A major point of the meeting was the financial presentation by Valerie Dolan, an auditor from ESI, who delivered an in-depth review of the district’s financial status as of June 30, 2024. Dolan outlined the comprehensive annual financial report, revealing a balance of approximately $3.8 million, with encumbrances totaling $440,000. The district’s financial health was underscored by two critical reserves: a capital reserve holding $857,000 and a maintenance reserve of $7,000. These reserves enable the district to undertake capital projects without additional taxpayer funding.

The board utilized $941,000 from the existing budget to support ongoing expenditures. However, discussions also highlighted regulatory limitations on fund retention, with only $553,000 allowed to be retained. Dolan noted that grants totaling $1.7 million were expected to decrease as funds were largely expended by September. The food service fund contributed $58,000 in revenue, adding to a total of $288,000. The transportation fund balance was reported at $468,000, down by $25,000 from the previous year, prompting a review of expense allocations to mitigate further losses.

Concerns were raised regarding the school store’s operations, particularly discrepancies in receipts and reports. Recommendations from the management report included addressing these issues and ensuring timely deposits and inventory maintenance. This highlighted the need for enhanced business management practices within the school.

The board also discussed the impact of federal audits on ongoing projects, such as the $1.9 million HVAC program funded through the U2 grant. Initial receipts amounted to $105,000, but subsequent funding increased to $849,000, with final payments expected to yield net gains of $300,000.

Policy revisions were approved, driven by state mandates. Among them was the extension of the grievance submission period, removing the previous five-day limitation to improve accessibility for students and parents. This change is aimed at fostering a more inclusive environment for voicing concerns.

Recognition of student achievements was another topic of discussion, particularly in athletics. The wrestling program saw an increase to over 144 participants, with notable performances from female wrestlers L Lio and Al Shang, who achieved championship titles. Al Shang earned the Outstanding Wrestler award. Kiera Lewis excelled in the girls bowling tournament, with a series score of 623, and was honored at a Rutgers event for National Girls and Women in Sports Day.

In addition to athletics, the board celebrated community engagement through initiatives such as a district music and art celebration night and a wellness fair. These events, aimed at promoting mental health awareness, were well-received and demonstrated a strong return to pre-pandemic levels of participation.

The meeting continued with various approvals in curriculum and technology, including field trips, professional development activities, and revisions to the school calendar for 2024-2025. Faculty and student attendance rates for December were reported at 94.5% and 91.9%, respectively. The board also approved the appointment of substitutes and a student teacher.

Building and grounds updates focused on the completion of two major HVAC projects, with appreciation expressed for the collaborative efforts of the team involved. Financial reports and recommendations for payment of audited bills were accepted, alongside an amendment to facilitate timely payment for HVAC work due to early grant disbursement.