Robert J. Preston

The meeting included presentations recognizing the Jr./Sr. High School Cafeteria Staff and students receiving the Panther Award. Key reports covered HIB status and security drills. The Finance & Facilities Committee recommended approvals for line-item transfers for September and October 2025, financial reports certification, disposal of items, and acceptance of bids for HVAC Renovations at Pitman Elementary School, awarding the contract to Gaudelli Bros. Inc. The Curriculum & Instruction Committee addressed student statistics for December 2025, approved additions to the Substitute List, travel expenses, field trips, the revised 2025/2026 school calendar, dual credit agreements, and action on personnel matters including accepting resignations and approving leaves of absence. The Communication & Policy Committee recommended the second reading of several policies and regulations, including those related to the Freedom to Read Act and Resource Material.

This Comprehensive Equity Plan Needs Assessment evaluates compliance with policies and regulations related to equality and equity across the school district's operations. It addresses board responsibilities, staff development, school and classroom practices (including curriculum, student access, guidance, physical education, and athletic programs), and employment and contract practices. The assessment aims to ensure the elimination of discrimination, promote equal access and equitable treatment for all students and staff, and address the student achievement gap.

The reorganization meeting commenced with a moment of silence and the pledge of allegiance, followed by roll call confirming a quorum. Key agenda items included the certification of the annual school board election results for newly elected members, and the administration of oaths of office for these members, along with the submission of ethics policy acknowledgments. The board proceeded to elect a President and Vice President. Furthermore, committee appointments were finalized, with specific schedules set for Finance and Facilities, Curriculum Instruction, and Communication and Policy committees. The board also addressed the Glouester County Schoolboard Executive Committee Representative nomination and the NJSBA delegate voting member selection. A discussion was held regarding the annual board meeting dates, including integrating the Community Recognition Night into a regular meeting and tentatively scheduling the following meetings, opting to forego a July meeting but confirming an early August meeting, with a follow-up in early June regarding committee meeting schedules due to the summer break.

The reorganization meeting addressed several procedural and organizational matters. Key discussions included the certification of the Annual School Board Election results and the administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected members. The agenda covered nominations and voting for the Board President and Vice-President, as well as appointments for Committee Chairpersons and representatives/liaisons for various external bodies, including the Gloucester County School Board Executive Committee and NJSBA Delegate. Under Finance & Facilities, the board handled the withdrawal of a bid and the subsequent award of the contract for the Toilet Room Renovations project at Pitman Elementary School. The Communication & Policy Committee addressed adopting Robert's Rules of Order, approving the Annual Schedule of Meetings, and certifying compliance with the School Ethics Act and Code of Ethics for Board Members. The meeting also included a Public Comment session on ethics matters.

The meeting included a presentation segment where staff and student spotlights were awarded, recognizing students for character traits such as wisdom and integrity. A staff spotlight was also presented. Discussions during the President's Report covered feedback on the NJSBA workshop, noting challenges with session scheduling. The report also detailed participation in the pep rally as a trial run for future events. Updates from leadership meetings included discussion on NJSBA policy tools that may supplement existing resources, the contracting of Laura Bishop for crisis management, and training sessions on civility led by Ray Penny. Legislative updates highlighted proposed charter school bills and a regionalization bill introduced in the Senate, which currently appears unlikely to be voted upon. Furthermore, updates mentioned NJSBA introducing an in-house HR person and an AI bot named Carla to assist with governance training.