Robert Benacchio

The agenda for the regular board meeting included an executive session to discuss confidential matters, including Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) incidents. Key reports covered the Student Safety Data System (SSDS) for Period 1 and the 2026-2027 Budget Development Overview. Action items involved governance resolutions affirming HIB investigation findings and compliance, numerous personnel actions including accepting retirements and resignations, approving leaves of absence, making new appointments, and adjusting compensation for certain employees. Finance and Facilities items included the approval of bills, budget transfers, financial report certifications, approval of travel expenses, subscription busing costs, technology initiative spending plans, and acceptance of several donations for various school programs and playground improvements. The board also reviewed field trip requests and the second reading of several policies, including those related to Nepotism and Sexual Harassment.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included recognitions for Fall Athletics achievements such as sectional championships, and a presentation of the Audit for fiscal year 2024-2025. The Board affirmed findings and actions related to 28 Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) incidents reported in November 2025. Governance motions approved the adoption of Board Goals for the 2025-2026 school year, focusing on strengthening governance protocols, data usage, HIB oversight, and continuous improvement. Personnel actions included accepting one retirement and one resignation, approving numerous leaves of absence and changes to leaves, and approving several new appointments, custodian appointments, and probationary completions. Financial matters included approving significant bill payments, budget transfers, accepting the annual audit, and approving withdrawals from the maintenance reserve account for boiler and fire alarm repairs. Furthermore, the Board accepted numerous donations, authorized revised contracts through cooperative purchasing agreements and state contracts, adopted an amended cafeteria plan effective January 1, 2026, approved tuition rates for 2026-2027 programs, and approved the submission of Final Project Applications for multiple school addition and renovation projects. The Board also approved professional services contracts for Special Education needs.

The meeting agenda included several key administrative actions under Board Action. Governance items involved affirming investigation findings related to Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) incidents and approving the revised School Calendar for the 2026-2027 school year. Personnel actions included accepting several retirements and resignations, approving leaves of absence and changes to leaves, and approving numerous new appointments, changes in assignment, and appointments of employees who completed probationary periods. Finance and Facilities discussions covered bill payments, budget transfers, financial reports certifications, travel expense approvals, authorization to apply for a grant for accessible playground equipment, authorization to enter a Cooperative Pricing Agreement with the Morris-Union Jointure Commission, approval of the Project Labor Agreement form for the 2025 Referendum Work, approving a withdrawal from the maintenance reserve for boiler repair, accepting various donations, and approving spending plans for the Non-public School Technology Initiative Program. Professional services for Special Education were approved, along with settlement agreements and out-of-district placements for specific students. Finally, first readings were scheduled for several policies and regulations, and approval was sought for various curricula, field trips, and co-curricular assignments.

The meeting included a presentation of the 2025 Referendum Schematic Plans and Project Timeline by FKA Architects. The board discussed Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) incidents and affirmed that the findings of the investigation and the actions comply with the district's HIB policies and procedures. An Anti-Idling resolution was approved to reduce motor vehicle idling on school district property. Personnel matters included retirements, resignations, leaves of absence, appointments, and changes in assignments and compensation. The board also discussed and approved financial matters, including payment of bills, budget transfers, and the Board Secretary's and Treasurer's reports. Several donations were accepted, and agreements for coordinated Transportation Services and participation in the New Jersey Non-public School Technology Initiative Program were approved.

The meeting included a presentation of the audit for fiscal year 2024-2025, reports from various Board committees, and discussion on governance matters such as Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) incidents and the adoption of Board Goals for the 2025-2026 school year. Personnel matters included retirements, resignations, leaves of absence, appointments, and terminations. Finance and facilities discussions covered payment of bills, budget transfers, acceptance of donations, and resolutions authorizing contracts with vendors through cooperative purchasing agreements and state contract vendors. The board also discussed submissions of Final Project Applications to the New Jersey Department of Education for various school addition, alteration, and renovation projects. Curriculum, instruction, and programs were addressed with the approval of various curricula and district field trips.