Robert Bloom

Key discussions included the facilities report noting successful monitoring during the first winter weather event. Finance items involved reviewing the 26/27 budget gap, addressing payment ratification procedures, transitioning payroll agency payments to electronic transfer, establishing signers for 13 new bank accounts, implementing mandatory direct deposit for employees starting July 1, 2026, voiding checks older than 90 days, and authorizing the cancellation of stale dated checks totaling $45,210.35 from prior years (2022-2025). Discussions also covered the RFP for Audit services and the Solar Field RFP. The Human Resources section addressed the extension of the Acting Superintendent's Contract. Technology reviewed E-rate bidding, and the Superintendent Search discussed consultant proposals. The Referendum timeline for financing was also on the agenda.

The meeting agenda covered several areas, commencing with an executive session followed by a public session. Key actions included the approval of bills for February 2026 totaling $1,736,790.55 across various funds, and certification of December 2025 and January 2026 payrolls. The Board approved the S1701 Transfer Report for December 2025. In New Business, approvals were sought for the 2026-2027 Preschool Education Aid application, professional services for the Architect for Referendum work totaling up to $2,234,400.00, and authorization to advertise a Request for Proposals for a Solar Field Project. Grant submissions were approved for the Local Recreation Improvement Grant and the NJ Learning Acceleration Program - High Impact Tutoring grant. Approvals were also made for related service provider contracts, professional services for the Superintendent of Schools search, use of facilities, out-of-district placements, adoption of 2026-2027 school calendars, and the 2026-2027 High School Program of Studies. Personnel actions involved approving retirements, employment of replacement personnel, salary changes, leaves of absence, and approving the 2026-2027 employment contract for the Acting Superintendent.

The Reorganization Meeting commenced with the administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected members. Key actions included the nomination and election of the Board President and Vice-President. The Board received the annual school ethics training. Resolutions passed included the adoption of the New Jersey School Board Member Code of Ethics, incorporation of the Combined Statement of Results for 2025 into the minutes, adoption of Robert's Rules of Order as the official parliamentary procedure, and the approval of all existing Board Bylaws, Policies, and Regulations. The schedule for regular and special meetings from January through December 2026 was also approved. Appointments were made to the Finance & Operations, Policy, and Curriculum Committees, along with delegate assignments to NJSBA and OCSBA. Board members offered comments expressing optimism and outlining priorities such as hiring permanent leadership, improving district performance, and addressing the budget deficit.

The meeting included an executive session to discuss confidential student, personnel, and legal matters. Key discussions during the regular session involved sharing information about upcoming community engagement meetings and the current financial situation of the district following a call with a Congressional Grants Director. The Acting Superintendent reported on continued academic growth across the district, noting increased proficiency in English Language Arts (over 50%) and Math (nearly 40%), placing the district favorably among county peers. Public comment highlighted student achievements and stressed the importance of renewing staff contracts amid ongoing negotiations, as well as advocating for fair state funding. Committee reports covered curriculum updates, policy revisions (including nepotism and Chief School Administrator employment), facility warranties, budget planning for 2026-2027, and the superintendent search process. Resolutions passed included approving the 2024-2025 Annual Audit Report, determining details for the $28,873,000 School Bonds Series 2026 issuance, authorizing the sale of surplus property, approving use of facilities requests, approving tuition and transportation agreements, making annual appointments, approving the 2026 Extended School Year program, approving the first reading of two policies, and approving Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying incident reports. Personnel actions included approving one retirement, one new position, several replacement and long-term substitute certificated positions, one transfer, one change of start date, one advanced degree recognition, one co-curricular stipend, several leaves of absence, and various employment actions for non-certificated personnel, including resignations and new/replacement positions.

The meeting included an executive session followed by a public session. Key agenda items involved the approval of meeting minutes from December 2025, authorization for payment of bills totaling $9,322,062.99 for January 2026, and approval of the List of Transfers and S1701 Transfer Report for November 2025. The Board accepted the 2024-2025 Annual Audit Report and adopted a resolution determining details for the issuance and sale of $28,873,000 in School Bonds, Series 2026. Personnel actions included approving one retirement, one new position, several replacement professional and non-certificated personnel, transfers, leaves of absence, and advanced degree recognitions. The Board also approved several donations, travel requests, the 2026 Extended School Year Program, and the first reading of certain Policies and Regulations.