Stephanie Dougherty

The regular meeting included a closed session for approximately 60 minutes to discuss confidential matters including pending litigation, contract negotiations, and personnel issues. Routine business involved the approval of the Bill List, Board Secretary's Report for September 2025, Treasurer's Report for September 2025, and associated budgetary certifications and transfers. Several travel and professional development requests were approved, including attendance at workshops and conferences. Routine matters addressed the approval of the Enrollment Report, Fire Alarm Report, Crisis Drill Report, and October 2025 HIB and Suspension Reports. The Operations & Finance Committee approved the Tentative Budget Calendar for 2025-26, fundraising requests for the WHS Interact Club and WMS Cross Country Club, Tri-County Conference ticket prices, and proposals for RFP preparation for grounds services and the Frontline Central Solution software. Facilities and Transportation approved bus route awards and joint transportation agreements with neighboring districts, equipment purchases including two new vehicles, and the adoption of a resolution for the Annual Comprehensive Maintenance Plan. Actions related to School Programs, Curriculum, and Instruction included approval for numerous school trips, the 2025-2026 Semi-Formal Dance, the 2026-2027 Scope of Education, and the CTE Program Agreement. Policy actions included the second reading and adoption of policies concerning student sun protection and spectator code of conduct, and the first reading of policies regarding library material and booster clubs. Business and Fiscal items included approval of the projected preschool enrollment and operational plan for 2026-27, setting the 2026 reorganization meeting date, accepting a donation from a Honor Flight participant, amending the 2026 IDEA grant to include the 2025 carryover, appointing an Assistant Superintendent as School Safety and Security Specialist, authorizing the disposal of surplus property, rescinding a prior motion regarding a donation, and approving various fundraisers. Personnel actions involved accepting several retirements and resignations, approving various leaves of absence (FMLA, LOA), appointing numerous new staff members across instructional and paraprofessional roles, reassignment of staff, and approving the MTFT Salary Book for 2025-2026.

The regular meeting commenced after an initial closed session to discuss exempted matters, including pending or anticipated litigation and personnel issues. Key discussions involved the recognition and thanks extended to outgoing board members. Routine business included the approval of various reports and financial transfers for October 2025, along with several professional development and travel reimbursements. Routine matters also covered reassignment, reclassification, enrollment reports, and the approval of HIB reports. In operations and finance, approval was granted for the Williamstown Middle School Jazz Band to conduct fundraising. Facilities and transportation items included the approval of a change order for Wyndham Construction, acceptance of donated art supplies for WHS, renewal of goose control services, and generator repairs at WHS. Curriculum and instruction actions included adding and approving a motion to remove a student based on eligibility policy, and the approval of numerous school trips for the 2025-2026 school year, including the WHS Prom date and venue. Policy matters involved the second reading and adoption of Policy and Regulation 2535 (Library Material) and 9191 (Booster Clubs). Business and fiscal actions covered pool rental agreements, mileage reimbursement, a lease agreement for a mail machine, a photography agreement, disposal of surplus property, approval of several fundraisers, tax resolutions for January through June 2026, debt service resolutions, and an increase in the student minimum wage effective January 1, 2026. Personnel actions addressed acceptances of several retirements and resignations, numerous staff appointments to new or existing roles across various schools, salary corrections, and approvals for various Family Medical Leave of Absences (FMLA), Unpaid Leaves of Absence (LOA), and administrative leaves. The meeting concluded with board member reports and adjournment.

The Monroe Township Board of Education held a meeting to discuss various topics including personnel actions, financial matters, and policy updates. The board approved the creation of the Caring Kids Club at Holly Glen Elementary School, a renewal agreement with Chartwells for food service management, and the purchase of hot well tables for Williamstown High School Cafeteria. They also approved several transportation routes for the ESY program and change orders for construction projects. Additionally, the board approved various appointments, resignations, and transfers of staff members, as well as agreements for services such as AAC, psychiatric evaluations, and language interpretation.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics, such as virtual attendance approval, a tentative settlement in a lawsuit against the Monroe MUA, school readiness for opening, and public comments on policy changes. Approvals were granted for professional development programs, software renewals, security upgrades, and donations. The board also approved agreements for fire alarm services, access control solutions, roofing projects, and fire alarm testing. Additionally, there were discussions and approvals related to school trips, athletic schedules, educator activities, and professional development. Policy readings and adoptions, budget transfers, and the appointment of a temporary QPA were also addressed. Agreements with St. Mary School for security enhancements, the disposal of surplus property, fundraisers, and district mileage were approved. Furthermore, the board discussed and approved actions related to personnel, including retirements, resignations, transfers, and appointments.

The Professional Development Plan for Monroe Township Public Schools outlines strategic goals focused on four key areas. These include ensuring all students meet or exceed academic standards through high-quality instruction, fostering safe and inclusive school environments that support student and staff wellness, maintaining modern and well-functioning facilities through responsible fiscal management, and enhancing transparency and collaboration with stakeholders through clear communication pathways. The plan aims to achieve measurable growth in academic achievement, improve well-being, ensure facility readiness, and strengthen community partnerships.