The board approved a revised final budget, which included an additional $232,000 in state aid. This approval requires submission to the county office. The surplus funds, amounting to $500,000, are designated for capital reserve to support ongoing infrastructure projects like boiler replacements and roof work at Roosevelt School.

The discussion extended to various reorganization items such as approving professional services for the physician, attorney, and architect, as well as designating a school safety specialist. The board’s secretary reported on the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials (NJASBO) annual conference, which covered updates on purchasing, family medical leave, pensions, school safety, and security. The acting Commissioner of Education, Kevin Dehmer, provided additional updates at the conference.

Grant funds were another focal point, with the board approving the allocation of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Grant funds for public and non-public entities within the community, such as the Yeshiva and St. Peters. Moreover, the board moved forward with a shared service agreement for school law enforcement officers, entering the second year of this arrangement.

In terms of property and assets management, the board discussed the transfer of a lease for Region and approved entering a new lease with the Archdiocese for St. Theres and Cresco, where offices are relocating, and a new program is beginning.

Curriculum and instruction were also on the agenda, with a presentation highlighting revisions to the K-6 English Language Arts curriculum, including the introduction of decodable books for grades K-1 and revised ELA writing curriculum for grades K-3. Professional development for teachers with consultants was confirmed, and curriculum writing meetings are scheduled for the summer.