In a recent meeting of the Norwood School Board, Superintendent Kevin Ulmer announced that the Norwood School has been recognized as a high-performing district based on the 2023 NJDOE QSAC review. Ulmer attributed this significant achievement to the consistent efforts of the school community. Additionally, the board acknowledged a generous donation from the PTO for the construction of a library study lounge, estimated at $36,000.
The board convened on September 11, 2023, at 6:30 pm, with all the members present including the board president, Heather Garcia. Following the standard procedures, Mr. Ulmer commemorated the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and expressed gratitude to the school community for their unwavering support. The board’s president, Mrs. Garcia, warmly welcomed everyone for the new academic year.
In the administrative matters, the board delved into discussions about various school policies. They approved the first reading of several policies and regulations, including those concerning school threat assessment teams and the utilization of school facilities. A proposal was made to abolish some of the outdated or redundant policies on topics ranging from school level planning to public relations.
Financial topics surfaced, highlighting approvals for monthly disbursements for August 2023 and budget transfers for June and July 2023. The Finance committee, led by President Garcia, stated that another meeting is in the pipeline for September 19th. Also, in matters of personnel, the board granted extra compensation for several staff members for their involvement in IEP meetings over the summer and endorsed the hiring of Hallie Sassano as a Paraprofessional for the upcoming school year. A significant salary approval of $78,026.00 for an undisclosed position set to begin on October 9 was also finalized.
The board also approved special education tuition for a Norwood student to attend the Region III Valley Program and solidified a contract with Dr. Jamie Lee for providing bilingual psychiatric evaluations for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Addressing facility use, applications from Norwood Rec., PTO, and the 8th grade/PTO received the board’s nod. Trustee Michael Sprague brought up a topic concerning parental rights and public education, set to be discussed in an upcoming Bergen County School Board meeting.
The Public Participation segment of the meeting was relatively quiet. Nonetheless, Rachel Schanck took a moment to voice her appreciation for the PTO’s library study lounge initiative. The meeting concluded with an executive session adjournment at 8:50 pm.
