Robert Erlemann

The Work Session Meeting included a presentation by students who attended the Lindsey Meyer Teen Institute leadership conference. The Superintendent reported on the district achieving Certified Board of Education status, the completion of the Bleacher Project, and the expansion of concurrent college credit classes to 37 offerings. Financial discussions involved approving reports, payments, and accepting a $350 donation from the Kittatinny Education Foundation. Personnel matters included approving substitute teachers, a Shared Service Agreement for a Curriculum Coordinator, winter coaching recommendations, and authorizing paraprofessionals for personal care services and mentors for after-school programs. Curriculum discussions covered the monthly suspension report, approval of the HIB report (one confirmed case), approval for a keynote speaker, approval of the Student Safety Data System (SSDS) report, approval for a fundraiser project benefiting the KRHS Book Club, and approval for several activities and field trips, including attendance at a Wellness Fair and a Gotham FC Soccer game. Policy discussion involved the second reading and adoption of Policy #5141.21 concerning administering medication. Transportation discussions included approving a jointure for student transport to Sussex Tech/Charter and quoted field trips. Building and Grounds focused on approving several building use requests, including overflow parking for Hampton Township and use by a dance school, and approving required reports such as the Health and Safety Evaluation Checklist, the Comprehensive Maintenance Report/Plan, and the Integrated Pest Management Plan. Finally, the Board discussed and approved the 2025-2026 Board of Education goals and the District and Superintendent Goals.

The meeting commenced with an Ethics Training presentation for the Board Members. Key actions included approving the Secretary's Report and Treasurer of School Monies Report for December 2025, approving monthly travel, approving the payment of bills and transfers for the period between December 18, 2025, and January 22, 2026, and accepting several donations and bank account balance reports. Personnel actions involved approving substitute teachers, granting an extended medical leave, accepting the resignation of a Science Teacher due to retirement, posting for a new Science Teacher and Head Groundskeeper, approving a mentor appointment, approving co-curricular positions, approving a longevity payment, approving student lifeguards, accepting the resignation of the Head Groundskeeper, and approving an extension for another employee's sick leave usage. A rate increase for a Bus Driver and a Shared Service Agreement for a Spanish Teacher were also approved. Curriculum items involved approving the monthly suspension report, the Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) report, a presentation to the Regional Special Education Parent Advisory Group, the proposed 2026-2027 School Calendar, and dates for Summer Theater Camp activities. Additionally, the board approved a field trip to the Lead Like Her Leadership Summit. Policy actions included the second reading and adoption of policies regarding School Security/School Resource Officer and Board Self Evaluation. Transportation involved approving quoted field trips with Stocker Bus Co. and Panorama Transport. Building use requests were approved, and the board accepted the resignation of the Stillwater Representative, followed by an action to post/advertise for a replacement. The Superintendent provided updates on building issues (ventilators), federal funding impacts (Impact Aid meeting), and reminded the board about upcoming deadlines for financial disclosure forms and annual training.

The meeting involved the reorganization of the Board of Education, including the administration of the oath of office for re-elected members and the election of the President and Vice President. Key reorganization actions included adopting Robert's Rules of Order, approving the monthly meeting schedule, and appointing delegates for various committees such as Finance/Budget, Negotiations, and Policy. Official newspapers for legal advertisements were also approved for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. The Board reaffirmed existing policies, regulations, curriculum guides, and previous service/contractual designations. A resolution regarding the Doctrine of Necessity was approved to provide guidance on invoking this legal remedy when conflicts of interest affect a quorum. During the Work Session, discussions included the Superintendent's report detailing updates on grants, budget review, facility issues (a fallen light pole and a motor burnout), and legislative updates. Financial discussions involved approving the monthly Board Secretary's and Treasurer's reports, monthly travel expenses, payment of bills, and acceptance of a $500 donation for the Holocaust and Genocide Research Center. Personnel matters included approving substitute teachers, accepting a retirement resignation, posting a Science Teacher position, and approving a Mentor assignment. Curriculum items included approving the monthly suspension and HIB reports, approving a presentation by Tips 4 Inclusion for the Regional Special Education Parent Advisory Group, and approving the proposed 2026-2027 school calendar. Policy items involved the second reading and adoption of policies concerning School Security/School Resource Officer and Board Self Evaluation. Buildings and Grounds approved a request for hosting adult coed softball. The Board also accepted the resignation of a Stillwater Representative, effective January 22, 2026, and determined to post/advertise for a replacement.

The meeting included a presentation by Ardito & Company, LLP regarding the annual financial audit report for fiscal year 2025, with discussions on fiscal funds and trends. A presentation was also given by the Principal on NJSLA test scores. Finance matters addressed included the acceptance of the Secretary's Report and Treasurer of School Monies Report for October 2025, approval of bill payments, monthly travel expenses, and acceptance of the annual audit report and monthly bank account balances. Personnel actions involved approving substitute teachers, amending a Shared Service Agreement for the Curriculum Coordinator position, approving concert services, approving several coaching positions, approving personnel for the 10th Period Day mentoring Program, approving 2025-2026 swim personnel, approving a School Security Officer, and posting for a Teacher of Spanish. Curriculum topics included the approval of the monthly suspension report, the HIB report (finding one Confirmed HIB), the School Safety & Security Plan update, approval of several fundraisers benefiting various clubs (DECA, Wrestling), and approval of state and federal graduation rates for recent graduating classes. The Board also approved a Girls Soccer Alumni Game, approved cheerleaders attending a National Championship (at no cost to the district), and approved surveys regarding potential school district regionalization. Policy action included the adoption of Policy #3220/3230 regarding State and Federal Funds. Transportation items included the approval of a Bus Evacuation Drill and the approval of an addendum to the Jointure with Newton Board of Education for student transport, as well as approving quoted field trips. Building use was approved for an SCARC, Inc. Valentine's Day Dance. Miscellaneous business included approving an extension for the LEAP grant feasibility study. Committee reports covered input for the NJ School Boards Association meeting resolutions and a report from the Student BOE Representatives regarding a blood drive and coat drive.

The meeting began with a presentation of the Student Safety Data System (SSDS) report, noting an increase in fights but a significant decrease in Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) incidents. Commendations were given to September Students of the Month, various award winners including NJ STARS recipients and AP Scholars, and staff for successful Spirit Week events. The Superintendent reported on federal Impact Aid funding disruptions and confirmed the process for Board members to suggest new policies. Discussions included ongoing evaluation of the Linkit assessment software with exploration of IXL as a replacement. The Finance section saw approval of financial reports, bills, travel, a donation from the Kittatinny Education Foundation, and the Phone-Free Schools Grant Program Letter of Agreement. Personnel actions included approving substitute teachers, a Shared Service Agreement for a Curriculum Coordinator, Winter Coaching recommendations, Paraprofessionals for personal care services, and stipends for mentoring programs. The Board also accepted a resignation from a Science Teacher/Mock Trial Advisor and approved posting for replacements. Curriculum items involved approving the monthly suspension report and the HIB report, approving the SSDS report, approving a Donors Choose fundraiser, and approving several co-curricular activities and field trips, including the 2025-2026 Nursing Services Plan. Policy actions included the second reading and adoption of Policy #5141.21 (Administering Medication) and the first reading of Policy #3220/3230 (State Funds; Federal Funds). Transportation involved approving a student transport jointure with High Point Regional Board of Education and quoted field trips with Stocker Bus Company. Buildings and Grounds approved several building use requests, the 2025-2026 Health and Safety Evaluation of School Buildings Checklist Statement of Assurance, the 3-year Comprehensive Maintenance Report/Plan, and the Integrated Pest Management Plan and Indoor Air Quality Program. Miscellaneous items included approving and then revising the 2025-2026 Board of Education goals and approving the 2025-2026 District and Superintendent Goals. Committee discussions covered the Budget, NJ School Boards Association liaison committee, Public Relations Committee membership, and the status of regionalization studies.