Melissa Monaco

This "Blueprint for Excellence" outlines a student-centered culture that encourages students to become their best selves while contributing to their community. It envisions a safe, welcoming, supportive, and academically rigorous environment that fosters personal excellence and mutual inspiration. Guided by core values of commitment, community, compassion, and character, the plan focuses on three priority areas: Rigorous Teaching and Learning, Learning Beyond the Classroom, and Operational Excellence, to achieve its mission and vision.

The board meeting included a student presentation on the Pink Pouch Project, which provides menstrual care kits to students in need, and a discussion on school district values. The superintendent highlighted community participation in the One Suffern event and the importance of voter participation in the local election. Additionally, the board discussed new policies regarding mandatory student re-registration for ninth graders and the implementation of a more restrictive device-free school policy to align with state regulations by limiting access to personal internet-enabled devices during the school day.

The board meeting was held to announce the unofficial results of the budget and candidate vote. The budget proposition was approved, and results for the two candidates running for office were presented. The superintendent expressed appreciation for the community support and acknowledged the administrative team's efforts in budget development. Additionally, preparations for the upcoming election cycle were briefly mentioned.

The board conducted a public hearing regarding the proposed budget and held an executive session to discuss personnel matters. Action items included the approval of professional and civil service reports, the CSE/CPSE report, and the appointment of a Director of School Health Services. The board approved a bid award for special education transportation, multiple tax certiorari settlements and assessment changes, and a charitable donation. Additionally, the board passed resolutions supporting state-level petitions concerning electric busing and public school sports championships, and authorized several health and welfare services agreements with neighboring school districts.

The Board of Education held a tenure reception to recognize and celebrate 27 teachers and administrators achieving tenure. The meeting included presentations by building principals regarding individual tenure recipients, highlighting their professional backgrounds, pedagogical approaches, contributions to student success, and collaborative efforts within the school district.