William Straka

Key discussions and actions included confirming the January HIB reports and reviewing February HIB reports. Personnel actions involved approving a new Instructional Assistant, a Substitute Teacher, and a Bus Aide, as well as ratifying a medical leave, an Intermittent FMLA, and a termination. The committee moved to approve revised calendars for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years, ratify staffing for Homebound Instruction, and approve costs and staff for Structures Level I training. Approvals were also granted for staff assistance for the Spring Musical and degree advancements. Several field trips and out-of-district workshops were approved. Policy action included approving and adopting Board of Education Policy 6163.1 and its corresponding Request for Removal Form. Financial matters covered approving joint transportation agreements with Brigantine Board of Education and Assumption Regional Catholic School, ratifying an agreement with Atlantic City Board of Education, approving the acceptance of the Charlotte Helen Bacon Foundation Grant and the submission of the NJ High Impact Tutoring Cohort 3 grant application, and approving contracts for the Staff Wellness Day. Other business involved acknowledging the January Treasurer's and Secretary's Report, certifying financial status as of January 31, 2026, ratifying January transfers, and approving monthly purchase orders and bills.

The agenda for the Early Childhood Advisory Council meeting covered several operational and planning items. Key discussion points included an introduction to the Preschool Team, a review of the ECA Council's purpose, and updates on Fall Highlights such as Preschool Orientation, Grandparents Day, and Back to School Night. The session also focused on Preschool Enrollment and Recruitment Strategies, which involved reviewing registration events and outreach efforts. Furthermore, the council addressed the distribution and purpose of the Community Needs Assessment and the Parent/Caregiver Needs Assessment, noting areas for family support like social-emotional health and nutrition. Finally, the agenda included an open discussion regarding Preschool Goals for 2025-2026, focusing on supporting academic achievement, social skill building, and community building within and beyond the district.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included Superintendent reports recognizing student achievements (VFW Patriot Pen, VFW Teacher's of the Year, Galloway Elks Lodge Essay Contest) and updates on therapy dog certifications and SSDS reports. Personnel actions involved approving one resignation and hiring several Instructional Assistants and Bus Aides, as well as a Lunch Chaperone and a STARS Staff Member. The Committee ratified medical leave for one employee. Curriculum items included ratification of several Homebound Instruction cases and retroactive approval for an hourly rate increase due to NJ State Minimum Wage requirements for substitute teachers, aides, crossing guards, and lunch chaperones. Approvals were also granted for a Preschool Family Fun Night Celebration, field trip chaperones, and fieldwork placements for students from Stockton University, Widener University, and Liberty University. Financial matters included ratification of the 2025-2026 tuition contract for a student sent to Mullica Township School District, approval of joint transportation agreements with Brigantine Board of Education and GEHRHS for McKinney-Vento students, and acceptance of two donations. The Board also acknowledged the Treasurer's and Secretary's Reports, certified the financial status as of December 31, 2025, and ratified December transfers.

The Absecon Board of Education held a regular meeting to discuss various topics. The Superintendent presented monthly reports, including student performances and recognition of staff. The Educational Policies Committee confirmed HIB reports. Personnel matters included resignations, new hires, maternity leaves, medical leaves, transfers, step increases, and employment extensions. Curriculum discussions covered a corrective action plan for chronic absenteeism, homebound instruction, STARS Lead Teacher, SOAR Program, Spaghetti with Santa assistance, and field trips. The committee also approved stipends and out-of-district workshops. Fiscal affairs included accepting the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, election results for school board members, appointing special legal counsel, and approving change orders for the Turf project. The board also approved bid awards for plumbing, electrical, and pest extermination services, as well as joint transportation agreements. The submission of revised ESEA FY2026 and IDEA FY2026 grant applications were approved, along with the acceptance of several grant awards, including the Phone-Free Schools Grant Program, COACH Grant, and AtlantiCare Healthy Schools grants. The Treasurer's and Secretary's reports were acknowledged, and monthly transfers and purchase orders/bills were approved.

The meeting included discussion of HIB reports, personnel matters such as resignations, terminations, and new hires, curriculum-related items including homebound instruction, rate adjustments for lunch chaperones, approval of field trip chaperones, school bus emergency evacuation drills, and fieldwork placements at Stockton and Rowan Universities. Approval was given for field trips and out-of-district workshops. Fiscal matters were addressed, including tuition contracts, transportation contracts for DCF students, a joint transportation agreement with Brigantine Board of Education, acceptance of the Reading Intervention for Secondary Engagement (RISE) Grant, updating the Long Range Facilities Plan, and approving district asset disposals. The Treasurer's and Secretary's reports were acknowledged, the Board Secretary's monthly certification was made, and transfers were ratified. Monthly purchase orders and bills were approved. The meeting also included an executive session to discuss personnel and potential litigation.