Melody Finkelstein

Key discussions and actions included superintendent's report, public comments on agenda items, and board operations. Board operations covered the approval of the December 10, 2025, meeting minutes, affirmation of a Superintendent's decision regarding an HIB incident, and approval of Preschool Tuition Rates for the 2026-2027 school year. The Curriculum and Instruction Committee approved staff coursework related to structured literacy and IEP documentation, approved several staff conferences for professional development, and approved a field trip for the Kindergarten group to Health Barn USA. The Finance and Physical Plant Committee approved multiple payments of bills spanning December 2025 and early January 2026, approved staff remuneration for completed coursework, approved a Special Education Placement 1:1 Paraprofessional, approved the purchase of a three-year license for mCLASS DIBELS, and accepted the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The Personnel and Management Committee addressed several personnel matters, including approving a mentor appointment, rescinding a paraprofessional appointment, approving retroactive home instruction, appointing a long-term leave replacement custodian, approving substitute personnel, approving a leave of absence for a Special Education Teacher, and accepting a paraprofessional's resignation. The Policy Committee completed the first reading of several policies and regulations concerning resource materials, library materials, and public complaints. The session concluded with motions to enter and exit Closed Session to discuss HIB and Legal Matters.

Key discussion topics included the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act statement and the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda featured the Superintendent's Report, Principals' Reports, and Board Committees. A central item was the Preliminary Budget Presentation for the 2026-2027 school year. Board Operations involved the approval of the donation of 20 new soccer balls to Tenakill Middle School. The Curriculum and Instruction Committee addressed the approval of coursework for staff members Katharine Meyers and Paul Aguirre. The Finance and Physical Plant Committee addressed the payment of bills from March 1 to March 13, 2026, staff remuneration approvals, the preliminary 2026-2027 budget, approval for capital reserve withdrawals for various capital projects at Hillside Elementary School and Tenakill Middle School, a maintenance reserve withdrawal, the establishment of the maximum travel and related expense reimbursement for the 2026-2027 school year at $38,000.00, and approvals for multi-year license agreements with Cengage Learning, Riverside Insights, EdPuzzle Inc., Rethink Ed, and Learning Ally Inc., as well as the purchase of iPads. The Personnel and Management Committee addressed the retirement of a teacher, the allocation of Title I funds for a BSI Teacher's salary, acceptance of a paraprofessional's resignation, approval of substitute personnel, and leaves of absence for two teachers. The agenda also set a date for a public hearing on the 2026-2027 budget.

The meeting included principal reports detailing enrollment updates, professional learning sessions regarding the K-3 Literacy Requirement Initiative, and progress on summer academic support programs. The Superintendent's report covered the status of district summer programs, teacher professional development focusing on new math and writing resources, and facility updates including new lockers and air conditioning installation at Tenakill Middle School. Key actions included approving updated bid and quote thresholds, establishing Floro M. Villanueva, Jr. as the Qualified Purchasing Agent (QPA), approving the Virtual or Remote Instruction Programs Plan, approving staff conferences and field trips, approving preliminary monthly financials and the payment of bills, approving IDEA Grant applications, and approving West Bergen Mental Health Care, Inc. as the mental health support services provider. The board also held the first reading of updated policies on Dress and Grooming. Discussions in Old/New Business centered on the implications of recent state legislation affecting federal funding (Titles II, III, IV) and a request regarding Science Olympiad participation by graduated students. The Superintendent also noted the potential impact of impending legislation mandating full-day Kindergarten and free Pre-K.

Key discussion topics included Superintendent's Report, Board Committees reports, and Public Comments on agenda items. Board Operations motions covered the approval of various items, such as Tenakill Middle School's fundraisers for the 2025-2026 school year, acceptance of microscope donations, approval of Hillside Elementary School Summer Programs for July 2026, and the use of school facilities by the Closter Recreation Department. The Curriculum and Instruction Committee addressed staff coursework, approved several staff conferences and field trips, including Science Olympiad and The Chemistry Club trips. The Finance and Physical Plant Committee focused on bill payments for late January and early February 2026, staff remuneration, amendment of the ESEA Title I Grant, authorization to submit a waiver request for the SEMI Program, and approval for purchasing multiple multi-year software licenses (JAMF, Infobase, COMPanion Corp., World Book, Scholastic Digital, Tech4Learning, Capstone), and substitute nursing contracts. The Personnel and Management Committee approved an internship for a Physical Therapist, parent-paid behaviorist services, a paid leave of absence for a teacher, a change in appointment for a custodian, accepted a resignation, and approved an appointment for a Special Education Teacher. The Policy Committee reviewed the second reading of Policy 1644 regarding Discretionary Uncompensated Leave. Old/New Business included discussion on the SY 2026-2027 School Calendar and the Draft Budget Overview and Preliminary Scenarios.

The meeting included a Special Services Staffing Overview, a review of department goals for Hillside Elementary and Tenakill Middle School, explanations of 504 Plans and IEPs, and special education timelines. Legal updates effective July 2026 were discussed, along with student support offerings such as counseling groups and character education programs. Discussion items included a parent request for a transition meeting for students moving to high school and concerns about support for special education students during sleepover trips.