NJ21st

Shining A Light on Local Goverment

Laura’s Notes on the 11/14/2024 Berkeley Heights BOE Meeting Agenda

Report of the Acting Superintendent

Recognition of National Merit Scholars
Honoring our National Merit Scholars for their outstanding academic achievements.

Presentation on School Counseling Program
Dr. Janosko will present updates and highlights on our School Counseling program.

Education

High Impact Tutoring Grant

The district has received a $10,200 grant, which will fund afterschool enrichment programs for students requiring additional support, specifically targeting fourth grade. Although the grant historically covered more grades, this year’s allocation is designated for fourth-grade tutoring interventions. Ms. Figlar and Ms. Bowden will lead sessions at TPH, and Ms. Graziano and Ms. Halterman will conduct tutoring at MP.

Personnel

Amendment to Interim Assistant Superintendent Contract

Mr. Phillips’ contract as Interim Assistant Superintendent will be extended through January 31, 2025. No official announcement has been made regarding a permanent hire for this position.

Acting Director of Special Projects/Supervisor of Social Studies/World Languages

Ms. Laurie Scott (current District Supervisor 6-12 Language Arts, K-12 Media Specialists, K-12 Music, 6-12 BSI, K-12 LAL Assessments, Project Connect) has been appointed Acting Director, with a contract extending until March 1, 2025. This long-term position was internally posted on Applitrack, and currently held by Mr. Stephen Hopkins.

Resignation

Ms. Tara Pirozzoli, Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant at Mountain Park Elementary, has announced her resignation effective December 31, 2024. She will be missed, and we extend our best wishes for her future endeavors.

Business

Approval of 2024-25 Comprehensive Maintenance Plan

The Board has approved the district’s Comprehensive Maintenance Plan for 2024-25. Highlights include:

CMS: Asbestos removal, pipe and plumbing repairs, and sidewalk and curb repairs.

MKM: Sidewalk and curb repairs, fencing, paving, and drainage improvements.

Hughes: Classroom floor tile replacement and structural and fencing repairs.

MP: Plumbing and pipe repairs, sidewalk and curb repairs.

WW: Fencing repairs, sidewalk and curb repairs, and pavement patching.

GL: Upgrades to athletic team locker rooms, drainage repairs, and classroom flooring replacement.

New Business

Policy Revisions

Policy 132: Proposes that all regulations require Board approval. This ensures that the public and their representatives are able to review and obtain buy-in for all regulations impacting our District

Policy 155: Suggests requiring a Board vote to establish committees, including appointing committee members and chairs. This would finally pull complete control of committee appointments from one person (the BOE President) and make the process more democratic.

Policy 5421: Proposes changing the current 15% bid threshold to a flat fee of $3,300.

Notable Omissions (so far)

Office of Administrative Law Ruling

No mention was made of the recent Office of Administrative Law ruling that found prior Board members and two current BOE Members (Jordan Hyman and Pamela Stanley) in violation of the Code of Ethics for the Board per an OAL judgment. The Board and affected members await the School Ethics Commission’s decision..

Newly Elected Officials

There was no formal announcement regarding the newly elected officials set to begin their terms in January 2025.

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