Robert Ford

The Somerdale Park School's 2025-2026 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Plan aims to prepare students and staff for emerging AI technologies. Key focus areas include professional development for educators, fostering student learning and digital literacy, ensuring equity and safety in AI discussions, and encouraging exploration of AI rather than its use for evaluation. The plan emphasizes education and awareness for responsible integration of AI into school procedures and students' educational experience.

The 2025-2026 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Plan for Somerdale Park School focuses on educating students and staff to understand and thoughtfully engage with emerging technologies like AI. Key areas include professional development for educators, student learning and digital literacy, and ensuring equity and safety. The plan emphasizes exploration and dialogue rather than evaluation, with AI tools not used to assess student performance or replace instructional decision-making. It also outlines conditions for student AI use, aligning with academic integrity and acceptable use policies.

The meeting included presentations on Celebrating Art Student Award Winners, student attendance data, and ACCESS for ELL's data. The board approved financial reports, bill lists, transfers/adjustments, and an Integrated Pest Management Program. A resolution to increase the bid threshold was approved, along with the 2025-2026 Purchasing Manual and updated Standard Operating Procedures/Internal Controls. Lunch and breakfast prices for the 2025-2026 school year were approved. Approvals were also given for a change order for asphalt paving, an engagement letter with Bowman & Company LLP for the audit of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, and the submission of the IDEA and ESEA Grants. The board discussed and approved various personnel actions, including homebound instruction, extra-curricular positions, and a leave of absence. They also approved the Somerdale Park School Safety and Security Plan, Evaluation Rubric Weights, Parent/Student Handbook, 1:1 Student Device Agreement, Mentoring Plan, Staff Handbook, and Artificial Intelligent (AI) Plan. Additionally, religious exemptions to waive immunization requirements for kindergarten students were enacted.

The meeting included presentations recognizing the April and May Students of the Month and Celebrating Art Student Award winners. The board discussed and approved several financial items, including financial reports, bill lists, transfers/adjustments, rate sheets for intermittent independent professionals and substitute nurse services, and an agreement for prescription drug management services. They also approved a contract for before and aftercare services, an agreement for a Preschool Instructional Coach, and a resolution for the appointment of Speech Services. Additionally, the board approved student tuition contracts, a NJSIG Renewal Proposal, and resolutions to deposit surplus funds into Maintenance and Capital Reserve accounts. They also discussed and approved personnel items, including the approval of summer receiving clerks, the ratification of new teacher hires, and the approval of staff to work additional hours for summer school and counseling services. The board also acknowledged and accepted the Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Reports for incidents dated 4/15/2025 and 5/28/2025 and acknowledged the 2023-2024 HIB School Self-Assessment for Determining Grades.

The meeting included recognition of the March Student of the Month recipients and presentations from Student Council representatives. The board discussed and approved various financial reports, bill lists, transfers, and adjustments. They also approved engaging services for construction proposals, renewed insurance groups, and authorized a non-resident student to attend Somerdale Park School without tuition. Approvals were given for an asphalt project bid, participation in the Summer Food Service Program, and renewal of teaching strategies. The board also discussed and approved agreements for maintenance services, events, public trust, and food management. Additionally, they authorized the procurement of goods and services through the New Jersey Division of Purchase and Property State Contract. The meeting also covered approvals for payroll schedules, student support services, Medicaid reimbursement, hourly rates for ESS Northeast, LLC, and student tuition contracts. The board approved the Frontline Education Renewal Notice for IEP, therapy services agreement with Virtua Health Inc., and the purchase of a GMC Sierra. They also authorized the Business Administrator to enter into contracts and continue payment of all bills, approved a contract with Phoenix Advisors, and designated media for notices. Further discussions included investments, tax payments, school lunch programs, augmentative and alternate communication district plan, and a comprehensive equity plan. The board also approved applying for a NJSIG grant. They discussed and approved the use of facilities, the Somerdale Park School Calendar, and field trips. Personnel matters included school closures, new teacher appointments, summer hours, and reappointments of staff. The board also approved revised job descriptions and enacted a religious exemption to waive immunization requirements. Annual board approvals and appointments were made, including Camden County Education Services Commission services, the Board Meeting Schedule, and various company providers. The meeting also involved reports on harassment, intimidation, and bullying, student attendance, security/fire drills, health, and Nutri-Serve. A public hearing was held on the 2025-2026 budget, and the board ratified memorandum of agreements with the Somerdale Administrators' Association and the Somerdale Education Association.