Leigh Bello-DeCastro

The Board of School Estimate meeting addressed several key fiscal matters. The agenda included roll call votes on resolutions for the Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget Request and the Fiscal Year 2027 Chapter XII Budget Request. Resolutions were also voted upon for Chapter XII Reallocation for Minor Capital and other Capital Improvement Projects. Specific resolutions formally fixed and determined the necessary funding amounts for the FY 2027 Operating Expenses ($16,700,000 required from County Aid) and Chapter XII Capital Expenses ($2,000,000 in County Aid). An additional resolution approved the reallocation of $3,100,000 in surplus funds from a previously completed project for Minor Capital Projects.

The Board of Trustees meeting agenda covered several key areas for action and reports. The Finance Committee submitted a resolution for the Board's approval to award a two-year contract, not to exceed $500,000.00 per year, to Elsevier Inc. for the Nursing Program Learning Management System. The Personnel Committee presented recommendations for three appointments (Admissions Specialist/Recruiter, Administrative Assistant, and Security Officer), one retirement (Security Officer), and one termination (Human Resources Generalist), with effective dates in March 2026 and February 2026, respectively. The Educational Programs Committee presented actions regarding establishing Dual Enrollment Agreements with multiple local Boards of Education (Belleville, Montclair, Essex County Schools of Technology, East Orange, Irvington, Newark Public Schools, and Orange) for the 2026-2027 term, as well as accepting $93,600 in funding from the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities award. The Site, Facilities and Equipment Committee requested approval for participation in the PSE&G Clean Energy Future -- Energy Efficiency Program, involving an approximate total project cost of $2,500,000, financed largely through incentives and energy savings. Finally, the Community Relations Committee sought authorization and a limited waiver for alcohol service for the Laptops 4 Learning Wine Tasting Fundraiser scheduled for April 9, 2026.

The meeting included reading the Open Public Meetings Act into the record and the approval of the minutes from the previous November meeting. Key agenda items involved resolutions passed in honor of former Board Chair Marion A. Bolden for her distinguished service, and resolutions expressing condolences for former Trustees Reverend Lanel D. Guyton and Bishop Reginald T. Jackson. Public comments addressed cafeteria electrical outlets, the ratification of the Faculty Contract, and urging support for the Immigrant Trust Act. Finance Committee actions included the approval of several resolutions authorizing contract awards or change orders for technical equipment, commencement services, dining hall renovation, and college sign fabrication. The Personnel Committee recommended appointments for instructors and staff, merit awards, a supplement for the CFO/Senior Comptroller, approval for a retirement, and ratification of contracts for the Faculty Association and Adjunct Faculty Federation. The Educational Programs Committee recommended approval for several articulation agreements and acceptance of grant funds. The Policy and Governance Committee recommended revisions to several sets of Board Policies. The President's Report detailed enrollment figures surpassing the previous year, updates on employee recognition, and progress on capital projects like the Center for Technology renovation.

The meeting included announcements regarding the Open Public Meetings Act compliance, noting that advance notice was filed on December 8, 2025. Key discussions involved the Finance Committee recommending approval for several contract awards, including one for Workforce Development Training not to exceed $180,000.00, and approvals for budget requests for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The Personnel Committee recommended appointments, including Ketan Gandhi as the permanent Chief Financial Officer/Senior Comptroller with a salary of $150,000, effective February 2, 2026, alongside appointments for a Legal Assistant and Security Officers. A separate resolution was passed unanimously to grant President Dr. Augustine A. Boakye a three percent (3.0%) raise retroactive to January 1, 2026, and a three percent (3.0%) Merit Bonus. The Educational Programs Committee recommended acceptance of $360,000 in PACE Program funds. Public comments raised concerns about ICE actions, faculty hiring needs, and the upcoming 50th anniversary of the A. Zachary Yamba Building. An Executive Session was scheduled to discuss collective bargaining, negotiations, litigation, and personnel matters.

Key discussions during the meeting included public comments concerning the grievances of part-time English Tutors regarding lack of benefits, salary, and job security. A professor voiced support for neurodivergent students, advocated for support services, and raised concerns about campus funding disparities and international political events. A student representative requested additional support services for disabled and older students, including tutoring and quiet study settings. The Finance Committee reported on and received unanimous approval for five award authorizations, covering science software, remote learning support, commencement services, grant writing, and accounting services. The Personnel Committee recommended approvals for several new appointments, two retirements, and two resignations. The Educational Programs Committee secured approval for a Joint Admissions Agreement with Rowan University and a Notice of Award for the PACE Program. The President provided updates on various capital projects, including renovations for the cafeteria, Center for Technology, MLK Library, and the PEB locker rooms, as well as ongoing maintenance and planning initiatives.