0:00Miss M. Lee from Miss Saia and Company provided a detailed overview of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. She highlighted that the decrease in fund balance was due to several factors, including excess state revenue from extraordinary aid for special education and unspent budget appropriations. The excess state revenue amounted to $200,000, and budget appropriations left $580,000 unspent. Miss Lee clarified that extraordinary aid is unpredictable due to its timing relative to special education student counts. Importantly, these funds can be allocated to one-time projects, offering flexibility for improvements or repairs outside the regular budget.

The board discussed the origins and implications of the excess state revenue. Miss Lee emphasized that the funds’ unpredictability makes them more suitable for non-recurring expenditures, which could benefit long-term facility projects. The audit’s results were encouraging, reflecting positively on the district’s financial management, as Miss Lee commended the business administrator and staff for their work.

Following the audit presentation, discussions turned to various school activities and administrative updates. The student representative provided insights into recent events, such as the North Soccer Championship and upcoming activities like the Powderpuff game and school concerts.

The superintendent provided updates on school initiatives, such as “Scarecrow Alley,” a school spirit activity that encouraged student and family involvement. The event aimed to foster social-emotional qualities and included a voting process with a pizza party reward for the winning group. Fundraising efforts for the Wounded Warrior Project and K9s for Warriors raised $1,700 during the annual penny wars. The superintendent also acknowledged the volunteer firefighters who provided fire safety education during Fire Prevention Week.

Discussion on future projects included plans for a summer roof project, with funds allocated from the capital reserve account. This project, combined with previous efforts, would address 72% of the roof, leaving about 28% for future work.

15:28The board also addressed educational initiatives and community involvement. The establishment of the Rockway Valley Round Table was announced, offering monthly informal chats with the superintendent to encourage community dialogue. Additionally, the introduction of the Rockway Valley radio podcast aimed to engage residents in educational topics and community expertise.

Athletic updates were shared. The boys’ soccer team achieved a 7-3-2 record, advancing to the semifinals, while the girls’ team finished 6-5, with Kelsey Glass as the top scorer. The cross-country team showed significant improvements, with Ian Johnson achieving notable times among competitors.

Public comments included inquiries about the roof replacement project, clarifying that a portion of the roof had been addressed, with plans for further work included in a previous referendum project.

The meeting concluded with board reports, including updates from the Mountain Lakes Board of Education, highlighting positive student performance trends and upcoming curriculum revisions. The successful hiring of two officers for the district and ongoing evaluations by the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security were noted. Updates on high school kitchen renovations and community fundraising efforts were also shared.