Laura’s Notes on the 02/26/2026 BOE Meeting

Following the NJSBA training the BHPS District Goals were shared.

The goals, as outlined by the Superintendent, are;

1. Empower all students to become self-directed, reflective and engaged learners;

2. Empower teachers to create differentiated, meaningful and relevant learning experiences;

3. Focus on student thinking, engagement, and high-leveled cognitive challenge, evident in lesson clarity, questioning, discussion, and active participation

The presentation does not provide any means of measuring the goals or how goals will be supplemented if there is a need.

The preliminary budget presentation to the public was moved from March 12 to the March 26th meeting.  Dr. Foregger advocated for the Board to have access to the working budget by March 9.

During public comments, John commented that the late preview for the public to review the budget doesn’t provide much time for review and comments seeing that the budget needs to be submitted to the state on March 27. John also asked the Board for indicators on what the District was planning in order to make the budget more student centered. John reminded the District that once the BOE voted on the preliminary budget, that document was no longer exempt from OPRA.

He also expressed concern that the District goals presentation did not indicate what would improve.

With regard to proficiency,  Administration replied that we won’t see proficiency increase for a least a couple of years, this continues to defer tangible progress for Middle Schoolers and High School Students who have had to bear the brunt of the last plan that the public was told would take five years.  However the District is fully capable of including incremental goals that demonstrate some level off direction.

With regard to the Budget, the Business Administrator indicated the public would still have a month to review the budget.  Joly praised the Business Administrator for her transparency during the budget process mentioning it was remarkable to…get a response.  However, like we have experienced in prior years, there has been no discussion from the Board or Administration on how the problems we face today will be addressed in the upcoming Budget so we can maintain our facilities while ensuring continuity in instruction to enable student academic achievement.

Joly reported on discussions with the Township and having PILOTS put money back into our schools.  The Township is also discontinuing the SRO program (saving the District $25,000) in our schools.  The LEEDS program will be managed and taught by the community outreach Detective.

Stanley asked for clarification on the Referendum asking where any leftover money would go towards.  Feltre reported that any money not spent on projects will go back to the taxpayers.

The Board discussed the NJ student cell phone ban that will go into effect in the 2026-27 school year and the Board will follow state guidelines.

Akiri was present for exec session and for a small portion at the start of the meeting – her lack of attendance recently has not gone unnoticed.

See John’s Notes on the Meeting Agenda