The meeting, led by Board Secretary Matthew J. Paladino and Board President Luis Muniz, opened with Superintendent Tomko’s introduction of a newly updated re-registration packet. This packet, designed with a point-based system, aims to simplify the re-registration process for district residents. Starting in January, every family in the district will need to undertake this process. Superintendent Tomko emphasized the importance of providing accurate information and warned that falsifying documents could lead to criminal charges and tuition fees.

The re-registration discussion prompted queries from several board members. Trustee Michael Derro sought clarification on the timeline and consequences of non-completion, while Trustee Erika Jacho asked about the procedures for notifying the district when a resident moves within the school year. Trustee Gabrielle V. Bennett-Meany expressed concern for families struggling to meet the eight-point requirement, to which Tomko assured that various documents could be used to attain necessary points.

In addition to the re-registration process, the board discussed the progress of the CASA project, which will include an E theater, professional development area, tutoring center, and registration and ELL welcome center. The project is expected to complete by year’s end and remains on track for the next academic year.

The meeting also featured a proposal to establish a cooperative component for purchasing, a strategy aimed at generating revenue for the district. This cooperative, to be managed by Board Secretary Paladino, would partner with other districts to collectively bid on projects or items. Superintendent Tomko further suggested the potential involvement of other entities like municipalities and colleges in future cooperative ventures.

Among other revenue generation strategies, the board discussed the possibility of a subscription service model that would involve buying pens at a discounted price and selling them to other districts. The revenue from this venture would be considered miscellaneous and could be used as the board deems fit.

A significant infrastructure issue was discussed when the board considered the need for an Annex cover walkway to shelter students during inclement weather. The board received a quote of $80,000 to $100,000 for a temporary structure that could potentially be implemented.

The meeting closed with recognitions for students and staff, including certificates for three students who participated in a year-long study, Project Wild, which aimed to improve writing skills. Erin McGary was commended for her heroic actions in saving a child from choking, and Jess Peralta was acknowledged for her involvement in a research study in collaboration with Seton Hall University.