Paramus School District

The meeting focused on educational policy actions, specifically the approval of a professional development proposal with Southern Cross Consultancy for the upcoming school year, to be funded through the Federal Title II grant. The board also conducted a roll call vote to approve all pending Education Policy motions.

This plan outlines the Paramus Public Schools' strategy for maintaining continuity of instruction in the event of a public health-related district closure for the 2025-2026 school year. Key components include providing district-issued technology and connectivity solutions, establishing lunch services for eligible students, detailing comprehensive remote learning expectations for all student groups including special education and English Language Learners, outlining facility maintenance protocols, and ensuring additional support services such as supplemental learning, credit recovery, and virtual extracurricular activities. The plan aims to deliver high-quality, equitable instruction and support student well-being during emergency virtual or remote instruction periods.

This plan outlines the approach for Paramus Public Schools to safely return to in-person instruction and ensure continuity of services, aligning with the Federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act requirements. The plan addresses key health and safety measures including universal mask-wearing, physical distancing, handwashing, facilities cleaning and ventilation, contact tracing, diagnostic testing, vaccination efforts, and accommodations for students with disabilities. It also details provisions for continuity of academic, social, emotional, and mental health services, as well as student health and food services. The district commits to periodic review and revision of the plan, incorporating public comment throughout its implementation.

The meeting began with procedural items followed by a public comment period. A significant portion of the agenda involved a closed session to review personnel matters, negotiations, and other confidential concerns. Upon returning to open session, the Board conducted a residency hearing and voted on the disenrollment of a student pending the final determination. Additionally, the Board approved a sidebar agreement with the Education Association of Paramus concerning the creation of a voluntary sick leave donation bank for a specific employee.

The meeting commenced with procedural items and a closed session to review confidential personnel matters, followed by a return to open session. Key discussions included the Superintendent's report noting a delayed opening due to weather, and recognitions for School Board Recognition Month and National School Counseling Week. Public comments addressed student perfect NJSLA scores, facility use for events, and dance attendance policies. The Education Policy section saw the approval of consent items including the HIB Report, various field trips, policy adoption regarding Title IX, and discussions on mental health services and 'Stop the Bleed' training. The Finance section addressed the acceptance of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and discussions on the annual audit and budget status. The Facilities, Transportation & Security section involved awarding a bid for HVAC upgrades at Paramus High School, approving change orders for roof projects, and approving several joint transportation agreements and special education routes. Old Business included a proposal to revise committee meeting schedules. The session concluded with another closed session for personnel matters and the approval of numerous consent items under Employee Relations and Legal, such as staff appointments, leaves, resignations, and approval of a sidebar agreement with the Education Association of Paramus.