0:00The meeting commenced with the Lyndhurst School Board expressing gratitude towards Mr. Jeffrey Bliss and his auditing team for their diligent work on the annual audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Mr. Bliss provided an overview of the audit findings, stating that the financial statements received an unmodified opinion. He emphasized the importance of such clean opinions, describing them as essential for the district’s fiscal health. The audit revealed a commendable increase in the district’s capital reserve by approximately $247,000 from the previous year, with funds earmarked for long-term facility projects. Mr. Bliss noted that the district now holds over a million dollars in capital reserves, having utilized over $700,000 for various projects and subsequently increasing the reserve by $950,000.

Despite this financial gain, the audit also pointed out a decrease in the maintenance reserve, which declined from $286,000 to about $161,000 over the year due to expenditure on projects. Additionally, the unassigned fund balance decreased due to insufficient extraordinary aid, although it remained at its maximum allowable level of approximately $800,000. Mr. Bliss acknowledged minor issues, such as the need for timely federal tax deposits and proper budgeting for specific expenses. He also reiterated a previous recommendation regarding the timely deposit of food service fund sales, which, although improved, still needed attention.

The board recognized the value of financial stability in maintaining high-quality education, applauding nearly $900,000 deposited into the capital reserve as an achievement. The successful completion of various maintenance projects, including boiler installations, was highlighted as evidence of the district’s prudent financial planning.

Following the audit discussion, the business administrator announced the official results of the November 5, 2024, Board of Education election. Anthony Scardino received 3,661 votes, securing a seat alongside Anthony J. Guso, who garnered 2,624 votes. The third available seat went to Pasamano.

15:29The meeting took a serious turn during the public comment section when Alysa Sone, a parent of a student at Jefferson School, voiced concerns over her son Dominic’s experiences. Sone outlined multiple troubling incidents, questioning the fairness, accountability, and transparency of the school’s management of these situations. She recounted her son’s unexpected retention in grade, which was later overturned after meeting requirements, with the help of Mr. Dorso, and expressed concern that subsequent incidents may be retaliatory.

Sone detailed an incident from September 17, when Dominic was confronted by teachers, the principal, and a police officer after leaving the restroom during class. She criticized this response as an overreaction, noting that no one verified Dominic’s presence in the bathroom. On October 3, Dominic was implicated in a harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) investigation, accused of using inappropriate language, though five witnesses reportedly did not corroborate the claim. Sone defended her son, citing his autism and social challenges, and emphasized his consistent denial of the allegations supported by his peers.

She raised concerns about Dominic’s indefinite detention, describing it as disproportionate, and mentioned a distressing interaction with Mr. Vasa, whose loud demeanor intimidated Dominic. Sone also pointed to another student’s unaddressed aggressive behavior, including a thumbtack incident that posed health risks. Throughout her address, Sone advocated for equitable treatment of all students, especially those with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and called for clarity on Dominic’s detention.

A board member acknowledged Sone’s concerns, admitting the lack of awareness about the specifics before her address. Sone concluded by expressing hope for collaborative solutions to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all students at Jefferson School.