River Vale School Board Addresses Grants and Teacher Retirements at Recent Meeting
- Meeting Overview:
The River Vale School Board recently discussed the receipt of two grants and acknowledged the upcoming retirements of three long-serving teachers. Additionally, the board reviewed responses for requests for proposals (RFPs) related to special education services.
During the meeting, the board highlighted the acquisition of a literacy assessment grant and a contribution from the Ottabbon Society. The literacy assessment grant, which had been received previously, is calculated on a per-student basis and requires formal acceptance by the board. The Ottabbon Society’s contribution will fund binoculars for Roberge School, with no stipulations attached, allowing for flexible use. The board praised the receipt of these funds as beneficial for the district without imposing additional requirements.
The board also addressed the impending retirements of three esteemed teachers: Mrs. Arbaji, Mrs. Calibra, and Miss Bettonelli. Members expressed gratitude for their substantial contributions to the educational community. Mrs. Arbaji, in particular, was noted for her long-standing service and positive impact on students, including current board members’ children.
In other matters, the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary reported on the progress of special education RFPs. The district received multiple responses for occupational therapy, physical therapy, ABA therapy, and speech and language therapy, which will be reviewed before making recommendations for awarding contracts.
Additionally, the board discussed logistical arrangements for the upcoming New Jersey School Boards Association annual conference, noting challenges in securing hotel accommodations and offering board members options for booking their own accommodations with reimbursement at standard rates.
Melissa Signore
School Board Officials:
Steven Rosini, Patrice Pintarelli, Jamie Assor, Louan Austin, Cheryl Berkowitz, Virginia “Ginny” Senande, Arthur White, MELISSA SIGNORE (Superintendent), KELLY IPPOLITO (School Business Administrator/Board Secretary)
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
04/14/2026
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Recording Published:
04/14/2026
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Duration:
13 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Bergen County
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Towns:
River Vale
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