The meeting commenced with the swearing-in of newly elected board members Stephanie Dale, Jamie Crasa, and Amanda Sherwin, who all secured three-year terms. The board then proceeded with its reorganization, electing William Kimmick as the new president and Derek Jess as vice president. These appointments marked the beginning of a new leadership era for the board.

A substantial part of the meeting was dedicated to the annual ethics training required for all board members. Led by Mr. Phil Stern, the board’s legal advisor, the training emphasized the importance of the School Ethics Act and the necessity for board members to understand their ethical obligations. Mr. Stern provided detailed explanations of the legislative framework governing public education, referencing New Jersey’s Title 18A and Title 6A, which outline the state’s education laws and regulations. The training session reinforced the board’s role in overseeing the superintendent and highlighted the significance of maintaining integrity within the board’s operations.

The discussion then shifted towards the introduction of video communications as a means of informing the community about an upcoming referendum. With a critical vote scheduled for March 11, the board acknowledged the need for clear and effective communication strategies. A proposal was made for a referendum communications committee, which would include both board and community members, to ensure diverse representation and input. The committee would oversee the creation of informational videos, while also organizing in-person and online sessions to engage the community and address any questions.

Concerns were raised about the potential bias and effectiveness of using videos as the primary mode of communication. One board member cautioned against relying solely on the video format, highlighting the importance of face-to-face interactions in reaching a broader audience, especially those unable to attend meetings. The use of videos was seen as a supplementary tool to provide accurate and timely information, countering misinformation circulating in the community.

In response to these concerns, the board discussed setting a cost limit of $20,000 for the video project to ensure budgetary control. This amendment aimed to balance financial constraints with the need for comprehensive communication efforts. The board agreed to launch a dedicated referendum website, featuring project details, tax impact information, voter deadlines, FAQs, and a dedicated email address for community inquiries.

In addition to the referendum discussions, the board addressed routine reorganization items such as the adoption of curriculum guides, textbooks, and e-textbooks, alongside the approval of bylaws, policies, and regulations. The board also made critical appointments for special councils and school auditors, essential for the district’s operations.

The meeting concluded with the board president’s report, expressing well wishes for the new year and appreciation for the efforts of the previous leadership. Plans to enhance the effectiveness of board committees and improve public engagement were outlined, with a focus on setting board goals in upcoming meetings.