- NJ
- Essex County
- 4/30/24
- 04/30/2024
- 112 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: During a recent Verona School Board meeting, members and the community engaged in a discussion on various high-priority topics including the district’s budget, safety protocols, and ongoing litigation involving the board and specific staff members. The meeting began by acknowledging the contribution of the non-profit organization Child, which supports children with individual learning differences, for awarding three $500 grants to district staff.
- NJ
- Essex County
- 4/16/24
- 04/16/2024
- 49 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: In a show of overwhelming community backing, the Verona School Board witnessed a spirited public comment section where attendees voiced their strong support for the renewal of the Verona Glenridge ice hockey co-op agreement during its April 16th, 2024 meeting. Among those who spoke were Megan Pelino, a teacher and co-president of the VA, who expressed gratitude for the board’s support of the program, and Jennifer Sullivan, a parent who shared her family’s positive experiences with the hockey team. Former hockey mom Kathleen Linke, a former player Jared Keing, his brother Harrison Keing, and a current team member known only as Graham, all spoke to the value of the program, emphasizing its positive impact on student life and the Verona community.
- NJ
- Essex County
- 3/26/24
- 03/26/2024
- 65 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: The Verona School Board recently convened to discuss a myriad of issues impacting the district’s educational landscape, including budget adjustments, program evaluations, and strategic planning initiatives. Of particular note was the rigorous debate surrounding the future of the hockey program, the consideration of a new survey strategy, and the detailed review of the district’s strategic plan update.
- NJ
- Essex County
- 3/12/24
- 03/12/2024
- 67 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: The Verona School Board faced a challenging budget situation at its meeting on March 12, 2024, grappling with a preliminary budget that exceeded the cap by $1.2 million. In addressing this, the board aimed to balance the need for fiscal responsibility with the continuation and expansion of educational programs. The proposed budget included an increase in state aid and a 2.52% tax levy hike, with the total anticipated revenue for the fiscal year 2025 being $2.6 million. Expenditures were largely allocated to general education instruction and benefits, with a focus on supporting classroom instruction despite a 19% reduction in support areas.
- NJ
- Essex County
- 1/23/24
- 01/23/2024
- 140 Minutes
- Noteworthy
- Highly Noteworthy
- Routine
Overview: The Verona School Board’s recent meeting was marked by a comprehensive presentation on ethical standards and potential conflicts of interest, emphasizing the importance of adherence to the School Ethics Act and the code of ethics for board members. The board grappled with specific instances of ethical breaches, including inappropriate email use, independent actions undermining board decisions, and the complexities of social media conduct. In addition to ethical concerns, the board engaged in discussions on educational strategies, curriculum alignment, and student achievement goals, with Superintendent Diane DiGiuseppe providing updates on district initiatives and preparations for the Quality Single Accountability Continuum (QSAC) monitoring and Civil Rights data collection.