Thomas Cassio

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the presentation by the Roosevelt School Principal and the Student Council President's report. A significant item involved the reading of a Resolution of Censure against a Respondent, based on findings from the School Ethics Commission and the Commissioner of Education regarding violations of the School Ethics Act. The board addressed curriculum matters, including the initial review and approval of monthly data on Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying incidents for two periods, acceptance of Fire and Security Drill Reports, and approval of Spring Athletics schedules. Personnel actions included approving resignations, retirements, terminations, leaves of absence, and new appointments, including substitutes and staff for various roles. Finance section covered approval of the monthly transfer reports, certification regarding fund expenditures, payment of numerous bills and claims, approval of various expenditures for conferences and professional development, approval of purchase contracts, and transportation contracts for the Extended School Year. Major financial resolutions included approving contracts for home/bedside instruction, purchasing supplies, approving instructional coaching services, approving boiler replacement at the High School, professional services for partition and kitchen upgrades, approving the New Jersey Learning Acceleration Program grant funds, and purchasing a new dump truck. The agenda concluded with authorization to apply for and accept a grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for playground construction and enhancement.

The meeting commenced with the Superintendent's Report, which included the presentation of Fall Sports Awards across various sports like Volleyball, Soccer, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Gymnastics, Tennis, Football, and Cheerleading. The High School Principal reported on South Plainfield High School's high rankings from Niche, including accolades for its sports programs and AP performance. The Environmental Science Club presented on their Greenhouse Project progress. The Student Representative provided updates on various high school activities, including standardized testing, fundraising efforts, sports team records (e.g., Boys Swimming 5-2-1, Girls Bowling 13-1-1), and student achievements in wrestling, track, and academic competitions like Model UN and Debate Team. The Board also received the 2024-2025 Audit Report and the Student Safety Data System Report for the period of September 3, 2025, through December 31, 2025. A resolution was read to recognize January 2026 as School Board Recognition Month. In financial matters, the Board approved monthly transfer reports, Secretary's and Treasurer's Reports for December 2025, and payment of bills and claims for December 2025. Expenditures for various conferences and trips were approved, along with a proposal for boiler room work at the Roosevelt Administration Building. The Board addressed special education placements, related services appointments (including Nursing Services from Summit Home Health Care Inc.), and bedside instruction contracts. Personnel actions included approving resignations, retirements, leaves of absence, and various appointments, including substitute administrators and Title I Summer Academy administrators. The Board also accepted the South Plainfield Professional Principals Unit Memorandum of Agreement and Contract for the subsequent three-year period.

The meeting featured a presentation from the Riley School Safety Patrol program, highlighting their positive impact on school climate and culture through activities like greeting students, opening doors, escorting younger students, and serving as role models. The Student Representative provided an update on high school activities, including fall sports achievements (multiple teams advancing to state tournaments, undefeated records in some middle school sports), senior preparations for graduation, financial aid application workshops, and recent state testing results (PSAT, NJGPA). The update also covered DECA Club inductions, achievements of music students in all-state ensembles, the annual powderpuff game, a sportsmanship conference, Parent Teacher Conferences, upcoming holiday events like the Winter Concert and Christmas movie night, and activities related to the Heroes and Cool Kids mentorship program, the annual toy drive, and an SAT pre boot camp.

The meeting, called to order at 6:00 p.m., focused primarily on organizational business. Key actions included the reading of the official 2026 Board of Education election results and the administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected members: Thomas Cassio, William Seesselberg, and Rhonda J. Williams. Following the roll call of the newly constituted board, Thomas Cassio was elected as the 2026 Board of Education President, and Mr. Giannakis was elected as the Vice President. The Board designated official newspapers for notices and proclaimed the public meeting schedule for 2026. Furthermore, the Board adopted the New Jersey School Boards Association Board Member Code of Ethics and established parliamentary authority based on Robert's Rules of Order. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss confidential matters pertaining to personnel and legal issues.

The meeting commenced with performances by the High School Jazz Band and Chorus. The Student Representative provided extensive updates on winter sports seasons, athletic department activities, Model UN achievements, and academic events, including math league participation and the first school-wide Mario Kart Tournament. A key decision included adding a motion to extend the free breakfast program for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year, utilizing federal reimbursement to offset costs. The Board presented a plaque to a departing board member for years of service. Resolutions were added to disenroll three students following residency hearings held in Executive Session and to assess tuition for ineligible attendance periods. Curriculum items included the approval of Harassment, Intimidation & Bullying reports, acceptance of safety drill reports, and approval of the 2026-2027 School Calendar and Paid Holiday List. Personnel actions involved approving several resignations, terminations, leaves of absence, and numerous appointments and transfers for administrative, teaching, and support staff, including minimum wage adjustments. Financial matters involved approving monthly transfer reports, accepting financial reports for November 2025, approving bill payments, approving transportation jointures, and authorizing competitive contracting for Custodial and Management Services. The Board also approved several professional development expenditures, accepted various donations, and finalized multiple Home/Bedside Instruction Contracts.