Morris Public Schools

The board meeting agenda includes financial reports, approval of a donation, a superintendent's report covering various topics, and several key action items. A public hearing will allow discussion of the school's Impact Aid and Title IV programs. The board will consider employing financial consultants, appointing acting officials if necessary, and determining the sale of building bonds. Other action items include stipends for Teacher of the Year and Support Employee of the Year awards, approval of a Teacher Empowerment Program, and potential amendments to the superintendent's contract and extra duty pay for cafeteria workers.

The meeting primarily focused on interviewing candidates and appointing a new board member. An executive session was held to discuss student matters and employment-related issues, including the appointment, termination, or conditions of employment of specific employees. Following the executive session, the board reconvened into open session, where the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and the meeting was adjourned.

The board meeting covered various topics, including a presentation on preschool expansion, the superintendent's report, and public comments recognizing the superintendent's award. Committee reports included discussions on finance, human resources, policy, curriculum, student representatives, board goals, and Morris Plains updates. The meeting also involved an executive session, followed by approvals of policies, educational matters (field trips, grants, and programs), pupil services (out-of-district placements and structured learning experiences), human resources (position establishment, resignations, substitute appointments, extra pay, job descriptions, and leaves of absence), and business matters (financial reports, budget transfers, bills, change orders, payments, and professional services). A board member appointment was made, and various motions were passed regarding curriculum development, staff appointments, and budget approvals.

The meeting included an oath of office for a new board member, a closed session to discuss student matters and employment issues, and reports from the superintendent and board president. Public comments covered various topics, including recognition of administrative efforts during COVID-19, COVID-19 case data, student programs, substitute teacher recruitment, learning loss, and a local non-profit. Committee reports covered student government activities, curriculum matters, finance, human resources, policy, board governance, and the Morris Educational Foundation. The meeting also addressed several motions related to organizational matters, policies, educational matters (including grants, programs, and student placements), human resources (including appointments, resignations, and leave requests), business matters (including financial reports, budget transfers, bills, donations, flood insurance, surplus property, and professional services), and a partial roof replacement project at Alexander Hamilton Elementary School. A board retreat was scheduled for February 8th.

The meeting covered various topics, including the Superintendent's report on 2020-2021 District Priorities, committee reports on finance, human resources, and student representatives' feedback on virtual learning. Public comments addressed homework assignments, milestones for in-person schooling, and student data privacy. The business portion included approvals for several motions related to policies, educational matters (Carl D. Perkins Grant, bilingual outreach, Spanish translators, ELL/Bilingual Program Assistants, WIDA Model Testing, MEF grants, and the MSD Reopening Plan), pupil services (out-of-district roster, Special Olympics grant, Structured Learning Experiences, and Nursing Services Plan), human resources (establishing positions, resignations/terminations/retirements, appointments, substitute appointments, leaves of absence, transfers/changes of assignment, changes of hours/salary, and extra pay), business matters (financial reports, budget transfers, bills list, memoranda of agreement, and the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan), and transportation (Parent Transportation Contract and hazardous walking routes).