The most significant item on the agenda was the discussion about the upcoming referendum for Beckton Regional High School. Superintendent Giancaspro emphasized the need for community engagement and outlined the revisions made to the project based on stakeholder feedback. The revised proposal focuses on facility upgrades, STEM programs, vocational trades, and special education. The board provided a detailed financial breakdown, addressing the estimated tax impact of the project’s three questions. Question one, involving the main building addition, is the pivotal component and is estimated to cost an average taxpayer an additional $12 per month. Question two, focusing on safety and facility improvements, would cost about $6 per month, and question three, which aims to expand trades and vocational programs, is expected to have a tax impact of $3 per month.

Additionally, the board addressed the misconceptions surrounding the average school taxes paid by residents of East Rutherford and Maywood. Superintendent Giancaspro presented the actual figures and explained the financial arrangements between the districts. He clarified that East Rutherford pays slightly more in school taxes than Maywood, debunking the myth that Maywood pays the most. The board also discussed the New Jersey senior citizen property tax reimbursement program and plans to assist eligible seniors in understanding the program.

The timeline for the new addition to the high school was outlined, with an anticipated occupancy by September 2026. The board plans to hold an information session to provide residents with details about the referendum and to ensure that community members are well-informed before the vote.

Superintendent Giancaspro and the board also discussed the district’s current challenges, such as the financial strain of sending students to other districts for specialized education, which exceeds $3 million. The superintendent stressed the importance of finding fiscally responsible solutions to these challenges and the potential financial benefits of passing the referendum, including state aid for certain renovations and the reallocation of capital reserve funds.

The board deliberated on the tax impact of the project, with detailed explanations provided by Business Administrator Alessandro Verace. They also addressed rumors concerning the amount paid by different towns for school taxes and clarified the conditions for the passing of questions two and three, which are contingent upon the approval of question one.

In addition to the referendum discussion, other notable topics covered in the meeting included the approval of extraordinary services for home instruction, with around $411,492 being allocated for roof projects at McKenzie Elementary School and the FA Middle School annex, with the state contributing $274,200. The board also approved various items such as district facility usage, contingency allowances for a boiler replacement project, bills lists, and grants.

Superintendent Giancaspro reported on student enrollment, the completion of fire drills, and the positive outcomes of the District’s recent Quality Assurance Continuation review, which is pending official notification from the Commissioner of Education. The district’s technology security measures, budget development, and special education statistics were also addressed.

The meeting also covered the purchase of an annex building, costing $1.1 million, which is in the final stages of closing. The board emphasized the strategic importance of determining the site’s destiny as it is one of the only areas available for acquisition near Beckton Regional High School. The addition of over 80 parking spots was planned to alleviate parking issues during the construction phase.

In other business, the Superintendent highlighted the district’s efforts in improving substitute teacher fill rates and the potential increase in the budget for substitute services for the 2024-25 school year. Discussions on preschool tuition rates and the application for a preschool grant were also held, with the board considering a 10% tuition increase to generate additional revenue for the 2024-25 budget, while also exploring the possibility of offering tuition-free preschool if the grant is received.

The board concluded with the approval of various motions, including student field trips, personnel actions, and financial reports. They also discussed new policies and regulations and approved a walk-on item to increase preschool tuition for the 2024-2025 school year by 10%. The meeting ended with an executive session to discuss legal, personnel, negotiation, attorney-client privilege, and student matters, and upon returning, the board voted on resolutions pertaining to the termination of employment for specific employees.