30:57The 2025-2026 budget presentation was a focal point of the meeting, outlining goals that prioritize educational program maintenance, reviewing staffing needs, and maximizing operational efficiencies. The budget, designed to support student achievement while considering taxpayer burden, reflects an increase in general fund expenditures by $1.865 million. This rise is largely attributed to employee benefits, which are expected to increase by 1.4 basis points year-over-year. The total tax levy is set at $45,192,000, marking a 2% increase within the allowable cap, despite a decrease in state aid by $97,000. This adjustment results in a 2.24% increase in taxes on the average home market value, translating to an additional $214.

A noteworthy educational initiative from the budget is the new behavioral disabilities program at Saltbrook, intended to provide in-district support for students requiring specialized services. This development aims to reduce the need for out-of-district placements. Curriculum updates were also announced, including a rebranding of the fabric arts course to “Introduction to Textiles, Fashion Design, and Construction,” aligning with career opportunities. Changes are planned for the AP computer science curriculum to meet College Board standards and adjustments in middle school French and Spanish courses to accommodate the new bell schedule. Additionally, with full-day kindergarten, Spanish curricula in elementary schools will see enhancements.

Technology remains a constant focus, with the budget maintaining investment in iPad cases, projector maintenance, interactive boards, and network switches. Staffing levels are projected to decrease by one due to retirement, with existing team members absorbing the change.

The capital items in the budget, some deferred from previous years, emphasize their necessity for district operations. A pie chart presented during the meeting illustrated the operating budget breakdown, highlighting the consistency of most expenditures with prior years.

45:11In personnel matters, the appointment of Miss Wynard as the new department head of language arts was highlighted, recognizing her prior teaching experience and successful selection through a competitive process. Mr. Chrysatello’s appointment as the middle school principal was also announced, following a rigorous selection process. Both appointments were met with enthusiasm from the board.

13:12During the meeting, student achievements were celebrated, including those in the arts and music. Certificates of excellence were awarded to students excelling in visual arts, with noteworthy accolades from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Achievements of students selected for regional and all-state music ensembles were also commended, recognizing their dedication and hard work.

26:23Additionally, the New Providence Education Foundation was acknowledged for its contributions, with a representative discussing their fundraising efforts for teacher-initiated requests. The foundation reported a record number of grant applications, highlighting the strong desire for educational enhancements across all grade levels. Successful funding of various requests, including a financial literacy grant in memory of a former board member, was announced.

10:16The board briefly touched on updates regarding the HVAC project timeline. Progress was reported at all three schools during the recent break, with the high school seeing underground trenching, conduit installation, and transformer setup ahead of schedule. Saltbrook School completed unit ventilator installations, and Allen W. Roberts School scheduled inspections to advance the project.