Westwood School Board Elects New President Amidst Debate on Transparency and Leadership

Overview: At the latest gathering of the Westwood School Board, key developments included the election of Jason Garcia as the new board president, the formation of new committees, and discussions on transparency, particularly concerning the elimination of live streaming for the meetings. The session was marked by the administration of oaths to newly elected members, debates on the board’s leadership, and the public’s strong appeals for ethical conduct and unity within the board.

Pascack Valley Regional School District Board of Education Elects New Officers and Approves Consent Agenda

Overview: At the recent reorganization and regular meeting of the Pascack Valley Regional School District Board of Education, administrative tasks were conducted, including the certification of the annual School Board election results, the swearing-in of newly elected members, and the election of the Board’s president and vice president. The Board certified the election results from November 7th, 2023, where Stephanie Huang, Kristen Martin, Gini Varghese, and Michael Weaver were elected for the three-year terms. Subsequently, Gini Varghese was nominated and elected as the president, and Joseph Blundo as the vice president. The consent agenda items and meeting minutes were approved with efficiency, and updates on educational programs, including a teen dating program and the upcoming Martin Luther King Day of Service, were also provided.

River Vale School Board Elects New President, Tackles Budget Challenges, and Advances District Goals

Overview: The River Vale School Board recently held a meeting that included the election of new board leadership, discussions about the upcoming budget challenges and the negotiation process with teachers and secretaries, and reports on district goals and building renovations. Steven Rosini was elected as board president, and Patrice Pintarelli as vice president, while members Jamie Assor and Louan Austin volunteered for a new position. Superintendent Melissa Signore and School Business Administrator/Board Secretary Kelly Ippolito provided updates on district initiatives and operational projects.

Westwood School Board Appoints Acting Superintendent Amid Personnel Changes

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Westwood School Board appointed Frank Connelly as Acting Superintendent in the absence of Dr. Jill Mortimer, with a monthly stipend of $5,000, prorated for partial months. Additionally, Bronwen Calderon was appointed as Assistant to the Acting Superintendent with a monthly stipend of $4,166.66, also prorated for partial months. These appointments were made pursuant to an employment agreement awaiting approval from the executive county superintendent of schools.

Westwood School Board Debates Abolishing Gender Identity Policy, Removes Three Books From Middle Schools

Overview: In a recent Westwood School Board meeting, debate arose over the potential abolition of Policy 5756, which concerns parental notification in student gender identity cases, and the appropriateness of certain books in the school’s resource material. The meeting was marked by divided board and public opinion on both topics.