A key topic was the national school lunch program’s implementation. The board discussed the logistics of ordering and serving lunches, with elementary student lunches priced at $4.75, middle school lunches at $5.00, and adult lunches at $5.50. Each lunch must include specific components like drinks and fruits. Refunds for lunches missed due to student absences will be absorbed by the vendor. The finance committee highlighted that a lease agreement tied to the lunch program negatively affected the district’s financial rating, necessitating a new lease at a higher rate, with payments starting earlier than planned. This financial strain underscores the district’s ongoing budget challenges.

Superintendent George P. Alexis emphasized the administrative leadership team’s efforts to recruit staff to fill vacancies and prepare for the upcoming teacher orientation. The superintendent also noted the successful coordination of the lunch program’s details. Additionally, a virtual meeting was scheduled for August 27 to discuss the lunch program and bus transportation.

The meeting revealed financial concerns related to subscription busing. Currently, 61 students are enrolled in the program. Adjustments to bus routes were made to improve efficiency, focusing on students living within a certain distance from the school. The cost for transportation, referred to as the “Aiden L,” saw a slight increase. The board reviewed the treasury report, board secretary reports, and various financial activities, confirming that all bills were approved.

Another issue discussed was the decline in student enrollment, which necessitated staff adjustments. This decline has broader implications for the district’s financial health and staffing needs. Karen Nyquist, reporting on the Morris County Education Services Commission, reassured attendees that despite discrepancies in audits of other education service commissions, the Morris County commission had not received any audit recommendations over the past four years. This was highlighted to maintain confidence in the commission’s operations amidst external audit findings.

Fundraising efforts and contributions to schools were also discussed. A representative detailed initiatives funded by the organization, including a fifth-grade field trip to the Newark Museum, communication devices for Central Middle School theater productions, steam equipment, sensory materials for Millington school students, and playground equipment. The representative expressed gratitude for community support through fundraisers and a sponsorship drive.

Katie McLennan reported on the Buildings and Grounds Committee, noting a resolution related to donations for educational projects, including wind turbines and kits for the middle school STEAM program. These contributions were positively received.

The board achieved recertification as a master board, to be officially recognized at the upcoming county meeting. Board training and the structure of upcoming retreats were discussed, with plans to circulate a survey to gather input on whether to split the retreat into two sessions. The governance committee will finalize this survey at the next meeting.

Routine agenda items included the approval of the district’s emergency instruction plan, a three-year plan for English language learners, and professional development plans. The superintendent acknowledged community input, revising the first district goal to incorporate student growth measurements.

Financial discussions included the extraordinary aid figure, with state funds only partially reimbursed in recent years, impacting budgeting decisions. The aid goes into a capital reserve for essential projects, including library improvements. The budget for non-public busing expenses was also highlighted, noting increasing transportation costs and state reimbursement practices.

Public comments were invited but none were recorded on agenda items. The board moved into resolutions, approving several items, including minutes and financials. A notable discussion on policies included a proposal to amend mandated policies and grade changes within specific resolutions. The timing of agenda distribution was also discussed, with a request for earlier delivery to facilitate better preparation for meetings. The superintendent explained the current process of distributing agendas on Fridays, accommodating last-minute changes while aiming for early afternoon delivery.