1:02:20During the public comment session, a parent, May Regal, expressed deep concerns regarding an ongoing situation involving her son and another student at McKenzie School. Regal recounted a series of incidents where the other student exhibited disruptive and inappropriate behavior, culminating in a serious threat directed at her son. According to her statement, the student threatened, “I am going to come to your house, I’m going to rip your mother’s heart out, and I’m going to kill her.” Regal highlighted her ongoing communication with school administrators, expressing dissatisfaction with the school’s handling of the incident. Despite the severity of the threat, the other student reportedly returned to school the next day, raising questions about the protocols in place for managing such situations. Regal urged the board to closely review the school’s response, emphasizing the need for effective interventions to ensure student safety.

The meeting did not include an executive session, and no further public comments were made on the topic. The board adjourned with plans to meet again on April 10, 2025.

45:14The East Rutherford PTA provided an update on its activities, highlighting a strong membership of 191 individuals and several successful fundraising events. The PTA’s fundraising efforts included partnerships with local businesses and a spirit wear sale, alongside community-oriented events such as a St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser and an upcoming Tricky Tray event on May 9. The PTA’s contributions extended to sponsoring school assemblies and social events, emphasizing its role in enhancing student experiences through active community involvement.

0:28The board also discussed noteworthy educational initiatives. A partnership with Nyaka and Katumba primary schools in Uganda was announced, with plans for virtual engagements and humanitarian events to foster connections between students in East Rutherford and Uganda. The Junior Honor Society played a role in overseeing this initiative.

Adjustmentsdministrative updates included discussions on the adoption of the preliminary budget for the 2025-2026 school year. The School Business Administrator expressed appreciation for the finance committee’s efforts in managing the budget, which included considerations for a local tax levy and various sources of revenue. The budget discussions encompassed a comprehensive financial overview, addressing debt repayment and fiscal management strategies. The finance committee’s motions, including the approval of the bills list for March 2025 and the February 2025 payroll, received unanimous support from the board members present.

1:02:20Technology updates were also a focus, with the reaffirmation of the annual technology fee for the 2024-2025 school year. The district introduced PaySchool Central as a new payment provider, facilitating the management of district finances for parents. The technology team continues to evaluate various platforms to enhance productivity and instruction.

The meeting concluded with a walk-on resolution regarding negotiations with the East Rutherford Education Association. This resolution authorized a memorandum of agreement for a successor contract covering a three-year period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027. The agreement included annual salary increases for teachers, paraprofessionals, and secretaries.