Richard Fognano

The Board of Trustees conducted a session covering various financial and operational matters. Key topics included the approval of bill lists and payroll, the renewal of student accident and various benefit plans, and contract renewals for food service, janitorial services, and legal services. The Board also reviewed reports from the Lead Person, Buildings and Grounds, Curriculum and Instruction, and Artist Services. Personnel actions, such as staff renewals and re-approvals for substitute teachers and nurses, were finalized. Additionally, the Board established a schedule for regular meetings for the upcoming fiscal year and approved fieldwork placement for a leadership candidate.

The Board of Trustees held a special meeting to address personnel matters, including the approval of staff renewals for the upcoming school year and various other personnel items.

The meeting included an executive session to discuss personnel matters and HIB. Financial agenda items involved the approval of bill lists, payroll, the Board Secretary's and Treasurer's reports, the Annual Fiscal Questionnaire, the amended ESEA grant, and the establishment of new Roth and 457b retirement accounts. Additional business included the approval of the revised 2025-2026 school calendar, reports on buildings and grounds, curriculum and instruction, and artist services. Personnel actions involved the approval of professional development, the hiring of substitute teachers, and the granting of FMLA leave for specific employees. The board also approved the second reading of several policies.

The meeting addressed several operational and financial items. Finance agenda items included the approval of the bill list spanning from January 21, 2026, through February 17, 2026, payroll approvals for two pay periods in January and February 2026, and the approval of the Board Secretary and Treasurer's Reports for January 2026. The Board also passed a resolution to request a waiver of participation in the Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI) program for the 2026-2027 school year due to projected low enrollment of Medicaid-eligible special education students. Key reports were approved across several areas, including the Lead Person Report, which included a resolution to approve the 2026-2027 school year calendar, as well as reports for Buildings and Grounds, Curriculum and Instruction, Artist Services, and Artistic Coordinator. Personnel actions included approving professional development, granting FMLA leave to Dr. Brian McGuire, and approving the hiring of a substitute teacher while accepting the resignation of Ian Angotti. Finally, the Board approved the first reading of several policy updates (4111, 5127, 5145.7, 6163.1).

The meeting addressed several critical items across various departments. In Finance, the Board resolved to approve the bill list spanning December 17, 2025, through January 20, 2026, as well as payroll for two periods in December 2025 and January 2026. The FY2025 financial audit report was presented, showing no findings and a surplus of $964,338.36. The Board also approved the amended FY26 budget based on October 15 enrollment data and a Joint Transportation Agreement with Absecon School District for student transport in May 2026. Other reports approved included those for Lead Person, Buildings and Grounds, Curriculum and Instruction, Artist Services, and Artistic Coordinator. The Board approved several field trips, master classes, and activities, including a resolution for a graduate to record a Tiny Desk Concert audition video in February 2026. Personnel actions included the approval of professional development and the hiring of two substitute nurses and one substitute teacher for SY 2025-2026. New Business included accepting the resignation (retirement) of Miss Kristen Troilo effective June 30, 2026.