Saddle Brook School District

The board meeting included reports from student representatives on various school activities, including conferences, athletics, and upcoming graduation events. The superintendent provided updates on school schedules, teacher and staff appreciation initiatives, parent partnership meetings, and infrastructure improvements such as new digital signs and visitor management systems. Additionally, the business administrator discussed the finalization of referendum projects and the approval of the school district budget, emphasizing concerns over health benefit costs and the 2% tax levy cap. A resolution was adopted to urge state legislators to address the financial impact of health benefit costs on local school budgets.

The meeting was held as a public hearing regarding the budget presentation for the 2026-2027 school year. The discussion covered an overview of the general fund, debt service fund, and special revenue fund, as well as revenue sources, tax levy adjustments, and expense categories such as salaries, benefits, and special education. The board discussed facility and project improvements, technology upgrades including new Chromebooks and iPads, and the retention of current staff positions and student programs.

The meeting featured a student representative report covering spring athletics, upcoming academic events, and school-specific news from the middle and elementary schools. The Superintendent provided updates on the enforcement of a new no-cell-phone and smart-device policy, calendar revisions involving built-in snow days, proposed increases for preschool tuition rates, the launch of a high school podcast, and the completion of instructional rounds. The board recognized a student as an unsung hero and held a presentation regarding the school's neurodiversity course and acceptance month.

The meeting featured a superintendent's report covering project updates for the school referendum, including canopy painting, pavement work, and door replacements across various school facilities. The Board discussed and acted upon several items, including voter registration requirements for high school students and the acceptance of a donation from the BFW Post 3484. Educational items such as service learning club field trips and national competition participation for students were approved. Personnel changes, including a resignation, a new teaching appointment, and adjustments to coaching and supervisory roles, were also reviewed. The session concluded with a resolution to move into a closed session to discuss HIB cases and personnel matters.

The board meeting primarily focused on the adoption of the tentative 2026-2027 school year budget, which includes significant increases in health benefit costs and other fixed expenses, necessitating adjustments above the 2% tax cap. Discussions covered the retention of staff and programs, the elimination of a middle school Spanish position, and various capital improvements including renovations to elementary playgrounds, fire panel replacements, and maintenance at multiple schools. The board also discussed the purchase of a new school bus and electric vehicles for food service and transportation, as well as the use of maintenance reserves for various facility upgrades. A public hearing on the budget was scheduled for May 4th.