The VFW auxiliary president, Diane Robertella, and Commander Maria Hamlin, honored Maya Endor and Nisha Vero with awards from the Patriots Pen essay contest, while music teacher Stefan Gaines was named Teacher of the Year. Students were also acknowledged for their volunteer work, receiving the President’s Volunteer Service Award for their hours spent at the Korea Taekwondo Center.

A significant highlight was Nutley High School’s distinction in promoting female participation in computer science, as the school was recognized with the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award. This accolade underscores the district’s efforts to close the gender gap in STEM fields, a critical educational and social objective.

Superintendent Kent Bania reflected on the district’s collaboration with the Board of Commissioners and thanked those who contributed to the joint meeting’s success. He expressed excitement over the high level of interest in the TRS program and noted the upcoming math night sponsored by the Nutley Educational Foundation. Bania also praised the high school team for their efforts in welcoming parents of 8th graders and facilitating the transition into high school. He underscored the importance of scholarship awareness for seniors and mentioned the substantial turnout anticipated for the College and Career Fair, with 77 colleges and universities expected to attend.

Bania highlighted the burgeoning demand for the preschool program, with 344 new families seeking enrollment. The success of the early childhood initiative was credited to April Viello and her team. Given the increased demand, a lottery for additional seats was planned, contingent on state funding confirmation. Bania also shared the dispatch of an email to 115 third and fourth grade students for small group tutoring, a program supported by the High Impact Tutoring Grant and set to continue through the year’s end.

The board also acknowledged cultural observances, including Black History Month and the Lunar New Year, with various district-wide activities and programs.

The Assistant Superintendent of School Work Instruction addressed the ongoing professional development opportunities for staff and students in Nutley, while the Director of Building and Grounds provided updates on maintenance and infrastructure projects. Notably, the replacement of wiring at Washington School and the completion of the PCNG Clean Energy Efficiency program were among the infrastructure updates discussed.

Kenyan Tat, the student representative, brought attention to student-focused activities and events, including scholarship applications and the upcoming Winter Instrumental and National Art Honor Society induction night.

Board member reports delved into the importance of scholarships and financial aid access, as Mr. Salvatore Balsamo emphasized. Mrs. Lisa Danchak-Martin spoke on the Academic Committee’s focus on student trips, science instruction, and academic calendars for the subsequent school year. Mr. Balsamo also presented the Administration Committee’s report, which included evaluations of special services departments and academic calendars. Mr. Joseph Battaglia provided insights from the Finance Committee, highlighting budgetary spend, property acquisition projections, and infrastructure projects. Mrs. Teri Quirk’s presentation of the Personnel Committee’s resolution was met with unanimous approval, barring Mr. Nicholas Scotti’s abstention.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn into an executive session for discussions on negotiations and property acquisition.