A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Trees for Schools grant, a collaboration with the Shade Tree Commission and Sustainable New Jersey. The grant’s initial terms provided 70% funding upfront, but recent changes now require 80% of the funds to be sourced from the district’s budget, with reimbursement delayed until September 2026. This alteration would necessitate the district to allocate $41,364 upfront for tree procurement and maintenance. The board scrutinized the financial implications of committing to such an expenditure without certainty of reimbursement. One member voiced concerns, stating, “if it’s prohibitive to the district to spend $40,000 upfront on something that we may or may not even get reimbursed for, I think my vote would be no.”

The board also discussed the practicalities of increasing tree coverage on school properties, with concerns about tree roots potentially damaging structures. The sentiment was that while environmental improvement is essential, committing to this project under current conditions requires careful consideration. The possibility of reserving funds over time as an alternative was proposed, given the complexity and significant paperwork involved in the grant application process. A board member highlighted that delaying the grant process until December could jeopardize its success.

In addition to the grant discussion, the board addressed student safety data for the 2024–2025 school year. Elementary schools recorded minimal incidents, including one alleged Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) case that was not initiated. A new category of restraint and seclusion was introduced for managing situations where students might harm themselves or others, with one incident of restraint recorded.

The meeting also included an update on Mallerie’s Army, a charity focused on anti-bullying initiatives. The organization plans assemblies and a community event on October 6th and 7th, funded by Verona Together’s efforts. The foundation aims to empower children, educate parents, and promote kindness, inspired by Mallerie’s tragic story. The upcoming event, likely to occur at the high school auditorium, intends to share her story and raise awareness about bullying.

In administrative matters, the search for a new business administrator was discussed. Initial interviews had been conducted, with three finalists moving forward to a second round scheduled for September 15. An interim business administrator, Steve Robinson, was introduced to serve three days a week. The board emphasized the importance of finding a qualified candidate amid financial challenges, noting the need for a competitive salary that aligns with state expectations for administrative costs based on student enrollment.

The meeting concluded with updates on extracurricular activities at Verona High School (VHS). The 2025-2026 school year started with traditional senior events and a fall captain’s leadership summit for student-athlete leaders. Various sports games were highlighted, including a girls soccer match against Bloomfield and a cross-country meet at Branch Brook Park. The football team began the season with a win against St. Mary’s, preparing for a rivalry game against Cedar Grove. Football senior Dean Aljieri was nominated for USA Football’s Heart of a Giant Award, recognizing high school football players who inspire greatness. The VHS marching band and cheerleading teams completed rigorous summer training in preparation for their first home game performance.

Board members also discussed the need for a female wrestling team, prompted by increased participation, and deliberated on the maintenance of current turf fields. The advantages of turf fields, such as improved drainage and usability compared to natural grass, were acknowledged, despite concerns about safety and health implications.