The resignation of Richard Buccarelli prompted the board to seek interested individuals to fill the vacancy, inviting residents to submit their applications. This unexpected departure adds a layer of urgency to the board’s activities, as the new member will need to become quickly acquainted with the board’s responsibilities and current issues.

A substantial portion of the meeting focused on ethics training, which is a mandatory requirement for all board members. Gwen Thornton provided comprehensive information regarding the School Ethics Act and stressed the consequences of non-compliance, which could result in removal from the board. Thornton highlighted the importance of board members staying up-to-date with the code of ethics, completing financial disclosure forms, and understanding the role of the School Ethics Commission in enforcing the code and handling ethics complaints.

The board members also received guidance from Superintendent George P. Alexis on avoiding conflicts of interest, particularly in situations that may benefit a board member or their immediate family. The superintendent detailed the expanded definition of “immediate family” in the nepotism policy and the complexities of familial relationships that could affect committee assignments and volunteer activities within schools.

Superintendent Alexis further urged board members to visit schools only for specific purposes and to be cautious when voting on district recommendations. He highlighted the importance of adhering to ethical and legal standards, especially when using social media to discuss district business. Board members were reminded to complete their annual financial disclosure statements and were provided tips for doing so efficiently.

The board also engaged in discussions about their role in appointing personnel, the need to support school staff properly, and maintaining the nonpartisan nature of the board. Specific past violations were cited as cautionary tales.

Strategic planning emerged as a significant topic, with Superintendent Alexis and board members Jennifer Agugliaro and Danielle Amedeo emphasizing the need to develop a sustainable budget and address transportation concerns. The board acknowledged the challenge of completing a five-year strategic plan within six months and the importance of community engagement in this process.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of the superintendent’s evaluation and setting board goals that align with district priorities. A potential board retreat in June was suggested to revisit goals and evaluate the superintendent’s performance, with the board agreeing on the significance of engaging the community in these processes.

Superintendent Alexis called for collaboration and compromise among board members, advising against public grandstanding and emphasizing the focus on students’ best interests. He advised board members and their families to limit social media use to prevent distractions from the board’s work. The need to limit public comments to agenda items and consider legal rights when making statements was also discussed.