Kris Corso

The meeting included a review of strategic board goals, with a focus on reducing chronic absenteeism, minimizing classroom distractions, and improving student outcomes. Discussions covered harassment, intimidation, and bullying protocols, alongside student reports regarding upcoming holiday events, sports activities, and musical performances. The board also celebrated various district achievements, including a national partnership award, the Hall of Fame program, and recognitions for educators and students. Additionally, the meeting featured a presentation on the 'Shoes That Fit' program and the 'Blue School of Excellence' designation for the high school, concluding with awards for students and staff members of the month.

The agenda for the regular meeting included several procedural items and committee reports. Key discussion points encompassed the Superintendent's report with a presentation on the RVCC Award, a review of Suspension and HIB Reports, and various general updates. The Policy Committee section involved affirming the Superintendent's decisions on several HIB cases. The Curriculum and Instruction Committee proposed approvals for professional development for numerous employees for upcoming events in March, April, May, and June 2026. Furthermore, approvals were sought for various Field Trips spanning multiple grade levels and destinations in 2026, including trips to The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, CT, and Six Flags Great Adventure. Personnel matters addressed included approving leaves of absence, resignations, retirements, new hires, and various advisory/coaching positions for the 2025-2026 School Year. The Finance and Facilities Committee agenda was extensive, covering approvals for Cafeteria Claims, review and acceptance of the February 2026 financial reports and certifications, approval of general claims for payment, ratification of budget transfers, acceptance of donations for a professional development event, approval of facility use requests for baseball training and a track event, approval of transportation routes and agreements, approval to apply for the Whole-School Mindfulness Grant, approval of a contract with Systems 3000, Inc., authorization for participation in the Passaic County Cooperative Pricing System, approval of the Summer Food Service Sponsor Application submission, approval of the FY 2026 ESEA Consolidated Grant amounts, awarding of an E-Rate contract for Firewall Services to Aspire Technology Partners, LLC, approval of contracts for staffing services, and approval of a change order for asbestos abatement during the Gym Stage Repurposing project at Alexander Batcho Intermediate School. The Board also approved adding a Special Meeting scheduled for March 25, 2026.

The regular meeting agenda included a Superintendent's Report covering suspension/HIB reports, general updates, and student/staff awards. Key resolutions addressed the affirmation of the Superintendent's decision regarding HIB case numbers, approval of professional development for staff attending various conferences (e.g., CKLA Literacy Summit, FLENJ Annual World Language Conference), and approval of several field trips for different grade levels and clubs. Personnel actions included approving leaves of absence, resignations (including a Track Coach), a retirement, and the approval of Advisor/Coach positions and new substitute staff. Financial matters involved approving Cafeteria Claims, accepting the January 2026 financial reports and certifications, approving bills for payment totaling $3,963,077.13, ratifying budget transfers, approving facility use, and approving contracts for goods and services. Additionally, the Board approved transportation routes for the 2025-2026 school year, approved a photography contract with Milan Rose, approved the Junior/Senior Prom contract with Bridgewater Manor, accepted a SEMI Corrective Action Plan, pre-approved attendance for the NJSIAA High School Wrestling Championships, and approved an agreement with the Somerset County Educational Services Commission for coordinated transportation services for the 2026-2027 school year. The agenda also included multiple sections reserved for Closed Session discussions concerning confidential matters like litigation and personnel.

This document, the Manville High School Program of Studies, is designed to familiarize students, parents, and guardians with the comprehensive course offerings and graduation requirements for the 2026-2027 academic year. It serves as a guide for selecting courses that align with students' future goals, career aspirations, and personal development, emphasizing challenging curricula that meet graduation, college admission, and employer requirements. The program details academic pathways across various departments, including Visual Arts, Business, English, Mathematics, Performing Arts, Physical Education and Health, Science, Social Studies, Career and Technical Education, and World Languages, to support students' educational and post-secondary planning.

The agenda includes a superintendent's report covering suspension and HIB reports, general updates, environmental club recognition, student and staff member awards, and a district data presentation. The board will discuss and approve various policies and regulations, affirm the superintendent's decision on reported HIB cases, and approve professional development for school district employees. Additionally, the agenda covers the approval of field trips, positions with staffing, out-of-district contracts, and the termination of certain contracts. The board will also consider leaves of absence, resignations, and retirements, employ new personnel, approve student teachers and advisor/coach positions, and approve a list of substitute teachers. The finance committee will discuss cafeteria claims, board secretary and treasurer reports, claims for payment, budget transfers, facility use requests, contracts for goods and services, and the annual comprehensive maintenance plan. The board will also consider accepting donations, approving contracts for various services, accepting the Innovation Dual Enrollment Program Grant, and authorizing the submission of preschool program plans and enrollment projections. Finally, the board will review and approve grant applications and transportation routes.