Let’s hope this meeting stays focused and free of unnecessary theatrics. Many have questioned why the Board scheduled this meeting at Governor Livingston High School to coincide with a GL concert. Whether this was an oversight or an intentional move to suppress attendance remains unclear—but the optics haven’t gone unnoticed.

Superintendent’s Report: Referendum Survey Results

The Superintendent is expected to present results from the recent referendum survey. While the survey aimed to gauge public sentiment on potential capital projects, many community members—including myself—found several of the questions vague or poorly worded. Despite reaching out to the District and the Board with concerns and suggestions, no response was received. This has only deepened skepticism around the transparency and intent of the process.

Business Administrator’s Report: Final Budget for Adoption

The proposed 2025–26 budget will be presented for final adoption. While the presentation is likely to highlight broader financial themes, several specific line items raise questions.

First, there is a $100,000 increase in Security Aid. While supporting student and staff safety is non-negotiable, increased funding should come with clear justification. To date, the District has not reconciled the difference between the security budget and the Township’s law enforcement billing—a long-standing discrepancy that continues to go unexplained.

Second, the Budgeted Fund Balance is projected to increase by approximately 11%, growing from $2.2 million this year to $2.44 million for 2025–26. Just one year ago, this fund carried an audited balance of $0. Whether this increase is tied to a future referendum remains unclear, but either way, a detailed explanation is warranted.

Third, the line for “Miscellaneous BOE Services”—already a catch-all category—has increased slightly from $388,253 to $396,528. Without greater transparency around what this encompasses, even modest increases should raise eyebrows.

Finally, the District’s insurance budget reflects a significant jump: from $28,058 to $62,205, an increase of 122%. This is one of the most dramatic changes in the budget and should be addressed directly during the meeting.

Personnel Updates

Several retirements and resignations are on the agenda. The community bids farewell to Frank Carlo (Custodian, Central Office), Marcy Helmsetter (Special Education, GL), and Margaret Hodge (Art, GL). Additional departures include Lara Mendenhall (Science/Biology, GL) and Amy Valente (Family & Consumer Science, GL).

More retirements appear under a separate agenda item: Carla Gamba (5th Grade, MP), Thomas Kamp (Music, MP), Anne Marie Martis (Admin Assistant, CMS), and Stacey Saravay (5th Grade, MP). As a longtime MP parent, this batch hits close to home. These educators have left an indelible mark on our children’s lives—thank you for your service and dedication.

Maria Zalokostas (Social Studies, CMS) is also set to leave the District at the end of the school year.

Business Items

The Board is expected to approve a $500 subscription busing fee for 2025–26, with a $750 family cap. While unchanged from prior years, this continues to be a source of frustration for many families who feel they’re paying more for less.

Also on the docket is the acceptance of an $88,000 grant from the NJ Department of Community Affairs to fund playground upgrades. This is a welcome development for elementary families, many of whom have advocated for safer, more modern play spaces.

The Board will also vote on a shared-use agreement with Westminster Presbyterian Church. The Church has long allowed families and staff from Mary Kay McMillin Early Childhood Center to use its lot for overflow parking. In exchange, the District will now plow and salt both the MKM lot and the designated church parking area. The agreement must be re-approved annually, but it represents a long-overdue formalization of a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Policy Updates on the Agenda

Policy 1140 redefines the responsibilities of the Affirmative Action Officer and clarifies protected categories and equity training mandates.

Policy 1523 introduces new expectations for the Comprehensive Equity Plan, including data-driven assessments and measurable goals, with timelines for implementation.

Policy 2260 clarifies bias-free placement, assessment tools, and support for students with medical needs, emphasizing equitable access to academic and extracurricular programs.

Policy 2423 updates definitions and requirements for Bilingual and ESL education, including entry/exit criteria, parental notifications, and waiver options for smaller districts.

Policy 5111 revises language on student enrollment, distinguishing rules for children of staff, anticipated residents, and affidavit students. While it does not change protections for undocumented students, it clarifies procedures for tuition, appeals, and removals.

Policy 5512, covering Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying, has been extensively revised. It includes updated definitions, clearer timelines for investigations, and expanded responsibilities for Anti-Bullying Coordinators and Specialists. It also details board reporting, parental notification, and due process procedures.

These revisions are intended to align district policies with current state regulations and administrative code. Final adoption is subject to Board approval.

The policy item related to document sharing will also be one to watch. Despite repeated public requests, the Business Office has not changed its practices and continues to withhold access to key documents, including the Excel version of the budget .

PDF Version of Budget (We are working on Building an Excel Version)

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