Steven Evans

This 2023-2024 NJSLA District Score Report for Ringwood School District presents student proficiency data in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science, comparing district performance against state and DFG averages across various grade levels. The report details ongoing and planned interventions and action plans, including the strategic adoption of Linkit for data analytics and benchmarking, targeted instructional adjustments, and various programs aimed at improving student learning outcomes and attendance. The overarching goal is to achieve significant student growth across all academic areas.

The meeting included an Executive Session followed by the Superintendent's Report, which detailed the Student Safety Data System (SSDS) Report Period 2, QSAC results showing Instruction and Program scored below the threshold, assessment and testing updates including the NJSLA Adaptive Field Test selection, and updates on tri-district administrative articulation and strategic plan communication goals. Key finance actions involved certifying the budget resolution for September, approving various financial reports and payments for district bills and payroll, and approving the FOCUS Grant application. Personnel actions included approving a revised job description, an appointment for an NJHS Club Advisor, a revised employment agreement, resignations, staff transfers, and numerous approvals for staff training, curriculum work, and extra-curricular stipends related to the 2025-2026 school year. District operations decisions covered the approval of the new Purchasing Manual, revised agreements with CCL Therapy LLC for occupational therapy services, approval for Bergen County Special Services to provide audiology services, disposal of outdated assets, and transportation authorization for field trips. Additionally, the Board reviewed the first reading of several policies and abolished one policy.

The meeting included two executive sessions. Key discussions and actions involved the Superintendent's report, noting the completion of security reports and drills, zero HIB reports, and updates on school activities like walkathons and the Week of Respect featuring speaker John Halligan. Personnel actions included approving several appointments (Coordinator of Nurse Services, Bus Driver, Special Education Teacher, Substitute Personnel), accepting resignations, processing staff transfers, and approving an unpaid leave of absence under FMLA/NJFLA for a School Counselor. Finance actions included approving the monthly Certification Resolution, authorizing a Capital Reserve withdrawal for professional services related to the MJ Ryerson Middle School Site Improvement Project, approving bill payments, and approving payroll. The Board also approved the second reading and adoption of multiple policies, including a civility policy. District operations decisions included approving new service providers, authorizing transportation for numerous field trips, approving asset disposals, and submitting the 2025-2026 Comprehensive Maintenance Plan. During public participation, concerns were voiced about low registration for the New Jersey School Boards Convention, and appreciation was expressed for fundraising efforts by a teacher and PTO.

The meeting commenced with the administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected Board Members following the announcement of the Annual School Election results from November 4, 2025. Key actions included the election of Trustee Patrick Diamond as Board President and Trustee Savastano as Board Vice President. The Board reviewed and approved several District Operations Consent Resolutions for the 2025-2026 school year, which included authorizing emergency checks, approving personnel hires/transfers between meetings, authorizing specific personnel to request legal services, and adopting the Standard Operating Procedures Manual, District Policy Manual, curriculum via Rubicon Atlas Repository, and the Code of Ethics for 2026. The Board also designated Provident Bank as the Official Depository and The Record and The Suburban Trends as official newspapers for 2026. The meeting included two executive sessions and concluded with adjournment.

The meeting commenced with a special presentation by the district auditors, Wielkotz Company LLC, reviewing the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, which resulted in no findings. The board entered and exited Executive Session. Key discussion points in the Superintendent's Report included reviewing climate survey data, the status of student assessments, minimal HIB reports, various school holiday activities, and announcements regarding staff retirements and new hires. The Board Secretary and President both commended staff on the clean audit. Discussions and approvals covered finance matters such as budget certifications, authorizing bill payments, and approving withdrawals from the Capital Reserve for intercom replacement and security camera upgrades. Personnel actions included approving several resignations, appointments, transfers, bonus payments, and revising an administrator's salary. Curriculum items involved approving out-of-district placements for two students, authorizing assembly programs funded by grants or donations, approving staff workshop/conference attendance, and setting the 2026-2027 school year calendar. District Operations approvals included agreements for grant writing services, security consulting, transportation services, and handling field trip logistics and asset disposal. The RAA union sent its initial notice to begin negotiations, which will be deferred to the new board in 2026.