Clifton Public Schools, NJ

Executive Session - 6:00 pm - followed by the Regular Board Meeting

The Clifton Board of Education is meeting to handle routine business, including approving contracts for special education services, child care programs, and security aid for non-public schools. The agenda also includes reports on student safety data and state test results, plus a public comment period.

• Approve NJDOE Non-Public Security Aid for six schools, totaling $102,641 (e.g., St. Philip Prep $56,203, Mesivta of Clifton $16,492)
• Grant Clifton Boys and Girls Club use of multiple schools for before- and after-school child care in 2026-2027
• Approve appointments for special education services from 20+ providers with hourly rates (e.g., $100/hr BCBA, $95/hr SLP)
• Accept one tuition student from Passaic at $118.17 per diem (McKinney-Vento)
• Adopt 2026-2027 curriculum guides and textbook list

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Board is deciding on the acceptance of several federal and state grants for the 2026-2027 school year. They are also considering a contract for non-public school nursing services and a proclamation for Disability Pride Month.

• Contract with Catapult Learning, LLC for non-public school health services (not to exceed Chapter 226 funding)
• ESEA Grant funds totaling $4,893,716 for Title I, IIA, III, and IV Part A
• IDEA Basic funds of $3,025,552 and Preschool funds of $97,769
• 21st Century Program Grant of $550,000 for after school and summer services at Schools #4, #12, and #17
• Carl D. Perkins Grant in the amount of $17,296

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education will vote on a resolution calling on the governor and legislature to provide immediate relief from rising public school employee health-care costs. The agenda also includes recognition of the CHS Robotics team, adoption of prior meeting minutes, and an expression of condolence for a longtime teacher.

• Resolution EA-6/17/26 urging relief from rising health-care costs, citing a 31.9% premium increase in 2026 and nearly 74% over five years
• Recognition of CHS Robotics team 'The Mechanical Mustangs' for qualifying for FIRST Championship and winning awards
• Expression of condolence for teacher Michele Lazor, who served over 20 years
• Adoption of minutes from May 21, 2026 and June 2, 2026 meetings

The board approved an amended employment agreement for Superintendent Dr. Danny A. Robertozzi covering 2026-2031, with five yes votes and two abstentions. A large omnibus personnel resolution covering 40 items was also approved, including appointments of new principals for Schools #13 and #16. The board approved all education, finance, and addenda items, and convened executive session for personnel, legal, and contract matters.

• Approved amended Superintendent's Employment Agreement 2026-2031 (5-0, 2 abstentions)
• Approved personnel resolution P-6/17/26-1 through P-6/17/26-40 and addenda A-6/17/26-2 and A-6/17/26-4 (7-0)
• Approved education/administration items EA-6/17/26-1 through EA-6/17/26-14 (7-0)
• Approved finance/facilities items F-6/17/26-1 through F-6/17/26-19 (7-0)
• Approved addenda A-6/17/26-1 through A-6/17/26-7 (7-0)
• Approved minutes of May 21 and June 2, 2026 meetings (7-0)
• Convened executive session at 8:41 PM for personnel, legal, and contract matters
• Approved executive session items EX-6/17/26-3 through EX-6/17/26-10 (7-0)

Quarterly Awards Meeting - 7:00 pm

This is a quarterly awards meeting where the Clifton Board of Education will recognize individuals for their contributions. The agenda includes resolutions to accept the superintendent's recommendations to honor a crossing guard retiring after 50 years, student-athletes, musicians, cheerleaders, design contest winners, students of the month, and the Governor's Educator of the Year recipients. No other substantive decisions are scheduled.

• Recognition of Margaret Beissel, CHS crossing guard, for 50 years of service and retirement
• Recognition of First Team All County winter and spring sports athletes
• Recognition of students selected for Region All State Ensemble through NJSMA
• Recognition of CHS Cheerleaders for NJCDCA State Championship (4th consecutive) and National Championship (1st Place)
• Recognition of 2025-2026 Governor's Educator of the Year recipients

The Board of Education approved a change in employment status (P-6/2/26) for the role of Acting, Assistant Superintendent of Business. The meeting also included several recognition and award presentations for students, staff, and community members.

• Approved change in employment status P-6/2/26 (6-0, 2 abstentions)
• Suspended normal order of business (unanimous)
• Closed public recognition portion of the meeting (unanimous)
• Forwent Board member comments (unanimous)

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education will hold its regular meeting, including adoption of minutes, a public comment period, and recognition of Excellence in Education award recipients and staff retirements. The board will also adopt expressions of condolence for three former community members.

• Recognition of 18 teachers and paraprofessionals as 2025-2026 Excellence in Education award recipients
• Recognition of staff with 25 years of service and retirements
• Expressions of condolence for William F. Gibson (former detective sergeant/councilman), Ernest J. Scheidemann (former teacher/trustee), and Peter DaGiau (former custodian/supervisor)
• Adoption of minutes from May 7, 2026 regular and executive meetings

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education will hold a regular meeting with presentations on the final budget, committee reports, and proclamations for Teacher Appreciation Week and National School Nurse Day. The board will also adopt prior meeting minutes and pass resolutions of condolence for three former district staff members.

• Presentation of final budget by Board Administrator Michael Ucci
• Proclamation of May 4, 2026 as Teacher Appreciation Week
• Proclamation of May 6, 2026 as National School Nurse Day
• Expressions of condolence for Dr. Anthony Barbary, Robert Popowich, and Frances Sheridan
• Adoption of minutes from April 15, 2026 regular and executive meetings

The Board approved the final 2026-2027 budget, which includes a recommended 6% tax levy increase. The administration cited rising fixed costs, specifically health benefits and charter schools, as primary drivers of the budget deficit.

• Approved convening an Executive Session to discuss personnel, legal, and contract matters
• Adopted the April 15, 2026, Regular and Executive meeting minutes
• Approved expressions of condolences and various educational/administrative items (EA-5/7/26-1 through EA-5/7/26-12)
• Approved personnel actions including resignations, leaves, and summer program appointments (P-5/7/26-1 through P-5/7/26-38)
• Approved finance and facilities items excluding the final budget (F-5/7/26-1 through F-5/7/26-4 and F-5/7/26-6 through F-5/7/26-11)
• Adopted the Final 2026-2027 Budget with a 6% increase (F-5/7/26-5)

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education will hold a regular meeting on April 15, 2026, to vote on several action items, including the second reading and adoption of a policy (not specified), proclamations for Autism Awareness Month and Arab Heritage Month, and recognition of School Library Month. The board will also hear reports from the superintendent and committees, adopt prior meeting minutes, and allow public comment.

• Second reading and adoption of an unspecified policy
• Proclamation of April 2026 as Autism Awareness Month
• Proclamation of April 2026 as Arab Heritage Month in Clifton Public Schools
• Recognition of April 2026 as School Library Month in New Jersey
• Adoption of minutes from March 17 and March 19, 2026 meetings

The Board adopted several sets of meeting minutes from March 2026. Additionally, the Board approved multiple administrative, personnel, and financial resolutions.

• Adopted March 17, 2026 Special and Executive Meeting minutes
• Adopted March 19, 2026 Special and Executive Meeting minutes
• Approved educational items including Autism Awareness and Arab Heritage months (EA-4/15/26-1 through 7)
• Approved 18 personnel items including resignations, retirements, and appointments (P-4/15/26-1 through 18)
• Approved 13 financial and facility items including donations and budget modifications (F-4/15/26-1 through 13)
• Entered Executive Session to discuss personnel, legal, and contract matters

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education holds a preliminary budget hearing. The board will adopt minutes from prior meetings, honor two retired educators who passed away, and approve a resolution recognizing National Women's History Month.

• Adoption of minutes from February 5, February 26, and March 2, 2026
• Expression of condolence for retired teacher Ilene Deblinger
• Expression of condolence for retired special education teacher Forrest Elliott
• Resolution recognizing National Women's History Month with theme 'Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future'

The Clifton Board of Education adopted the minutes from February and March meetings. It moved the June 18, 2026 board meeting to June 17 and the Special Awards meeting to June 2. The board approved a series of Education/Administration, Personnel, and Finance resolutions, including the 2026‑2027 Preliminary Budget.

• Adopted minutes for Feb. 5, Feb. 26, and Mar. 2 meetings (motion carries; Yes: 8, Abstain: 1)
• Moved Board meeting from June 18, 2026 to June 17, 2026 (motion carries; Yes: 9)
• Moved Special Awards meeting from June 11, 2026 to June 2, 2026 (motion carries; Yes: 9)
• Approved Education/Administration resolutions EA‑3/19/26‑1 through EA‑3/19/26‑20 (motion carries; Yes: 9, No: 2, Abstain: 1)
• Approved Personnel resolutions P‑3/19/26‑1 through P‑3/19/26‑26 (motion carries; Yes: 9, Abstain: 3)
• Approved Finance resolutions F‑3/19/26‑1 through F‑3/19/26‑14, including adoption of the 2026‑2027 Preliminary Budget (motion carries; Yes: 9, Abstain: 3)

Committee of the Whole- Special Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Board of Education is meeting for a special session to conduct a preliminary budget hearing. The meeting includes a presentation on the budget by the Superintendent and Business Administrator.

• Preliminary Budget Hearing
• Administration of oath to elected board member Eve Estrict-Barnes
• Recommendation to place employee ID #09-2025-26 on paid administrative leave effective March 6, 2026

The Board reviewed a presentation regarding the 2026-2027 preliminary budget, covering topics such as state aid, health benefits, and tax impact. Following an executive session, the Board approved a change to an employee's leave status and a separation agreement.

• Approved motion to convene into Executive Session
• Approved amendment of Employee ID #09-2025-26 leave from administrative to medical
• Approved separation agreement for Employee ID #09-2025-26

Special Board of Education Meeting - 5:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education holds a special meeting primarily to conduct interviews for a board vacancy and to take action on a second reading of a policy governing board member election and appointment. The board will also consider a personnel appointment for an art teacher and reserve the right to enter executive session for personnel, negotiations, or litigation.

• Second reading and adoption of Policy 0143 – Board Member Election and Appointment
• Personnel appointment: Emily Sanchez as TTR-Art Teacher at School #11, step 5 of BA salary guide ($67,215), pro-rated, 3/4/26–10/15/26
• Board vacancy interviews to be conducted; action may be taken
• Public recognition period for resident comments on district operations

The Board of Education elected Eve Estrict-Barnes to serve as a member through December 31, 2026. The Board also approved personnel appointments and a second reading of a policy. The March 10 meeting is rescheduled to March 17, 2026.

• Approved Personnel Appointments P-3/2/26-1 (8-0)
• Approved Policy EA-3/2/26-1 (8-0)
• Entered Executive Session to interview vacancy candidates (8-0)
• Elected Eve Estrict-Barnes to Board vacancy (8-0)
• Suspended Board member comments (Voice vote)

Quarterly Awards Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Board of Education is meeting to recognize students, athletes, and employees for their achievements. The session includes formal recognition of a long-serving board member.

• Recognition of Dr. Lucy Danny for board service from 2011 to 2026
• Award presentations for 2025-2026 First County All Team athletes
• Recognition of December, January, and February Students of the Month
• Recognition of Patricia Litchfield as November District Employee of the Month

Special Board of Education Meeting - 5:00 pm

This special meeting of the Clifton Board of Education is primarily for conducting interviews to fill a board vacancy. Action may be taken following the interviews. The board will also consider adopting policy 0143 on board member election and appointment on second reading.

• Board vacancy interviews for an unspecified seat
• Second reading and adoption of Policy 0143: Board Member Election and Appointment
• Public comments allowed under Public Recognition

Regular Board Meeting - 6:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education will consider approving an out-of-district placement for one special education student at The Felician School, at a tuition of $76,153.40 per 12-month placement. The board will also adopt eight Title I parent and family engagement policies for local schools, approve several field trips for the 2025-2026 school year, and act on personnel items including one resignation and one retirement.

• Out-of-district placement for pupil #133387 at The Felician School, tuition $76,153.40
• Second reading and adoption of Title I parent/family engagement policies for eight schools
• Field trips approved including Grade 4 to Amazing Escape Room and CHS to BMW Training
• Resignation of custodian Dolores Then, effective Feb 6, 2026
• Retirement of teacher Mary Clare, effective June 30, 2026

The Board adopted January 2026 minutes, approved 26 personnel appointments, and authorized 14 finance and facility actions including roof replacement contracts and transportation services. The meeting included an executive session to discuss Board vacancies and personnel matters.

• Adopted minutes for January 22, 2026 (8-0)
• Approved 26 personnel items (7-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved 14 finance and facility items (7-0, 4 abstain)
• Approved 5 addenda items (7-0)
• Entered executive session to discuss Board vacancies (voice vote)
• Entered executive session to discuss personnel, contracts, and policy (voice vote)

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education will vote on approving the 2026-2027 school calendar and hold first readings of Title I school parent and family engagement policies for eight schools. The board also accepts the resignation of Commissioner Lucy Danny, makes an out-of-district placement, and recognizes School Board Recognition Month and Muslim Heritage Month. Procedural items include adoption of minutes, reports, and public comment.

• Approval of 2026-2027 school calendar (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027)
• First reading of Title I parent and family engagement policies for Schools 4, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, and CCMS
• Acceptance of resignation of Commissioner Lucy Danny effective January 12, 2026
• Out-of-district placement of pupil #137999 at Chapel Hill Academy, Lincoln Park, NJ
• Resolutions recognizing January 2026 as School Board Recognition Month and Muslim Heritage Month

The Board approved multiple sets of personnel appointments, educational items, and financial reports. Additionally, the Board voted to amend Bylaw 0143 regarding the nomination and voting process for board officers.

• Adopted December 4, 2025 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Adopted January 6, 2026 reorganization meeting minutes (8-0)
• Approved personnel actions P-1/22/26-1 through P-1/22/26-35 (8-0)
• Amended Bylaw 0143 regarding officer nomination and voting (8-0)
• Approved education/administration items EA-1/22/26-1 through EA-1/22/26-9 (7-1)
• Approved finance/facilities items F-1/22/26-1 through F-1/22/26-12 (8-0)
• Approved addenda personnel and teaching assignments A-1/22/26-1 through A-1/22/26-2 (8-0)

Reorganization Meeting - 6:00 pm

This reorganization meeting will see the Board elect a president and vice president, set the 2026 meeting schedule, and appoint key professionals including a school attorney, auditor, and architect. A single personnel appointment for a special education teacher is also on the agenda.

• Election of Board President and Vice President for the coming year
• Designation of meeting dates for 2026, including budget hearings and award ceremonies
• Appointment of Weiner Law Group as general counsel at $165/hour and Machado/Kleen Law Group as special education counsel at $160/hour
• Appointment of Lerch, Vinci & Bliss as auditor with a fee not to exceed $77,150
• Appointment of special education teacher Hayley Smith at a salary of $76,215

The Board elected Judith Bassford as president with a 5‑4 vote and Anthony Santiago as vice president after three voting rounds, winning 5‑4. The Board also approved the designation of future meetings, a professional services agenda item, and a personnel appointment agenda item. All motions carried with the recorded vote counts.

• Elected Judith Bassford as Board president (5‑4 vote)
• Elected Anthony Santiago as Board vice president (5‑4 vote after three rounds)
• Approved designation of meetings (motion carried; 9 members voted yes)
• Approved Professional Services agenda item EA-1/6/26-1 (motion carried; 8 yes, 3 abstentions)
• Approved Personnel appointment agenda item P-1/6/26-1 (motion carried; 9 yes votes)