Marissa Deamer

Key discussions during the meeting included a New Jersey Sunshine Law procedural item, a Student Representative Report, and a Preliminary Budget Presentation for 2025-2026. Legal actions involved the approval of the Superintendent's Agreement and the appointment of an interim Superintendent, both subject to DOE approval. Action items under the Superintendent's Agenda covered approving district policy readings, the revised 2025-2026 District Calendar, and the 2026-2027 District Calendar, along with approving a donation of youth coats. Curriculum and Instruction saw approvals for professional development/travel, annual CPR/First Aid training for nurses, a workshop on 'AI for Special Education', and a student visit from Lawrence High School. Personnel actions included approvals for appointments, adjustments/transfers, resignations, rescinded offers, terminations, retirements, leaves of absence, miscellaneous items, and substitutes. Finance discussions centered on the approval of Bills and Transfers Report for $6,595,416.29, the Secretary/Finance Report for December 2025, and authorizations for competitive contracting and various renewals/contracts including Educational Data Services, Inc., Frontline Time and Attendance, Frontline IEP Direct, Realtime, Talking Points, and PowerSchool. The Board also adopted the Maximum Travel Budget and Staff Travel Procedures, awarded the Bid for One-on-one Assistants/Paraprofessionals, approved an agreement for telephone translation services with Propio LLC, set revised tuition rates for Personal Assistants, and made revised appointments for NJSBA Delegate/Alternate and Board of School Estimate Representatives. The Board also approved increasing the maximum limit for Board Attorney Professional Services Contracts and accepted a donation for JFC Students, along with approving transportation route awards and revising bank signatories. The Grants section included accepting additional funding for the Special Child Health Services Grant. Information items covered correspondence, committee reports, administrator reports, and monthly reports on emergency preparedness drills, enrollment data (as of February 10, 2026), HIB, and suspensions for January 2026.

The proceedings began with the acceptance of the agenda. A key action item involved the acceptance of the resignation of Shared Superintendent Matthew Carey. The Board determined to enter an executive session to discuss Attorney/Client Privilege, later returning to open session. During the public comment period, a parent addressed the Superintendent's resignation and inquired about the next steps.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics, such as renewing an agreement with the Hamilton Police Department, amending shared services agreements with MCTS, approving the ESY 2026 calendar, and accepting MCSSSD goals for 2025-2026. Additionally, the board addressed donations to Mercer High School, professional development and travel expenses, articulation agreements, personnel matters, and financial items, including transfers, bills, and school events. Approvals were also given for change orders related to roof replacements and athletic field improvements, revised professional services contracts, medical and prescription benefits contracts, short-term disability continuation, ROD grant proposals, and acceptance of donations for the MES Music Department and MHS Food Pantry program. The board also reviewed county grants and reports on emergency preparedness, enrollment data, harassment, intimidation, bullying, and suspensions. Finally, there were discussions on a feasibility study and new business, followed by an executive session.

The meeting included presentations to the board, discussion of curriculum and instruction, and personnel actions such as appointments, adjustments/transfers, resignations, terminations, job abandonment, retirements, and leaves of absence. The board also discussed and approved items related to finance, including bills and transfers, the Board Secretary/Finance Report, school events, professional service contracts, technology equipment disposal, the Facilities Annual Maintenance Budget, subcontract services, preliminary budget planning, vehicle assignment list, transportation route quotes, and JIF membership renewal. Additionally, the board reviewed the HIB Self-Assessment Grade Reports, a donation for the MES Music Department, and reports on emergency preparedness, enrollment data, harassment, intimidation, and bullying, and student suspensions.

The meeting included a student representative report, a presentation on the dangers of restraint and seclusion of special needs children in schools, and public comments on agenda items. The board approved minutes from a previous meeting, an affiliation agreement with Quinnipiac University, and professional development plans. Personnel matters such as appointments, adjustments, resignations, and leaves of absence were addressed. Financial approvals included bills and transfers, the Board Secretary/Finance Report, a shared services cost estimate, and a change order for the MES Hot Water Heater Replacement. The board also approved transportation routes and rates, an application for change of use of space at MHS, and several superintendent's agenda items including the biannual statement of assurance, the bloodborne pathogen exposure control plan, and the school safety and security plan. Additionally, there were discussions on old and new business, including a fire truck visit to MES.