Mrs. Higgins, who will take over the helm at Ann Blanche Smith School, was congratulated by Angela Iskenderian. The board also acknowledged Mrs. Iskenderian’s services. Christine Barnhart presented flowers to Mrs. Higgins to welcome her to the new role.

Superintendent Dr. Robert V. Lombardy Jr. provided insights into various educational matters. His report covered updates on school enrollment, the relaunch of the George G. White Referendum Project, and Back to School Nights. He also welcomed Mrs. Higgins and shared a letter of appreciation from the Smith PTA.

Under the leadership of Trustee Sal Sileo and with the participation of Trustee Christina Jennings, the Education Committee brought forth several significant motions. One notable approval was for the 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York to be designated as a field trip location for the 2023-2024 school year. Additionally, the intramural kickball program at Meadowbrook School received a nod, and a generous donation from the Smith School Parent Teacher Association was accepted with gratitude. This donation is earmarked for outdoor space improvements at Ann Blanche Smith School.

Personnel developments saw the Board ratifying a revised custodian collective negotiations agreement with the Hillsdale Education Association. Spanning from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2027, the agreement ensures streamlined operations within the school infrastructure. Furthermore, several staff appointments were greenlit, and leaves for paternity and maternity reasons were granted to two employees.

Shifting focus to financial aspects, the Finance Committee, headed by Justin Saxon and with Nicole Klas’s participation, certified the financial health of the board, ensuring no over-expenditure as of July 2023. Budget transfers for July and bill approvals for August were carried out, the latter involving an amount of $1,184,490.78.

Lastly, various educational workshops, conferences, and sessions took center stage. Many staff members are set to participate in the Pascack Valley New Staff Mentoring Program. Additionally, a number of educators, including Dr. Lombardy, will attend events across New Jersey.