The Oakland School Board held a Special Meeting at the Oakland Board of Education Administrative Offices on Friday, April 28, 2023, to discuss personnel matters, legal issues, and Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) Appeals. The significant implications of these topics have sparked interest in the local community and beyond.
The meeting, called to order at 9:33 AM by Mr. Mazzilli, was attended by board members Mr. Mazzilli, Mr. Scerbo, and Ms. Shelkin. Notably absent from the proceedings were Ms. Cooper and Ms. Kilday. Also present at the meeting were Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Gina M. Coffaro, Board Secretary and Business Administrator, Ms. Annette Wells, Mr. Sean Bowe, and Robert Lorfink, the Board’s attorney.
While details regarding the subjects under discussion remain private due to the private nature of the executive session, the relevance of the listed topics indicates significant happenings within the school district. Personnel matters are typically related to employee appointments, contracts, and terminations, while legal issues can encompass a broad range of topics, including lawsuits and compliance with state or federal regulations. The explicit mention of HIB Appeals suggests that the district is actively dealing with incidents of harassment, intimidation, or bullying – issues of significant concern for parents, students, and educators alike.
The board entered the executive session following a motion made by Mr. Scerbo and seconded by Ms. Shelkin. As per New Jersey law, these discussions were held privately to protect the interests of those involved. The board returned from the executive session and concluded the meeting at 10:27 AM.
