The two-part meeting, beginning with a Caucus meeting at 7:00 PM and followed by a regular session at 8:30 PM, involved detailed discussions on various issues, including personnel matters, open litigation, and Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) matters. The Board’s discussions during these sessions, however, remained undisclosed.

One of the highlights of the regular meeting was the recognition of the 2022/2023 Teachers of the Year from various schools in the district. In addition, the Superintendent’s report was presented, which included the approval of several out-of-state field trips for Bergenfield High School Model UN students.

The Board’s unanimous decisions extended to several other motions. These include the approval of a PowerSchool invoice for the annual subscription renewal of a Special Education Student Information System and multiple donations to the Eddie Baldwin Scholarship Fund. In an effort to embrace renewable energy, the Board authorized an online auction of 105 Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC’s) on www.pjm-eis.com.

In terms of enhancing security and facilities, the Board approved a proposal from Bell’s Security Sales for door hardware costing $8,933.40 and $17,700 respectively. It also authorized a proposal from Boswell Engineering for professional engineering services for the Roy Brown Middle School Parking Lot Erosion Project.

The Board further endorsed Joint Transportation and Joint Purchasing Agreements with the Region V Council for Special Education, approved a proposal from In-Line Air Conditioning for the replacement of the hot water coil at Hoover Elementary School, and agreed on a change order from Manor II Electric for an additional charge of $16,044.70.

Moreover, the 2023/2024 Memorandum of Understanding between the Bergenfield Board of Education and Big Brothers Big Sisters received approval, demonstrating the Board’s ongoing commitment to nurturing a nurturing and supportive environment for the students.

In a bid to improve administrative processes, the Board sanctioned proposals from Frontline Education for various subscriptions, including the Absence & Time Solution, Applicant Tracking, and Frontline Central Solution for the 2023/2024 year. A proposal from Tools4Ever for HelloID software and consulting was also approved.

The meeting concluded with the unanimous approval of a Change Order from ZN Construction for an additional charge of $21,538.94, a move that would increase the total project cost.