Lori Kearney

The Board conducted a public hearing on the 2026-2027 school year budget, followed by a regular meeting. Key agenda items included the adoption of the final school district budget, the approval of the tax levy certification and payment schedule, and the establishment of travel and legal expense reimbursements for the upcoming school year. The Board heard presentations on various district initiatives, including winter sports achievements and student board representative updates. Additionally, the meeting addressed personnel actions such as retirements, resignations, appointments of staff, and the approval of coaches and co-curricular positions. Several policy revisions and the abolition of specific positions were also approved, along with the affirmation of HIB findings and the approval of new scholarship awards.

The meeting included procedural items such as an opening statement, moment of silence, flag salute, and roll call. Key actions involved the approval of personnel matters, including hiring substitutes, approving a part-time Security Officer, approving numerous paid and volunteer coaching positions for spring and fall, approving staff for additional class periods and curriculum writing, approving leave of absence revisions and new leaves, and approving creation of a new Administrative Assistant position. The Board also approved several educational agreements, including rates for Extended School Year staff and therapists, approved updates to the 2025-2026 district calendar, affirmed Superintendent's findings on HIB incidents, and conducted first readings for new policies. Financial actions included approval of the bill list, monthly transfers, financial reports for December, budget certifications, acceptance of a grant award, and approval of maintenance/procurement agreements. Further actions included approval of various field trips and facility use requests, and changes to authorized bank signatories.

The meeting commenced with the administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected and reelected Board of Education members. Key actions included the election of Erin Miller as President and Lisa Long as Vice President of the Board. The Board reviewed and affirmed the Superintendent's findings regarding HIB incidents and approved new/revised policies concerning resource materials and public complaints. Personnel actions involved the rescission of a replacement Guidance Counselor, approval of several new hires and transitions for teachers and IT staff, and the approval of medical leaves of absence. Financial matters included the approval of the bill list, monthly transfers, Board Secretary and Treasurer reports, various certifications, approval of the food service report, a tuition contract, a swimming pool lease agreement, and the purchase of PowerSchool services and NWEA MAP licenses. The Board also approved professional development requests and facility use requests, and discussed the annual timeline for Board activities.

The meeting began with the President calling the session to order, confirming compliance with the Open Public Meetings Law, and observing a moment of silence and the flag salute. Key agenda items included a presentation by the NJSBA Representative, Michelle Kennedy. The meeting also featured two public comment periods: one limited to agenda items and another open to general school district matters, with specific rules for participation and limits on board response. The general session included comments regarding mentorship programs. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

The Haddon Heights School District's Strategic Plan 2.0 is a visionary framework designed to guide the educational community in providing diverse and challenging learning experiences within a safe and nurturing environment, aiming to develop creative, successful lifelong learners. The plan is structured around four overarching goals: Academic Standards, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Social and Emotional Learning/Mental Health, and Teacher Leadership. It incorporates District Commitments for continuous assessment and Action Items for intentional work, ensuring the district's mission is met and adapting to the evolving needs of students and the community.