The board’s approval of the budget for the 2025-2026 school year was a significant focal point of the meeting. The budget, totaling approximately $126 million, covers a wide range of expenses including personnel, infrastructure, and specific programs. A visual chart presented during the meeting detailed the district’s revenue sources, illustrating that 69.6% of funding comes from state aid, with additional contributions from budgeted fund balances, tuition from other districts, grants, and local taxes.

A key aspect of the budget discussion involved the funding structure, particularly the use of federal funding through the Department of Education’s Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDA). This funding, typically ranging from $1.2 million to $1.3 million annually, subsidizes out-of-district tuition. The board noted that for the 2024-2025 academic year, the district sent 268 students to the Atlantic County Institute of Technology (ACIT) at a cost of $966,629, reflecting a tuition adjustment of $287,000 due to enrollment changes. A projected increase in students attending ACIT for 2025-2026 was attributed to a new facility opening.

The budget accommodates various operational and educational needs, including the addition of a new welcome center for enrollment and specialized services such as speech therapy and preschool programs for students with disabilities. Anticipated new hires include two reading specialists, a director of grant programs in early childhood education, and additional staff in transportation, safety, and technology.

Capital projects earmarked for the 2025-2026 budget include significant infrastructure upgrades, such as repairs and enhancements to the high school pool and sports facilities, security improvements with new gates and a weapon detection system, and the purchase of five new buses. An upgrade to the HVAC systems was also emphasized as part of the district’s comprehensive approach to facilities enhancement.

The early childhood program’s funding was another important topic, with a total aid of $6.8 million reported, though the actual costs exceeded $8.5 million, necessitating a district contribution to cover the shortfall. The board highlighted ongoing federal programs and grants, including Title I through Title IV, each focusing on areas like tutoring, parent involvement, bilingual education, and the performing arts.

Following the budget approval, the board addressed the submission for a new school design to the New Jersey Department of Education. This initiative involves the construction of a new school on Decada Avenue, with an anticipated opening in spring 2028. The motion regarding this submission was approved unanimously.

The meeting also saw the appointment of a broker of record for corporate employee benefits, although not without dissent. While some members voted against the motion, it was ultimately approved. Discussions regarding the property and casualty brokers for the 2025 to 2026 term revealed confusion over procedural matters, particularly concerning evaluation processes for broker selections. The board secretary clarified the intended use of evaluation scores to guide decision-making, although some members expressed uncertainty about the practicality of this approach.

In other developments, a new board member, Malia Pepe, was sworn in. She was congratulated and provided with a welcome package, including a declaration and the code of ethics for board members.

The meeting concluded with a motion for an executive session to discuss legal matters, followed by a return to public session where prior motions regarding the broker of record were addressed. The board allowed another opportunity for public comments, though no new comments were made. Members expressed gratitude to attendees and emphasized the importance of community engagement, with a reminder about the upcoming JROTC annual military ball and the Pleasantville High School graduation scheduled for June 18, 2025, at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.