Nancy Byron

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included a presentation by the high school principals on the public relations program. Committee reports covered infrastructure updates such as the status of the Hanover Park Stream Restoration Project permit review, anticipated bidding for Whippany Park Security vestibule and Hanover Park Roofing plans, and ongoing HVAC project work. Curriculum actions involved recommending approval for an Algebra I Support Program and instructional support for students completing the Educational Proficiency Plan (EPP). Personnel actions included extending 6th period assignments, appointing a Senior Service Project Coordinator, approving a child rearing leave of absence, approving a substitute teacher and volunteer, and approving a change of degree for a teacher. Curriculum and Instruction approved several instances of individual home instruction and the scheduling of guest speakers, including a Holocaust survivor. Policy approvals included temporary signage for the Hanover Park Track & Field Club and Hanover Park Diamond Club, authorization for staff travel to various professional development events, and approval for one field trip. Student Affairs addressed the opioid awareness program presentation and the planning for a HIVE program Valentine's Day Social. Finance items included the acceptance of the Board Secretary Report and Treasurer's Report for November 2025, authorization for bill payments covering the period from December 5, 2025, through January 9, 2026, approval of fund transfers, and approval of payments related to mechanical replacement projects at both high schools. The Board also accepted the Phone-Free Schools Grant Program award and approved the disposition of outdated technology items. The Board affirmed and accepted a Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying report. Additionally, the Board recognized January 2026 as School Board Recognition Month. New business included the approval of assistants for the 2026 Spring Musicals and approving evaluations services for the Augmentative and Alternative Communication System. The meeting included a brief Executive Session to discuss confidential Student Affairs Matters.

The meeting included presentations of Exemplary Educator awards and a discussion with auditors regarding the results of the 2024-2025 Annual School Audit. Key discussions during committee reports focused on construction projects, including turf fields, curb repairs, the Hanover Park Stream Restoration Project, Whippany Park Security vestibule plans, the Hanover Park Canopy Project, and the completion of the Hanover Park Roofing project. The Curriculum Committee reviewed updates to the 2026-27 Program of Study, the status of a proposed CTE Program, and Policy 2365 concerning AI usage. Action items addressed numerous personnel matters, including resignations for retirement, leaves of absence, and various appointments for co-curricular and athletic roles. The Board approved several financial actions, including the acceptance of the Board Secretary and Treasurer reports for October 2025, authorization for bill payments, numerous fund transfers, and change orders related to mechanical replacement projects at both Hanover Park and Whippany Park High Schools. The Board formally accepted the 2024-2025 Annual School Audit and adopted the corresponding Corrective Action Plan. The Superintendent’s report included information on fire and security drills, student and staff attendance summaries, and the discipline report.

The meeting included a public comment section where attendees inquired about Resolution 22.485 regarding the Hanover Park gym floor replacement and the status of the State referendum. The Board received a presentation on the district's Wellness program. Committee reports were given, noting discussions on instructional aides and the 2022-2023 budget review. Action items involved personnel changes, including accepting several resignations and approving multiple appointments for the remainder of the 2021-2022 school year, summer instruction, and leaves of absence extensions. Curriculum and Instruction actions approved various observations, field experiences, guest speakers for April 2022, BCBA support services, an out-of-district placement, and evaluations for a student. Several new and revised Board Policies and Regulations were approved for a first reading, along with field trip destinations and staff travel authorizations. Student Affairs addressed the Hanover Park Marching Band trip to California (postponed to 2024), approval of the McKinney-Vento Agreement, cheerleading squad auditions, establishment of a Stock Market Club, and courtesy transportation for Project Graduation events in June 2022. Buildings, Grounds, and Transportation actions approved the construction of a bullpen at Hanover Park High School by the Diamond Club and a memorial patio to honor two deceased teachers, as well as approving the School Bus Emergency Evacuation Drill Reports from March 2022. Finance actions included accepting the Board Secretary and Treasurer reports for January 31, 2022, authorizing bill payments through March 18, 2022, approving numerous fund transfers, approving the Public Entity Resolution for bank transaction authorization, requesting approval for competitive contracting for Paraprofessional Placement Services, approving an architect's proposal for Whippany Park Fire Alarm replacement, accepting SEMI assurances, accepting donations for the Whippany Park Softball and Wrestling programs, and accepting a donation for the Hanover Park music program. Furthermore, the Board approved the submission of the tentative 2022-2023 budget for compliance review, setting the maximum travel expenditure limit, and establishing maximum spending levels for professional services. The Board also accepted the Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying report for the period ending February 9, 2022. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to discuss Personnel and Student Affairs items.

The addenda covered several key recommendations for Board approval, primarily relating to personnel matters, including the appointment of an Interim Whippany Park Athletic Director, a 2025-2026 Part-Time Instructional Aide/Job Coach, and extra-pay Fall and Winter Athletic appointments. The personnel section also included approval for a medical leave of absence for a District Bus Driver and the approval of several 2025-2026 Substitute Teachers. Curriculum discussions involved approving services from Bergen County Special Services School District for a Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Financial items included approval for various fund transfers, approval of tuition for a student to attend Hanover Park High School, approval to submit the Water Infrastructure Improvement Grant for drinking water outlet installations, and acceptance of a donation of Nike jerseys for the Girls Soccer Varsity Team.

The addenda covered several agenda items requiring Board approval. Under Personnel, recommendations included the appointment of Krista Lodgek as a Part-Time Instructional Aide/Job Coach, the appointment of Andrea Morales as a Custodian, and the approval of several 2021-2022 Volunteers. Financial matters included approval for specific fund transfers related to Lead Testing, approval to submit the ARP IDEA application, approval of Payment #3 of $62,524.26 to Paving Materials and Contracting, LLC for the Whippany Park High School Milling and Paving Replacement Project, and a resolution authorizing contracts with certain Approved State Contract Vendors for the 2021-2022 school year.