Loren Hamblin

The meeting included discussions on board goals, the SBA/Board Secretary search, and a review of policy alert 234. Financial matters were addressed, including the approval of payroll, agency/FICA payments, and line item transfers. The board approved contracting for custodial services. An executive session was held to discuss confidential student information and personnel matters. Personnel-related items were approved, including a salary guide position amendment, the 2025-2026 Professional Development and Mentoring Plan, and the acceptance of a board member's resignation. Payment was approved for a roofing application and a Horizon Healthcare insurance agency flex admin fee. An Ad Hoc Committee was created to assist with the SBA/School Secretary Search. There was also a discussion regarding the verification of student residency procedures.

The meeting commenced with the Call to Order and Roll Call. Key agenda items included a presentation by the District Auditor regarding the 2025 financial audit (ACFR), which yielded no recommendations, and a presentation on the district's RTI program. The Board engaged in a goal-setting session, establishing preliminary goals related to supporting the new School Business Administrator, understanding student assessment, enhancing policy awareness, providing resources for academic success, and increasing public participation and transparency. Committee reports covered policy updates, curriculum committee changes, building and grounds matters, and legislative resolutions from the NJSBA Delegate Assembly, where the Board expressed consensus to oppose one resolution and support two others concerning universal free school meals and STEM integration. Financial actions included approval of payroll, certification of the September 2025 financial reports, approval of line-item transfers, and approval of the November 2025 bill list. Other actions involved approving the district Wellness Policy and the Health and Safety Evaluation of School Buildings Checklist. Personnel actions included rescinding and then approving the hiring of Duane Morris as the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, effective January 1, 2026, and various other personnel adjustments. The Board also affirmed the determination for HIB Report #022526.

Key discussions during the meeting included the CSA report covering training sessions, IReady program status, and NJSLA testing results presentation. The Board discussed residency confirmation actions. Committee reports addressed policy updates, curriculum updates (Science curriculum online), the budget calendar, Focus grant application, and pending cannabis farm issues. Goal setting for the 2025-2026 school year was initiated. Financial actions involved the approval of September payroll and the acceptance and reconciliation of August financial reports, including revised July 2025 reports. Policy-related items included the final reading of Policy Alert 234. Finance items included applying for a Focus Grant, approving the 2026-2027 Budget Calendar, authorizing the scheduling of the 2024-2025 financial audit hearing, and setting tuition rates for the 2025-2026 school year. Curriculum items approved after-school club instructors and compensation, the October 15, 2025 Travel and Related Expense Reimbursement Form, the Pre-kindergarten Projected Enrollment report for 2026-2027, the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act self-assessment for 2024-2025, submission documents for the preschool program plan, and the preliminary 2025-2026 Master Field Trip Plan. Personnel actions included the appointment of Branndon Briggs to fill a vacant Board seat, increasing hours for a School Social Worker to serve as Parent Involvement Specialist, hiring a new School Business Administrator/Board Secretary effective January 1, 2026, hiring a full-time paraprofessional, authorizing the hiring of an additional paraprofessional as needed, approving unpaid FMLA leave, approving a substitute teacher, and approving tuition reimbursements for the summer 2025 session. The Board also affirmed the determination for HIB Report #012526 and approved the October 15, 2025 bill list.

The special meeting involved a review and acceptance of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and associated audit recommendations, which contained no recommendations for the district. The Board also engaged in goal setting, establishing objectives related to supporting the new School Business Administrator, improving understanding of student assessment, enhancing policy utilization in decision-making, and developing a priority list for facility repairs and upgrades. Furthermore, there was a discussion regarding the anticipated expense and revenue changes for the 2026-2027 district budget. The meeting included an executive session to address matters concerning negotiations, a legal issue, and personnel. Finally, the Board approved financial matters, including payroll, the October 2025 monthly financial reports, the December 2, 2025 bill list, and building and grounds-related items.

The Board entered an executive session to interview two candidates, Michele Hamilton and George Banghart, Jr., for an open Board position. Following deliberation on both candidates, the Board elected Mrs. Hamilton to fill the vacancy. The Board subsequently reconvened for a public session.