Chief among the board’s actions was the appointment of Cheryl Jiosi as the Business Administrator/Board Secretary for the academic year 2023-2024. The employment agreement awaits the approval of the Executive County Superintendent, in accordance with the standards set by the Commissioner of Education. The board also accepted the resignation of Karla Manupelli, a teaching assistant, effective from June 30, 2023.

Moreover, Christina Jasper was appointed as a Behaviorist for the following academic year. Ms. Jasper will provide services as required by IEP documents up to a maximum of 400 hours, at an hourly rate of $98. In the face of an increasing demand for behavior analysts in educational settings, this move underlines the board’s commitment to serving students’ diverse needs.

In the meeting, the Ho-Ho-Kus school community also honored the Coccia Foundation Awards recipients, students Emma Westfall, Ava Ferro, Will Hollender, and Connor Rourke, with Sra. Rina Miraglia presenting the awards. The Coccia Foundation recognizes outstanding contributions in promoting and preserving Italian culture.

In addition, the board approved a new mission statement, signaling a strong commitment to inclusivity and empowerment in the face of daily challenges. The statement reads, “The Ho-Ho-Kus Public School is committed to providing an exceptional educational experience in an inclusive environment in which our diversity is celebrated and strengthened by one another. We encourage and empower our students to be responsible and respectful local and global citizens who persevere in the face of daily challenges.”

Other items on the agenda included the approval of staff for the 2023-2024 school year, the approval of several field trips, and the approval of summer hours for some staff members. Reports on Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) for April and May were also affirmed, with April recording zero incidents and May recording two investigations and zero incidents.