Kurt Abel

The meeting commenced with a presentation on the Permanent Art Collection. Key discussions focused on the information review of District Regulations Updates and the minutes from the Referendum Committee and Governance Structure Review Committee meetings. For action, the Board approved out-of-district travel and a first reading of several new and revised Board Policies concerning topics like Board Member Number and Term, Legal Services, Internal Controls, and Student Sun Protection. Business items included approving the list of claims totaling $764,889.60, authorizing the disposal of a surplus bus, approving computer purchases via the ESCNJ Cooperative Pricing system, approving group registration for the NJSBA Workshop 2026, and authorizing purchases for the Great Minds PBC Arts & Letters ELA Curriculum and Savvas Learning Company myPerspectives ELA Curriculum materials. Curriculum actions involved approving several curriculum trips for MEMS students and approving guest speakers for science fair judging. Personnel actions included approving one retirement, one leave of absence, one discretionary leave of absence, several appointments for the current and upcoming school years, substitute additions and deletions, and approving a change in allocation status for Title I Extra Assistance. Student Matters included approving an out-of-district placement for a special needs student. The Workshop segment included an update on the proposed 2026-2027 School Budget. The Board entered Executive Session to discuss an HIB Appeal and two Negotiations items. Upon reopening, the Board passed a resolution affirming the Superintendent's decision in the HIB matter involving Student #39314.

The business portion of the meeting involved approving the list of claims totaling $893,569.87. Personnel matters included the emergent employment of new staff conditional upon NJDOE approval, the creation of a new position code for a Routing Specialist, approval of various leaves of absence for employees, acceptance of several resignations, one transfer/appointment, and several new appointments for teaching and support roles. Approvals were also given for an employee to create kindergarten lesson plans outside contractual hours, additions and status changes for substitutes, and changes in status for several current employees, including adjustments to effective dates and run times. Presentations covered the State of the Schools reports on Response To Intervention (NJTSS implementation), Special Education services and enrollment data, and the Academically Talented/Gifted & Talented program models and offerings. The board entered into a closed session to discuss student and employee matters, reconvening afterward before final adjournment.

The meeting featured student performances by the Milford Brook Intermediate Band and Orchestra. Key presentations included the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the year ended June 30, 2025, and a mandatory training session on the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD). Under Administration, the Board affirmed the Superintendent's implementation of Policy 5512 regarding Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying, detailing documented and investigated incidents across district schools. Business items included the approval of claims totaling $2,627,091.89, acceptance of the December 2025 financial reports, approval of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for FYE 6/30/2025, and acceptance of several donations to various schools from BNL Enterprises and others. Curriculum matters approved LDT-C internships and student teaching placements for Spring 2026, and several curriculum trips. Personnel actions involved approving resignations, leaves of absence, discretionary leaves, transfers/appointments, and numerous new appointments, including district employees taking on substitute assignments and curriculum writing roles.

The meeting included an Oath of Office administration, followed by a closed session to discuss interviews for Board of Education candidates and personnel matters. The board addressed a vacancy and appointed a new member. Key actions included district regulation updates, approval of out-of-district travel, and first readings of board policies. The board ratified check registers, approved lists of bills, accepted a donation of items, and approved grants. Agreements and contracts were approved for private fiber services, capital projects, natural gas, and electricity. Software licensing renewal was also approved. The board approved the Read Across America Guest Reader Program, a spring conference, and student teaching and classroom observerships. Personnel matters included approving increases in complement, retirements, resignations, leaves of absence, transfers, and appointments. Finally, the board discussed out-of-district placements and the Freedom to Read Act Policies.

The meeting included discussions on Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) incidents, district regulation updates, and enrollment figures. The board addressed financial matters, such as approving the list of bills, acceptance of the Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Reports, budget appropriation adjustments, and various disbursements. Capital projects were a significant focus, with bid awards for roof replacements at multiple schools and auditorium lighting and sound system upgrades. The board also considered a Local Recreation Improvement Grant for playground facilities and disposals of curriculum materials. Personnel matters included retirements, resignations, transfers, appointments, and changes in status for various staff positions. Additionally, the board discussed negotiations with multiple associations and unions.