South River Public School District

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a compliance statement regarding the Open Public Meeting Act, noting that future meeting advertisements will transition to the district website starting March 1, 2026. Key discussions included the approval of use of facilities requests (multiple retroactive and pending requests), certification of the financial report for December 2025 indicating no overexpenditure, and the superintendent's report. The superintendent highlighted activities supporting Black History Month, provided an update on developing district procedures for a new statewide law regarding personal devices from bell to bell (with a planned spring pilot), and announced changes to the date for the upcoming spring curriculum fair. The meeting heavily featured recognition ceremonies for various 'Teacher of the Year' and 'Educational Service Professional of the Year' honorees from the Early Learning Center, Primary School, Middle School, and High School, with principals providing commendations for the recipients. The board also held a public session for visitors to address agenda items, which yielded no speakers at that time.

The meeting began with the formal installation of new board members, followed by the reorganization of the board, which included the election of a new President, Cynthia Urbanic, and a new Vice President, Kevin Nielson. Board members provided remarks thanking voters and expressing commitment to improving the school district. Key agenda items included approving the meeting schedule, which involved discussion and approval to consolidate the July meeting to a single session due to summer travel and vacation periods, scheduling the single July meeting for July 27th. Committee chairpersons for various committees, such as Athletics and Extracurricular, Buildings and Grounds, Finance, Instruction, Negotiations, Human Resources, Policy and Legislation, Safety and Risk Management, and liaisons to other bodies, were confirmed to remain the same. The Superintendent presented two items: confirmation of HI number 3000866 and a settlement agreement for review and approval. The Instruction Committee reported on a field trip approval, and the Policy and Legislation Committee discussed the review and adoption of policies, specifically addressing the lack of a defined time limit for public comments in the board's bylaws.

The meeting included the acknowledgment and appreciation of board members for their service during School Board Appreciation Month. Discussions covered the new statewide guidelines for K-12 student cell phone use, stemming from a recently passed Senate bill, which the district will use to develop policies for the 26-27 school year. The board reviewed and approved items related to the use of facilities. A financial report certified that no major accounts were overextended, and the finance committee recommended approval of the November 2025 reports for the board secretary and treasurer of school monies. The Superintendent's report included updates on the Scholastic Showcase, residency checks for eighth graders transitioning to ninth grade, and the opening of Pre-K registration. A new special education initiative utilizing VR headsets for student meditation and calming techniques was also mentioned. The Finance Committee session involved a discussion with the appointed auditors regarding the 24-25 comprehensive accounting report (audit), which resulted in an unmodified opinion on the financial records, confirming proper payroll processing, expenditure documentation, and compliance with public school contracts law.

The meeting included discussions and reports on various topics. The board reviewed the minutes of the preceding meeting, use of facilities, and the financial report, including the certification of sufficient funds for the fiscal year. The superintendent provided updates on district calendars, winter weather updates, and parent resources. There was also discussion on a bill to eliminate personal devices and cell phones in schools. The student safety data system report was presented, covering HIP trainings and programs aimed at reducing bullying. Additional reports were given on buildings and grounds, athletics, finance, instruction, policy and legislation, human resources, safety and risk management, and residency.

The meeting included discussions and approvals related to various aspects of the school district. These included updates on audiovisual upgrades at school facilities, considerations for a unified communication system, and the construction of a new press box at Denny Stadium. The board also discussed the budget for the upcoming school year, reviewed the NJQAC district improvement plan, and presented high school graduation results. Additionally, the meeting covered financial reports, use of facilities, and committee reports on athletics, buildings and grounds, finance, instruction, negotiations, policy and legislation, human resources, safety and risk management, and residency.