Stacy Garvey Pennetta

The meeting commenced with the Annual Reorganization of the Board of Education, which included a presentation of the results from the Annual School District Election held on November 4, 2025, and the administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected members. Officers were subsequently elected, with Mrs. Fantulin nominated and seconded as Board President, and Mrs. Christine Dell'Aglio as Board Vice President. Several key administrative items were approved or reaffirmed, including the appointment of the Board Secretary, continuation under "Robert's Rules of Order, Revised," reaffirmation of Board policies, standing committees, the District Affirmative Action Plan, K-12 Curricula, and various negotiated agreements with staff associations and individuals. The Board also designated depositories for school funds, tax shelter annuity companies, and third-party administrators for various plans. Designations were made for the School Architect, Attorney, Auditor, Financial Advisor, Insurance Brokers, and Indoor Air Quality Consultant. Furthermore, the Board approved several appointments effective January 1, 2026, authorized contract and quote thresholds, and designated officials authorized to sign checks. District support organizations and cooperative purchasing groups were recognized/approved. The meeting concluded with an annual discussion and adoption of the New Jersey School Board Member Code of Ethics. The Superintendent reported on a positive QSAC evaluation facility visit and acknowledged a student's 1,000th point milestone. The Board approved the 2026-2027 school year meeting schedule and acted on personnel matters, including accepting a retirement resignation and approving advisory appointments.

Key discussions included the Superintendent's report detailing the Student Safety Data System Violence and Vandalism Report for the period of July 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, which showed zero cases of violence, one case of vandalism, and no substance abuse or weapons incidents. Legislative updates noted the signing of bills regarding a statewide ban on cell phones in schools (effective 26-27 school year) and a new cursive writing requirement for 3rd to 5th graders (effective 26-27 school year). The Board affirmed the Superintendent's decisions regarding three HIB investigations. Action items approved included the agreement with the Midland Park Education Association, authorizing transportation, lodging, and meals for student wrestlers attending state championships, approving personnel salaries for the 2025-2026 school year for various staff categories, appointing a new District Technology and Data Coordinator, and approving stipends for curriculum oversight and various program supervisors. Finance Committee matters involved certifying that no major account was over-expended as of December 31, 2025, approving various block claims and payroll amounts for December 2025 and January 2026, and approving agreements for coordinated student transportation services and legal counsel services. Committee reports highlighted discussions on a cell phone policy and Policy 5112 regarding kindergarten admission flexibility.

The meeting agenda included the affirmation of the Superintendent's decisions regarding two HIB Investigations (No. 033125260 and No. 050825196). Board motions covered the approval of the Emergency Virtual Instructional Plan and the revision of the Academic Calendar for the 2025-2026 school year. Further actions included approving out-of-district special education placements, the Affirmative Action Team, changes to Board of Education Standing Committees, and authorization to award contracts up to a bid threshold of $53,000. Personnel actions involved accepting resignations and retirements, approving various leaves, appointing several staff members for administrative, instructional, and summer roles, approving stipends, and ratifying substitute bus drivers. The Finance Committee addressed budgetary resolutions, approved June and July claims, payroll disbursements, cash reports, account transfers, and contracts for nursing services and facility usage. The Curriculum Committee sought approval for staff workshop attendance and the decommissioning of specific textbooks.

The meeting agenda included the President's Report discussing the district's mission statement focused on creating an inclusive K-12 learning environment, and the Superintendent's Report, which included affirming a decision regarding HIB Investigation No. 061025138. Board Motions covered approving the Emergency Management Plan, the District Organizational Chart, the settlement agreement for Special Education student No. 30116, and the revised Standard Operating Procedures and Internal Controls manual. District Goals for the upcoming school year focus on refining MTSS, developing a future framework, and preparing for NJQSAC review. The Personnel section addressed numerous appointments for the 2025-2026 school year, salary increases for two teachers, additional hours/assignments for staff, and medical leave approval. The Finance Committee portion involved certifying that no major account or fund was over-expended as of July 31, 2025, approving various claims and payroll amounts for July and June, approving transfers, approving service contracts with the Commission for The Blind and Visually Impaired, approving amendments/agreements related to Non-Public Nursing Services and technology/textbook aid with Eastern Christian School, approving out-of-district placements, approving the IDEA Grant application, approving change orders for the High School Stadium Renovations Project, and approving rental agreements for community groups. The Curriculum Committee agenda included approving the Professional Development Plan and the Danielson Framework for Teaching evaluation procedures.

Key discussions included an update on the construction progress of the turf field, scheduled for completion on 9/18, and notification regarding NJQSAR monitoring. The Superintendent congratulated the MPHS Baseball Coach on being named NJ Coach of the Year. The Board affirmed the Superintendent's decisions in two separate HIB Investigations. A student representative presented results for the NJGPA and ACCESS/WIDA for the 2024-2025 school year. Motions approved included the Emergency Virtual Instructional Plan and revisions to the Academic Calendar for 2025-2026. The Board approved committee changes, authorization to award contracts, and several personnel actions, including resignations, retirements, leaves, appointments, and stipends for various roles. Finance motions involved certifying that no major account was over-expended as of June 30, 2025, approving various claims and payrolls for June and July, approving transfers, contracting nursing services, approving facility use, selecting service providers for Special Services, and approving a change order for the Nurse's Office Conversion Project. Curriculum items included approving workshop attendance, decommissioning obsolete textbooks, establishing a new LLD program, and approving community school offerings for the Fall 2025 Brochure. During public comments, concerns were raised regarding school district regionalization, property tax rates, teacher salaries, bullying support, and enrichment opportunities, including field trips. The Board addressed community concerns regarding the turf field funding mechanism, clarifying that it is utilizing Capital Reserve funds and not increasing the tax levy. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter a closed session to review personnel hiring, legal updates, and confidential HIB case reviews.