for various tuition contracts, transportation arrangements, and applications for grant funding, including $40,000 for the LIFT Grant and $80,000 for the NJ Learning Acceleration Program. The Board also discussed upcoming meeting dates and various emergency/fire drills.