The plan, which aims to reduce energy usage and carve out budgetary savings, was presented by Charles Koch from Environetics Architecture Group and Greg Bums from DCO Energy, LLC. The representatives detailed the proposed improvements in a PowerPoint presentation. A significant highlight was the district-wide implementation of a computerized building energy management control system for all HVAC operations, which promises to streamline energy use.

The projects will be funded through a 15-year lease purchase agreement, ensuring financial viability without burdening taxpayers. With this strategic approach, savings from reduced energy costs will be used to pay for the sustainability projects. The Board will be finalizing the recommendations in their June meeting, adding a sense of anticipation for local residents and environmentalists.

The meeting also underscored some significant financial maneuvers. Timothy Grob and other board members reviewed and approved an extensive finance agenda, including certifying that no major account or fund had been over-expended as of April 30, 2023, and approving travel expenditures for district employees and board members. Additionally, they gratefully accepted Fischer Scientific Grant Money totaling $4,000.

In the policy and public relations segment of the meeting, discussions revolved around a range of topics. Of note, the Board approved an agreement with the YWCA of Bergen County for facility usage for a 2023 summer camp and a before and after school daycare program for the 2023-2024 School Year, amounting to $20,250 plus custodial fees.

The meeting closed with public comments, where local resident Katy Gerber raised concerns about increasing enrollment at Grant School impacting the Basic Skills Program, suggesting that education quality issues continue to be a part of the conversation within the Dumont community.