The primary highlight of the meeting was the fiscal year 25 audit presentation by Chris Vincy, which confirmed the district’s effective financial reporting and compliance with state and federal requirements. The audit’s unmodified opinion underscored the district’s financial health and transparency. Vincy detailed the audit findings, noting growth in the capital reserve to $4,484,759, earmarked for essential projects such as roof replacement and media center renovations. The maintenance reserve and excess surplus were reported as stable.

Key audit recommendations included implementing a payroll deduction ledger to address a shortage in the payroll agency account, ensuring accurate recording of prior year audit entries, timely clearing of reconciling items in monthly bank reconciliations, and reviewing procurement procedures for compliance with public school contract laws. The Board emphasized their commitment to addressing these recommendations promptly.

Community involvement was a focal point of the meeting, with the East Rutherford PTA providing updates on their activities. Kevin Lion, representing the PTA, reported a membership increase to 228 and highlighted successful fundraising efforts, including a holiday spirit wear sale and a candy sale. The PTA organized holiday shop events across all schools, with volunteer coordination facilitated through a new app. Their involvement in the annual Thanksgiving feast for fourth and fifth graders was well-received.

The PTA previewed upcoming events such as a holiday shop for families, a hot chocolate social at Lincoln School, and a staff holiday lunch in January. These initiatives aim to foster community spirit and provide opportunities for student and staff engagement. The PTA’s collaboration with school staff, particularly for events like picture retake day and the holiday shop, was recognized as vital in creating successful programs.

Student participation in school activities was also celebrated, with reports from the National Junior Honor Society highlighting recent events at local schools. At FA School, students organized holiday spirit days, a community service initiative called “cards for kids,” and a winter concert featuring the school band and choir. The student council leadership was acknowledged.

Lincoln School’s report focused on a Thanksgiving feast organized with PTA support, which was particularly meaningful for a student experiencing their first Thanksgiving in the U.S. The school also emphasized accountability through a monthly meeting celebrating students of the month and honor roll students. McKenzie School’s report highlighted a character assembly focused on leadership, a winter concert, and participation in the Angel Tree project supporting local families in need.

The interim superintendent provided an update on school safety measures, confirming that all schools were current with fire and emergency drills. The superintendent also addressed the board regarding harassment, intimidation, and bullying reports, noting two unfounded and one founded report. The importance of effective communication systems was stressed, with a reminder to parents to update their contact information to receive emergency notifications.

Board members worked collaboratively through the agenda, addressing personnel matters, approving substitute lists, and discussing exit interviews for staff resignations. The technology committee focused on ensuring data security and planning for future technological maintenance and upgrades. The finance committee presented various financial motions, all of which were approved with one abstention due to a conflict of interest.

In addressing old business, the integration of communications from Lincoln and McKenzie into board email systems was discussed to enhance event updates. Plans for an ethics training session were confirmed for the regular meeting on February 19th, 2026, due to scheduling conflicts.