Below please find a summary of the key highlights from our April Board of Education meeting:

• The Board received a presentation from Dea Auray, author and creator of the  Empowering Writers  program, a structured way to teach writing which will be on next month’s agenda for approval.  Click here  to view the PowerPoint.
• Mr. Rutzky presented the 2014-2015 budget which will result in a 0.85% increase to school taxes for next year.  Click here  to view the PowerPoint
• Mr. Rutzky reviewed the Smart Snacks in School program, the new USDA standards which will be instituted by our food service provider, Maschio’s, beginning next year.  Click here  to view information on the changes.
• The Board completed a first reading for a policy governing approval and placement of signs on school property.
• Mrs. Dacosta provided highlights of recent activities, such as Laps for Puzzle pieces (results revealed Friday!) for Autism month, where members of each class collected one puzzle piece for each lap around the blacktop.
• Mr. Mastrangelo shared that he relayed the concerns raised by parents at the April 7 PARCC presentation with Assemblywoman Mila Jasey at the Essex County Board of Education meeting on April 10. Assemblywoman Jasey has introduced a bill to delay the implementation of PARCC testing by one year.
• The Board agreed to start the June 26 meeting at 6:30pm to conduct the annual goal planning session.
• Committee updates
  • Mrs. Gordon provided an HSA update regarding upcoming Mother’s Day plant sale (forms due Friday) and upcoming Tricky Tray.
• The Board approved:
  • Mandatory policies and regulations
  • Field rental rate of $70 per 2 hour block
  • Continued participation in the Sussex County Regional transportation co-op
  • Employees and salaries for the 2014-2015 school year
  • Summer school enrichment program
  • West Essex Senior High School service

• The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 22 at 7:30pm in the Noecker Media Center