Michael Dougherty

The board meeting included recognizing educators Lindsay Schartner, Karen Czinkota, and Dana Harrington for their achievements. Student representatives provided updates from their schools, and the board discussed live audio-casting of meetings. Committee reports were given on finance, operations, education, and personnel, including updates on hiring practices, staffing appointments, coaching positions, substitute teacher approvals, transportation, and support personnel for students with disabilities. The board also discussed the appointment of a Title IX Coordinator and a legal issue. The consent agenda covered payment of bills, budget appropriation transfers, financial reports, a comprehensive maintenance plan, disposal of fieldhouse lockers, student activities fund accounts, policy updates, a license for a musical production, field trips, professional development, the 2026-2027 school calendar, an AI Innovation in Education grant, winter sports schedules, home instruction, and foreign exchange students. Additional actions included rescinding an appointment, approving a leave of absence, new personnel appointments, extra pay, coaching appointments, a chaperone, professional consultants, substitute and student employee rates of pay, and substitute employees. The meeting also involved discussions on a sports program, an executive session, approval of executive session minutes, and a HIB report.

This document details a Comprehensive Equity Plan, encompassing both a Needs Assessment and a framework for Corrective Actions. It systematically addresses equity across Board Responsibilities, Staff Development and Training, and School and Classroom Practices, which include curriculum, student access, guidance programs, physical education, and athletic programs. The plan's objective is to identify and rectify instances of prejudice and discrimination, foster mutual respect, and eliminate achievement and opportunity gaps within educational environments.

The meeting included reports from student representatives and the superintendent, a review of the 2024-2025 QSAC Final Report, and a District Testing Report presentation. The Finance and Operations committee discussed referendum project statuses, cafeteria reserve account usage, and an ExAid grant. Recommendations were made regarding influenza vaccines, school bus emergency evacuation drills, a rental agreement for swim team practice, special education training, and applications for certified educational facilities with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Education committee reviewed the District Testing Report, field trips, professional development, district goals, guidance initiatives, student activities, and high school open houses. Personnel matters included staffing updates, coaching appointments, clinical practice candidates, substitute teacher approvals, student technology internships, support personnel for students with disabilities, professional consultants, and policy abolishments. The board also discussed a Law Enforcement Memorandum of Agreement, a Live Streaming Memorandum of Understanding, the District's Nursing Services Plan, a School Self-Assessment for Determining HIB Grades, IEP placements, and home instruction. An executive session was held to discuss student, personnel, negotiations, and legal matters.

The meeting included discussions and updates on various topics, including referendum projects such as fieldhouse improvements, culinary classroom completion, cafeteria/kitchen renovations, and roofing projects. Updates were provided on departmental activities, including the formation of an AI integration team and the exploration of ways to control rising transportation costs. The board also discussed entering into a Pool Rental Agreement with Tranquility Camp, an agreement with Edmentum for ELA test preparation licenses, and a consulting agreement with E-Rate Consulting, Inc. Additionally, the board addressed curriculum approvals, the Comprehensive School Counseling Plan, field trips, professional development, and Title Grant Funds. The board also entered into an executive session to discuss student matters, personnel matters, negotiations, and legal matters.

The board discussed the status of referendum projects, including field-house projects, culinary classroom, cafeteria/kitchen projects, and roofing projects. They also discussed applying for a US Tennis Association grant to refurbish the courts. The board considered renewing the vehicle maintenance contract, authorizing the purchase of a school bus, and authorizing the sale of unneeded items. They also discussed testing results, summer curriculum work, field trips, and professional development. The board approved a new Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Human Resources. They discussed proposed language for the policy on public remote access to board meetings. The board approved payment of bills, budget appropriation transfers, and financial reports. They authorized the Business Administrator to reject bids for the HVAC Upgrade and authorized re-bid of the current project. The board approved a vehicle maintenance agreement, the purchase of a school bus, and an agreement to host the West Morris Central Prom. They also approved contracts for High Challenge Course In-House trainer assessment and for the use of a content authenticator. The board approved field trips, professional development, and the distribution of helmets to student athletes. They also approved the commencement of fall sports practices and schedules. The board approved the settlement of MRS-L-2552-21.