12/14/2023 Berkeley Heights BOE Meeting Agenda: Laura’s Notes

Approve Board Goals

The BOE will;
1. Improve planning and committee structure;
2. Work to improve communication, both internally and externally;
3. Evaluate the CSA (Chief School Administrator) in a timely manner*;
4. Promote all district goals by providing the support and resources necessary to achieve the goals;
5. Develop and implement a plan for continuous Board Professional Development with ongoing board training.

* As previously mentioned, during the Board Goals meeting, the evaluation of the CSA is a requirement of the Board. I’m not entirely sure how a job requirement can also be a goal. However, this is a good start, and I look forward to hearing updates on how the board plans to achieve its goals effectively and accurately.

ADMINISTRATION

E. Approve resolution honoring Robert Cianciulli and Joy Young.

I was and still am grateful for Robert and Joy being the only two BOE Members (at the time) who voted “NO” to the redistricting plan to enable full-day K. Their vote mattered, not because it changed the outcome but, because they did their job as our elected representatives – they listened and they voted in for those they were elected to speak for.

EDUCATION

D. Approve New Courses

“Create Your Playlist” and “Architecture Design” are two new potential offerings. Create Your Playlist is not “new” but a re-imagination of two existing courses at GL: Music & Lyrics and Roots & Rhythm. Architecture Design will provide a comprehensive exploration of architecture and the pre-requisites required.

PERSONNEL

I. Amend resignation of Stephen Hopkins

Hopkins will continue to serve as Custodians of Records designee until 12/30/23; the original date was 12/1/23. We are curious if there has been an influx of OPRA requests that prompted this extension. We have filed an OPRA on the number of requests over the last three months to understand the process for hiring a designee but were told this data would take seven weeks and two days out of the statutory 7-day period to fulfill. Also of note, OPRA requests and responses were abruptly removed from the District Website, not allowing residents to see the requested information, and remitted; we asked for the reason but have yet to receive a reply from anyone.

M. Approve Compensation for Computer Technicians

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, staff will receive $35/hour to work beyond their regular hours to provide video capability at the BOE meetings.

U. Approve NJ High Impact Tutoring Grant Assignments

Eighteen teachers are set to be approved between Hughes and Mountain Park for tutoring sessions on 1/2/23 and 1/14/23. I am not sure what this is, but it sounds pretty cool.

BUSINESS

A. Appointment of Solutions Architect

During the BOE’s 12/7 “Special Meeting” during executive session, they interviewed architects. This process has come under question as the process for receiving RFP (requests for proposal) prior to interviews, along with a public report of those being considered, has yet to be seen. We are looking into this and have asked the District for clarification.

E. Approve the Purchase of Transportation Software

At a price tag of $49,667 for Versa Trans-Tyler Technologies. I am not sure if this is an annual fee or what the purpose of this software will be for our schools and students.

H. Approve Preschool Tuition

The proposed tuition for PreK is $445 per month. In the last ten years, the fee for PreK has increased by over $100 per student. The program is solid, and I have nothing but praise for the BHPS Pre-k program. HOWEVER, it’s four days a week and about 3.5 hours daily, which seems like a lot. I would love to understand the reason for the gradual hike and where the money is going.

Policy Changes

Policy 0155

Changes would give sole authority to the president to appoint members and, essentially, make up committees as he or she sees fit. This could be a problem as it takes away power from the board as a whole. As it is written, the policy doesn’t invite collaboration or allow members to actively choose committees. Let’s hope members are still given the ability to pick which committees they want to serve on.

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