Hopewell Valley Regional School District

The meeting focused heavily on the upcoming budget cycle, given expectations of flat state aid and ongoing fiscal challenges referred to as a 'fiscal cliff.' Key discussions included the importance of the district's mission statement, which prioritizes maintaining programs and fiscal responsibility. A budget retreat was held on February 4th to begin initial conversations without making final decisions. Concerns were raised regarding potential budget cuts impacting programs, staff salaries, and benefits, acknowledging that cuts, if necessary, would directly affect personnel. The timeline for budget adoption was noted to be potentially delayed due to a change in the Governor's address date, affecting when state aid figures would be finalized. There was also a discussion about student representation at committee meetings and the importance of incorporating student input.

This organizational meeting included the swearing-in of newly elected board members, Hope Cotter, Amanda Stilliano, and Mark Peters. The board conducted elections for the board president, resulting in the re-election of Anita Williams Scalliano, and for the vice president, with Dr. Pamela Lo elected. The board secretary provided updates on the successful referendum concerning bond sales preparations and an upcoming bond rating call. The student leader reporter provided updates on various school programs, including the successful HV choir dinner, planning for the January cabaret concert, the dance program's winter festival, finalized cast for the musical Pippen, and a successful winter spirit week culminating in a pep rally. The board also planned for committee organization for the new year. The meeting concluded with the required annual discussion on the School Ethics Act and the Code of Ethics, led by the board's attorney, Paul Green, which covered prohibited acts such as conflicts of interest and the limits of individual board member authority versus administration.

The meeting included roll call confirming a quorum and a statement regarding compliance with the New Jersey open public meetings law. Student representation provided an extensive report detailing winter sports activities, arts program performances, concerts by the orchestra and band, choir activities, preparations for the winter musical Pippen, and academic honors society inductions. The board also recognized Tom, an employee from the facilities department who recently retired, for his dedicated service, particularly his instrumental role in the success of the recent referendum. The new Director of Facilities, Bill Vanickle, was introduced. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to honoring three grounds department employees—Anthony Mar, Austin, and Angel—for saving a worker's life after a building collapse by administering CPR and assisting until EMS arrived. Furthermore, the board acknowledged the departure of Dr. Michael Wilson, a long-serving board member, commending his commitment to civic engagement and focusing on the 'whole child.' Finally, the board discussed establishing a communications protocol committee and proceeded to a resolution authorizing the form and sale of $84.235 million in school bonds.

The meeting began with roll call confirming a quorum, followed by a statement regarding the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Law compliance, noting the meeting was publicized on January 6, 2026. The board conducted recognitions for Board Member Recognition Month, including student representatives thanking the board for their service and acknowledging personalized gifts created in the makerspace. Principal Trish Riley was recognized as the 2026 New Jersey Visionary Principal of the Year, highlighting her dedication to community building, instructional leadership, and promoting inclusion, evidenced by the school being named a national unified champion school in 2024. The transportation department was commended for their quick action in preventing further damage during a bus fire, resulting in the presentation of "certificates of heroism" to key staff members. Finally, the board commenced the recognition of recipients for the Governor's Teacher Educational Service Professional Recognition Award and Support Staff Professionals of the Year, with initial presentations made for an educator from Bear Tavern and an educator from Hopewell Elementary.

The reorganization meeting commenced with the administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected Board members following the November 4, 2025, election results review. The Board proceeded to elect the President and Vice President. Key reports included an update from the Student Representative on various school activities, the Superintendent's report, and the annual Board Ethics Training conducted by legal counsel. Reorganization actions involved affirming the NJ School Board Member Code of Ethics, approving all Board Policy Series (0000 through 9000), designating official newspapers for legal and meeting notices, and approving the 2026 schedule of Board meetings. Annual appointments included re-establishing standing and ad hoc committees, as well as liaison assignments. Personnel actions included the appointment of a Payroll Accountant/Health Benefits Coordinator and a temporary Art Teacher, and the acceptance of one retirement and one resignation. The Board also approved the January and February 2026 calendars and entered an Executive Session to discuss a confidential employment matter.