The board opened the meeting by expressing its appreciation for Vice Principal Beth Barnhill and custodian Emilio Toronto, both of whom are retiring. Barnhill, having dedicated 20 years to the Haledon School District, shared her gratitude for the experiences she had and the collaborative efforts of her peers. Toronto was similarly acknowledged for his 15 years of service and his kindness. The board also celebrated the recognition of Jennifer Pano as Teacher of the Year and Lauren Cosgrove as Educational Services Professional of the Year, lauding Pano for her commitment to teaching and Cosgrove for her role as a social emotional learning counselor.

During the public comment section, a community member praised the school staff for their care and dedication to students. Subsequently, concerns were raised about the use of school facilities by an external soccer club, the school’s lunch program, and various contractual agreements. The board responded by approving new contracts related to tuition rates, software programs, and waste management, and clarified vendor utilization.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the district’s ongoing construction projects. The board discussed timelines, with lost rooms expected to be regained by mid-August and new rooms ready by early November. An inclusive playground structure and front door security enhancements were also topics of interest. The sole food service contract bid, submitted by vendor Masio, was accepted amid discussions about the pricing for the upcoming school year’s food program.

Financial discussions were comprehensive, covering the purchase of a new maintenance vehicle, payment applications for construction, emergency reserves, the district’s emergent capital grant application, and construction project change orders. The board also deliberated on the recycling of Chromebooks for usable parts.

The board faced some debate regarding the quality and longevity of the playground equipment, with past concerns about the previous vendor’s work in other districts coming to light. Questions also emerged about the new maintenance vehicle’s plow certification and operation, and the possibility of selling the existing plow.

Further, the board took time to congratulate Angelina Cuadrado-Amaro on her college graduation from William Paterson University and reflected on the success of the PTA Carnival, eighth-grade dance, and talent show at Haledon Public School (HPS). The meeting included discussions on the Community Eligibility Provision, which highlighted the necessity for parents to complete applications for free and reduced lunches annually.

On the curricular front, the establishment of an LLD program was discussed along with a policy regarding virtual attendance. Security and safety were addressed through agreements with law enforcement and renewal of permissions.

Finally, the meeting concluded with a motion to enter into an executive session, followed by a motion to adjourn. Throughout the proceedings, board members requested clarifications on a variety of items.