Krista Csapo

The meeting featured a presentation from Prevention Plus regarding educational programming. The Student Assistance Counselors provided updates on various initiatives, including mental health support classes, peer-to-peer programs, career counseling resources, and student graduation projects. Additionally, the committee discussed the completed needs assessment for the Municipal Alliance and reviewed upcoming community partnership events and announcements.

The meeting included an executive session regarding budget and strategic planning and a presentation of the 2026-2027 tentative budget. Key agenda items involved the affirmation of HIB investigation decisions, approval of the sponsorship for a student to attend American Legions' Girls State, and an amendment to the school calendar for inclement weather. Curriculum actions included a new out-of-district student placement and the submission of the Preschool Program Plan. Personnel actions covered several staff resignations and retirements, approvals for new administrative and maintenance staff, various leaves of absence, and the appointment of volunteer coaches. Financial and business operations included the renewal of an agriculture lease, a tuition agreement with New Hanover Township, the adoption of a communication platform service agreement, the acceptance of a donation, and the formal approval of the final FY 2026-2027 budget. Additionally, the Board conducted a first reading for an amendment to the policy regarding commencement activities.

The agenda outlined proceedings starting with a public session, followed by a resolution to enter executive session to discuss legally exempt matters such as litigation, contract negotiations, or personnel issues, with the session to reconvene afterward. Key operational items included the authorization for the Business Administrator to initiate competitive bidding for paraprofessional services, acceptance of grant funding from Sustainable New Jersey, acceptance of PTO donations for school enhancements, and approval of ESEA grant applications for various titles. A significant resolution involved authorizing actions for the sale and issuance of Refunding School Bonds not to exceed $14,300,000 to refund a portion of the outstanding 2016 School Refunding Bonds, following a public hearing held on the matter. Personnel actions discussed included amending a retirement date, accepting a retirement resignation, approving FMLA/NJFLA leaves of absence, and approving volunteer coaches. The agenda also listed items for public comment and suggested public input regarding the 2026-2027 budget.

The meeting was scheduled to begin with an Executive Session at 6:00 PM, followed by a Public Session at 7:00 PM. Key resolutions included going into closed session to discuss personnel matters related to the 2026-2027 Tentative Budget. The Consent Agenda covered approvals for travel reimbursement, Board Secretary/Treasurer Reports, Bill Lists, special education placements, and various director reports (Special Services, Curriculum and Instruction, Facilities, Community District Alliance, Technology, Transportation). Under Superintendent's Report, the Board addressed HIB investigation results, affirming a Superintendent-level decision, and approved an adjustment to the Extra Curricular Athletic stipend for the Head Varsity Golf Coach. Approval was sought for sponsoring a student to American Legion's Boys State and amending the 2025-2026 School Calendar for NJGPA Testing delays. Personnel actions included accepting a retirement resignation and approving new hires, leaves of absence under FMLA/NJFLA for multiple employees, and approving stipends for coaching and supervisory roles. Business and Finance items included accepting monthly budget certifications, approving fund transfers, authorizing an agreement for Fit for Duty Testing, approving homeless tuition receivable contracts with Trenton Public Schools, and approving rates for residency investigations. Most notably, the Board approved, on first reading, a Refunding School Bond Ordinance to refund outstanding 2016 School Refunding Bonds to achieve net present value interest cost savings for taxpayers.

This document presents the Bordentown Regional School District's 2026-2027 tentative budget, outlining its strategic alignment with the Board of Education's goals for operational effectiveness, building trust and relationships, and improving overall effectiveness. The budget prioritizes ten key goals: maintaining staffing levels, adding academic and behavioral interventionists for a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) model, eliminating fees for sports and extracurricular activities, enhancing school security with an additional Special Law Enforcement Officer, improving digital communication through a new website and ParentSquare, implementing online systems for lesson planning and staff evaluations, initiating Phase 1 of playground remodeling and HVAC improvements, and aligning Pre-K start times and restoring late bus services. These initiatives aim to support student achievement, well-being, and engagement, while ensuring efficient operations and fiscal responsibility.