Passaic Public Schools

The board meeting focused on several key financial items for the 2026-2027 school year, including the approval of the school district budget for submission to the state, the establishment of the annual maximum travel expenditure amount, and the authorization of professional services appropriations and extra-curricular activity funding. Additionally, the board approved a capital reserve withdrawal intended to fund the district's portion for a swimming pool at the new high school. Public participation included inquiries regarding the district's budget, the allocation of surplus funds, and transparency in facility rental policies.

The meeting included presentations honoring a Commissioner and acknowledging Black and Women's History Months, along with recognition for high school election workers. The Superintendent presented the 2026-2027 budget. Agenda items covered extensive personnel actions, including retirements, resignations, leaves of absence, new appointments, and approvals of stipends for various programs such as the Jump into Summer initiative, curriculum development, and Special Olympics activities. The Board also reviewed finance reports, awarded contracts, and authorized various after-school and tutoring programs.

The organization meeting covered the administration of oaths of office to newly elected and re-elected members. The board conducted elections for the positions of President and Vice President. Additionally, the board adopted the annual meeting schedule for the upcoming school year.

The Board approved the school district budget for the upcoming school year for submission to the Department of Education. Resolutions were also adopted to establish the annual maximum travel expenditure amount and to set appropriations for professional services and extra-curricular activities. Furthermore, the Board authorized a capital reserve withdrawal to fund the district's portion of the swimming pool project at the new high school.

The meeting addressed several key items, including the rescheduling of the Black History Month performance and the cancellation of High School Election Workers recognition and the Student Representative report. A presentation was given on the School Bus Emergency Exit Evacuation Drills for Fall 2025-2026, followed by the Superintendent's report which included the presentation of the 2024-2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Audit. During public participation, concerns were raised regarding transportation eligibility requirements and the live translation/broadcasting of meetings. The Board entered and exited Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, student matters, legal updates, and HIB reports. A significant action was the appointment and swearing-in of Dr. Janelle C. Hall to fill a Board vacancy. Agenda items reviewed included numerous personnel actions such as retirements, resignations, leaves of absence, extensions of health benefits, administrative leave changes, suspensions, appointments of certificated and non-certificated staff, an interim principal appointment, correction of a start date, and approval of substitute personnel. Furthermore, approvals covered compensation for home instruction for special education students, payments for curriculum writing in Computer Science and Science, attendance payments for BRIDGE Grant Professional Development Sessions, payment for administering ACCESS Testing, appointment of Spring Athletic Coaches, and payments for various planning and support teams at Mahatma Gandhi School No. 25.