25:02A standout moment of the meeting was the recognition of senior student Kon Macker, an accomplished individual who was acknowledged as a 2025 Bergen County Unsung Hero. Macker will be honored in a ceremony at Bergen Community College on March 4, which celebrates students who have made a positive impact in their schools. The board congratulated Macker for this distinguished achievement.

In addition to student accolades, the board approved a personnel recommendation for Mr. Brian Near as the assistant to the business administrator. Mr. Near comes with a wealth of experience in school finance, having served as a staff accountant for Randolph Public Schools and previously conducted audits of the district’s finances. His professionalism and foundational knowledge in financial management were noted by his references. The board expressed confidence in Mr. Near’s qualifications, stating their recommendation was made “without hesitation.”

0:00The meeting also highlighted various student activities and achievements. The student representative reported the success of the annual Hoops for Marcus basketball game, which raised over $3,000 for the Marcus Kale Memorial Scholarship. The senior class’s talent show and accompanying pizza fundraiser collected over $2,000. Furthermore, 90 students from the DECA club participated in a competition at Ramapo College, with 42 students qualifying for the state competition in Atlantic City.

Superintendent Dr. Doro celebrated district-wide achievements, including the successful audition of eight out of nine students for the North Jersey Regional Choir. Two students received special recognition for ranking in the top five of their sections. The middle school sports program saw expansion in line with facility upgrades, with a new scoreboard anticipated for summer installation. Dr. Doro also discussed the productive strategic planning meeting and the survey distributed for additional feedback, with a follow-up meeting scheduled for February 27.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Fair provided further highlights, detailing DECA club accomplishments with 20 students advancing to the state level. Announcements regarding kindergarten registration and summer programs for new families were shared. A noteworthy initiative at Ramapo Ridge involved students’ participation in a conference with a Kenyan organization focused on humanitarian efforts and sustainability goals. Additionally, Joyce Kilmer School emphasized the success of its I-Ready program winners, highlighting the school’s focus on data-driven instruction and the high school’s homework club, which builds mentorship between older and younger students.

25:02The elementary schools commemorated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with educational activities exploring themes of diversity, fairness, imagination, and empathy. At George Washington School, students engaged in art and read-aloud sessions, while Lenape Meadows incorporated physical exercises linked to Dr. King’s life. Betsy Ross School hosted Loai Rose, which provided lessons on wildlife and environmental education with a focus on animal rescue.

The board’s President provided a report on committee and liaison appointments, emphasizing the board’s reliance on various committees, including executive, negotiations, instruction and curriculum, finance and facilities, community relations, policy, and an ad hoc transportation committee. The President thanked members for their flexibility and contributions, noting that such cooperation enhances board effectiveness.

Mr. Coplin reported on the transportation committee’s audits of ridership, which averaged 39% since September, consistent with the previous year. Mr. Gallow discussed the recent audit findings, which were generally favorable apart from two minor recommendations. He commended the auditing team for their thorough work on the district’s financial records.

The policy committee, led by Mr. Dinice, announced revisions for the board’s first reading, including updates to the administrator code of ethics and student assignments, and a renaming of the plagiarism policy to academic integrity. An interesting initiative, “The Confidence Closet,” was highlighted as a student-run program aimed at providing clothing and accessories to those in need, backed by a $7,000 grant.