Sarah E. Bowman

The board discussed several operational and educational matters, including a review of district and board goals for the 2025-2026 school year. Key agenda items included the adoption of the tentative 2026-2027 school year budget, personnel actions such as staff appointments and leaves, and revisions to district policies. The board also addressed Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying reports, reviewed facility maintenance plans including capital reserve withdrawals for security door replacements, and renewed various service contracts and software licenses. Additionally, the board approved tuition rates for special services and adjustments to daycare rates for the upcoming school year.

This Corrective Action Plan for Maud Abrams School addresses chronic absenteeism, aiming to reduce rates below 10% as mandated by N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25.1. The plan outlines a multi-tiered system of support (Universal, Small Group, Individualized) focusing on identified areas for improvement, including transportation, student engagement, and parent engagement. It details current strategies and proposes new data-driven interventions such as SEL lessons, ongoing family communication, small group activities, and personalized student support plans, all designed to foster a sense of belonging and improve consistent attendance.

The agenda for the combined session included discussions on the Board Management Calendar and Aide in Lieu for Choice Student Transportation during the Work Session. The Regular Meeting included a recognition ceremony for the Principal's Secretary of Sandman's School as the 'Educational Support Professional of the Year,' and reports from the Board President, Superintendent, School Business Administrator, and various committees (Finance & Facilities, Personnel & Management, Curriculum & Instruction). The Consent Agenda covered routine financial matters including the approval of December 2025 financial statements and bill lists, personnel actions such as approving substitute teachers, accepting several retirements and a resignation, and approving various employee salary guide placements and leaves of absence. Educational items included approval for the Lower Cape May Regional High School Teacher Cadets Program and an application for the Literacy Initiative for Families and Thriving Communities (LIFT) Grant. Finance matters included the acceptance of the Annual Audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 (which had no findings or recommendations), and approval for various tuition contracts, transportation arrangements, and applications for grant funding, including $40,000 for the LIFT Grant and $80,000 for the NJ Learning Acceleration Program. The Board also discussed upcoming meeting dates and various emergency/fire drills.

The Work Session included discussions on survey responses regarding Fall break, NJSBA training for new members, the possibility of an Ethics presentation, and the upcoming posting of Board and Superintendent roles and responsibilities. The School Business Administrator noted that the 2024-2025 Financial Audit is nearly complete, scheduling a Finance Committee meeting to review findings. The Executive Session involved discussions on Harassment, Intimidation & Bullying cases, retired employee matters, Board Member Vacancy Candidates, and a New Board Member Mentor conversation. During the Regular Meeting, reports were given, including the decision not to interview candidates for the Open Board Seat, a spotlight on Daycare and Transportation, and expressions of gratitude to exiting Board Members. The Consent Agenda covered routine matters such as the approval of financial statements and bill lists for October and November 2025, numerous personnel actions including approvals for substitutes, leaves of absence (FMLA/Non-FMLA), retirements, transfers, and the approval of a Sidebar Agreement. Legislative items included the first reading of revisions to several Policies and Regulations and the approval of Protocols for Board of Education/Superintendent Roles and Responsibilities. Finance items included accepting Title I, Title IIA, and Title III Carryover funds, approving renewals for Power School services, an internship agreement with Rowan University, professional development for the Affirmative Action Officer, an electrical repair proposal for Sandman Consolidated School, and approval to sell equipment on GovDeals.

The agenda includes a work session with board discussion on agenda items and non-agenda items such as the 2026-2027 calendar. An executive session is planned to discuss H.I.B. cases, a retired employee, board member vacancy candidates, and new board member mentor conversation. The regular meeting covers reports from the Board President, Superintendent, and School Business Administrator, as well as committee reports. The consent agenda includes routine matters such as financial statements, transfers, bill lists, cafeteria reports, and travel approvals. Personnel matters include the approval of substitutes, FMLA leaves, on-call substitutes, retirements, and new hires. The agenda also addresses harassment, intimidation, and bullying, legislative and internal policies, education-related items, and finance and insurance matters, including budget approvals and program renewals.