Good afternoon. Below please find a summary of the key highlights from our May Board of Education meeting:

• The Board recognized the following staff members for their service
  • 5 years – Lisa Lapone
  • 5 years – Michele Steets
  • ​15 years – Denise DeMartinis
• Mr. Rutzky and Chief McDonough provided an overview of an Active Shooter drill to take place at the school on Monday, June 16. The drill will be conducted at night, no live ammunition will be used, and only the administrative and crisis team and the Board members are invited to participate. Mr Rutzky will send an email with additional information.
• The Board received a presentation from Totally Green about the  ORCA , which stands for Organic Refuse Conversion Alternative, a machine that takes only 24 hours to transform food waste into water that travels harmlessly down the drain.
• Mr. Rutzky provided a brief overview about Source4Teachers, a service that helps manage substitute teachers. A representative will present a short overview at the June Board meeting
• Mr. Rutzky reminded current Board members, Mrs. DiGiacomo and Mr. Farina, that their terms end this year and the deadline for them or others to register for the election is July 28.  Additional information  can be found on the school website.
• Mr. Mastrangelo congratulated Mr. Rutzky on his appointment as Superintendent in West Orange and thanked him for his outstanding contributions during his tenure at Noecker.
• Mr. Mastrangelo indicated the search for a new Superintendent is underway with the application deadline June 16. The Board is working with NJSBA and will have the opportunity to review resumes in closed session after the June Board meeting
• Committee updates
• Mrs. Gordon provided an HSA update regarding successful events such as the Tricky Tray, Mother’s Day plant sale, and clothing drive as well as upcoming events such as the Talent Show and Family Fun Night.
• The Board approved:
  • ​The resignation of Mr. Rutzky and announcement of Dr. Maria Cleary as the Interim Superintendent. Dr. Cleary previously filled in for Mrs Dacosta while she was on maternity leave.
  • The use of NJSBA to conduct the Superintendent search
  • Three new teachers, Ms. Julieth Hoayeck, Mrs. Nicole Leone, and Ms. Ashley Safir
  • Adoption of the  Empowering Writers  program
• At the public comment, Chief McDonough thanked Mr. Rutzky for the excellent working relationship and expressed his regret to see Mr. Rutzky move on.
• The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 26 at 6:30pm in the Noecker Media Center. The annual goal setting process will start at 6:30pm and the meeting with start at 7:30pm.