06:04The meeting began with an enthusiastic acknowledgment of student-led initiatives, particularly those by a group from Ramapo Ridge Middle School involved in the nonprofit TEAM, which stands for Empathy, Equality, and Entrepreneurship Mission. This initiative aims to connect schools with underserved communities globally, focusing on raising funds for constructing freshwater wells in regions like Burkina Faso. Through events such as a movie night and a fundraiser at Moe’s, students managed to collect over $4,000. Their efforts were supported by a parent who donated $1,000, contributing to the cause. The board praised the students for their articulate presentations and the empathetic values they demonstrated.

01:47:03The board then turned its attention to strategic planning for the district, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in shaping the educational framework for 2025 to 2030. A board member highlighted the need to expand learning beyond traditional classroom settings, reflecting community feedback from previous sessions, which saw over 200 attendees and 1,700 survey responses. This input is important for developing a comprehensive strategic plan that aligns with the district’s educational goals.

01:16:40A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the 2025-2026 school budget. The proposal includes a 3.49% tax increase, justified by an adjustment in the tax levy cap using a healthcare waiver to address rising healthcare costs. The board noted an encouraging 5.64% increase in state aid, which is a positive outcome amidst varying results for other districts. Despite the increased state aid, special education costs remain substantial, with transportation and tuition expenses for out-of-district placements exceeding $6 million. These costs represent about 7.6% of the operating budget and have risen by an average of 5.7% compared to the previous year.

01:25:09Employee benefits, including health insurance and compensatory payments, are another major budgetary concern, totaling nearly $13 million and accounting for over 15% of the operating budget. Despite achieving a $900,000 saving from switching health plans, the district anticipates a 12% rise in health costs by January 2026. These financial pressures were discussed in the context of a projected 1.41% increase in the transportation budget, achieved through strategic route reductions.

01:32:22In addition to budget discussions, the meeting addressed the district’s capital projects. Notable projects include replacing a walk-in freezer and a cafeteria roof at the high school, with state reimbursements aiding the funding. These capital projects, while separate from the operating budget, underscore the district’s ongoing infrastructure needs.

01:40:39The meeting also celebrated community and student engagement in various programs and events. An alternative career fair provided students with insights into diverse career paths beyond traditional college routes, featuring representatives from technical schools, military branches, and other institutions. This initiative, organized by a school counselor, was praised for broadening students’ career perspectives.

01:42:52Two notable retirements were announced: Sheila Sharp, a beloved educator from Joyce Kilmer School, and Mary Beth Kalooi, a dedicated school nurse at MA High School. Both were honored for their years of service and the positive impact they had on the school community. The board expressed gratitude for their contributions and wished them well in their retirement endeavors.

The board also recommended Jodie Craft for the position of director of curriculum and instruction, selecting her from a pool of 110 applicants. Her extensive experience and leadership qualities were key factors in her appointment, as the district looks to enhance its educational programs and initiatives.