A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the 2025 Persons of the Year awards. The Community Member of the Year award was posthumously presented to Jeff Barnes, a long-serving president of the Denville Education Foundation, who was celebrated for his two decades of unwavering dedication to the community. A board member accepted the award on his behalf, detailing Barnes’s contributions to the district, particularly his efforts in raising funds to enhance student experiences.

Anne Stark, a long-standing staff member at Riverview School, was named Staff Person of the Year. Her dedication since 1994 was underscored by colleagues who praised her compassion and supportive role within the school community. The principal highlighted her ability to foster understanding and collaboration, reflecting on their years of partnership and her profound impact on students and colleagues alike.

The Student of the Year award went to Sei Montoya Canales, a student who overcame language barriers and personal challenges after moving from Honduras. Her resilience and leadership were commended, with anecdotes shared about her positive influence on peers and her embodiment of school spirit. The recognition ceremony was marked by reflections and commendations from those present.

Beyond the awards, the meeting addressed pressing financial matters. Superintendent Steven Forte discussed the implications of budget cuts and an increased tax levy, emphasizing the importance of community awareness regarding these adjustments. He also touched on the potential effects of new housing developments on school enrollment, advocating for accurate student registration numbers to aid planning.

A notable proposal involved the redistribution of kindergarten sections to balance class sizes between Lake View and Riverview Schools. Superintendent Forte suggested moving one section from Lake View, which currently has an average class size of 17.5, to Riverview, where the class size averages 18, to ensure manageable and equitable class sizes.

The business administrator addressed the upcoming annual school election, noting the deadline for petition submissions and the availability of two board vacancies. This procedural update was part of a broader discussion on governance, which included the adoption of new policies and approval of a plan for 2025 to 2028.

In the finance section, resolutions were passed, including the approval of tax monies totaling $38,184,112 for the 2025-2026 school year. Contracts for architectural, legal, and auditing services were awarded, with plans for potential expansions in instructional space at Riverview Annex generating anticipation among board members.

Discussions on operations included the approval of school bus emergency evacuation drill reports and various maintenance and repair service agreements. The meeting also highlighted the role of aides in the district, with a special mention of a resigning Lake View aide praised for her contributions.

The session concluded with acknowledgments of board member milestones and the successful Denville Education Foundation fundraiser. The board expressed gratitude for ongoing community support and prepared for future committee meetings.