Laura’s Notes on the 6/10/24 Berkeley Heights BOE Agenda
We expect that remote participation will again be allowed during this meeting and that the public can comment via Zoom, which can be found here.
The meeting will start in the GL Cafeteria, whereupon the Board will adjourn into Executive session.
Following the Executive session, the Board will reconvene in the GL Auditorium for a public session, where the night will feature and honor several individuals and groups.
The GL Baseball team, BOE Student Reps, Angela Penna, Educators of the Year, and retirees will all be recognized with a special ceremony.
Due to the overwhelming amount of recognitions, the meeting will pause for a brief recess and field trip after the ceremony.
Following the recess, the meeting will resume in the GL Cafeteria, with Dr. Curtiss and Ms. Rush giving a professional development presentation.
From there, it follows its usual structure:
ADMINISTRATION
N. Establish pay rates for 2024-25.
EDUCATION
I. Approve 95% Core Program
I note this because, in the last 4-5 years, the district has implemented new math and language arts programs. I am happy that we are continuing with one program many have reported yielding success.
K. Approve Sidebar Agreement for summer writing curriculum.
This was on the previous agenda but pulled last minute for reasons unknown. This same sidebar agreement (teaching receiving their per diem rate) to write curriculum is back.
PERSONNEL
I. Approve re-appointment of school district liaison to the library board for $1030.
I have raised the question about the necessity of this role as there has never been a formal, public report on what, if any, means of collaboration exist for this role.
Q. Resignation of staff: Robyn Koenigsberg (CMS Music), Tricia Lepore (WW Paraprofessional), and Melissa Weather (WW Help Teacher).
BUSINESS
D. Approval of transportation contract with First Student for $488,112.37
E. Capital Projects
Update: These are not being approved, the money allocated was not spent on previously approved projects and is moving back to reserves
The recent trend since Mr. Nixon’s appointment as Acting Superintendent is “back to business,” and I like it.
It is a prime example of how having the right people in the right position for the right reasons is best for BHPS schools.