The water leakage incident was a focal point, with Superintendent Giancaspro outlining the remediation process and the urgency of repairs. The discussion by board members centered around the efficiency of security cameras, with concerns raised about their inability to detect the burst valve that led to the water damage. The incident has prompted the Board to consider improvements in motion detection capabilities for after-hours surveillance. The Board also discussed concerns regarding the potential floor damage caused by indoor softball activities, prompting discussions about the necessary precautions to protect school property.

Beyond the facility incident, the meeting was dominated by the distressing account from a parent named Adrana, who detailed an incident involving her 5-year-old son. She reported that her son was physically and verbally mistreated by an administrator and referred to as a “devil possessed child” by a teacher, with threats of restraint. The board members responded to the parent’s complaint. However, due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, further details were not disclosed.

Other topics discussed included the approval of the monthly facility calendars and an amendment to the District use of facility application, including the District’s facilities use by the East Rutherford Recreation department. Financial items were also addressed, with approvals for the bills list, January 2024 payroll, and check write-offs for 2023. An out-of-District tuition contract for the 2023-24 school year and amendments for extraordinary services and the fund commissioner to the Bergen Municipal Employees benefit fund were approved.

Superintendent Giancaspro announced the allocation of funds by the Schools Development Authority (SDA) for emergent and capital maintenance needs, with East Rutherford being awarded $162,280. Furthermore, the SDA will reimburse the district for two roof projects at McKenzie and the fa Annex a total of $274,200 of the $685,182 cost. The Superintendent also reminded board members of the upcoming deadline for 2024 personal and relative financial disclosure statements.

During the meeting, board members scrutinized the approval process for the Kelly substitute list and deliberated the hiring of a full-time bcba versus paying a contractual rate. The discussion also included an examination of a resolution for additional home instruction services hours, increasing funding from approximately $57,000 to $77,000.

The board further discussed chronic absenteeism among students, strategies for tracking and addressing the issue, and the importance of providing support for those out for extended periods. They also approved various student dances, reviewed travel expenditures, and discussed policies related to the implementation of AI in education. The school calendar for the upcoming year was aligned with neighboring districts, allowing for a cohesive regional schedule.

On the financial front, a debate emerged over a proposed 10% increase in preschool tuition rates, with the Business Administrator presenting the potential impact on parents and the need for competitive pricing. After extensive discussion, the Board decided to gather more information before making a final decision.

Issues surrounding food service quality were brought to the forefront by a concerned parent’s letter. The Superintendent stressed the importance of clear communication channels and the involvement of principals in resolving such matters.

In a walk-on resolution, the board invoked the doctrine of necessity due to conflicts of interest among board members concerning personnel disciplinary actions related to classroom incidents. The resolution was passed unanimously.