One of the meeting’s highlights was an update on the roofing projects at Gibbs School and New Milford High School. The Gibbs School project is now complete and has passed inspection, while the high school’s roof is progressing well after a recent inspection. The board expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and aesthetics, remarking positively on the improvements. A representative shared the good news that the board received their first aid payment of over half a million dollars. The board anticipates further payments of approximately $780,000 for the high school and $176,000 for Gibbs School. The funds are intended to be returned to the capital reserve, and a third grant process is underway to support mechanical upgrades in the auditorium. The board also acknowledged challenges in dealing with the State and the School Development Authority regarding funding grants, but overall the report on aid payments was positive.

In another key development, the Superintendent outlined important safety and procedural measures in the district. The School Safety and Security Plan was discussed, detailing emergency preparedness and lockdown protocols developed with local law enforcement. The Superintendent expressed confidence in the district’s safety measures due to strong relationships with law enforcement and ongoing training. Additionally, the board approved the hiring of Kimberly Corzilius, previously involved in the drama presentation, to fill a position following a retirement.

The Superintendent also sought board approval for several reports and policies. The October-November Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) report was presented, with New Milford High School reporting four submissions, one investigated and unfounded. Other schools had similar reports, all but one case deemed unfounded. The Superintendent noted an increase in HIB cases in neighboring districts, framing New Milford’s statistics as comparatively manageable. The board approved the September-October suspension report, detailing suspensions across schools, and the Superintendent requested approval to submit a self-evaluation for the New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (NJ QSAC) District Performance Review process.

The meeting also addressed updates to the district’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) manual, which had not been updated since 2017. The comprehensive 160-page document was praised as a model for other districts, with a team effort highlighted in its development. The board discussed the ESSA report, critical for state aid determination, and noted uncertainty in state aid formulas, with announcements expected in early spring. A midyear budget review is being prepared earlier than usual due to new state requirements, awaiting the completion of an audit.

In personnel matters, the board approved a contract with Mind Springs Developmental Services for testing services not available in-house, emphasizing the importance of independent evaluations. The board also discussed policy revisions, including the Spectator Code of Conduct, mandated by the New Jersey Statutes Annotated (NJSAA), and the athletic code of conduct, which clarifies expectations for spectator behavior at school events. The new policy moves away from blanket bans toward specific consequences for misconduct, with input from the athletic director.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on various topics, including personnel changes and the planning of a high school open house, potentially in the spring. An executive session was convened for discussions on student matters, with the assurance that minutes would be made public when confidentiality permits.