Clifton Public Schools public meetings in 2022

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Board of Education is meeting to adopt minutes, recognize students and staff, and vote on resolutions honoring two board members for their years of service. The agenda also includes a presentation on the Code Blue Warming Center, an expression of condolence for a retired teacher, and a first reading of a policy. Most items are procedural or ceremonial.

• Recognition of James Daley for 13 years of board service
• Recognition of Dana Beltran for 3 years of board service
• Expression of condolence for retired teacher Gail Sandola
• First reading of a policy (unspecified)
• Presentation on Code Blue Warming Center by Supervisor of Counseling and Student Services

The Board of Education approved the minutes from the November 17, 2022, regular meeting. The session included student awards, a presentation on the PBSIS framework, and a donation to the Code Blue Warming Center.

• Adopted minutes of the November 17, 2022 Regular Meeting (Unanimous)

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education holds a regular meeting with mostly procedural items. They will consider a first reading of policies on community education and harassment/intimidation/bullying, approve a food drive for Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, and adopt previous minutes. The agenda includes recognition of students and staff, reports from administration, and an expression of condolence.

• First reading of Policy 2452 (Community Education) and Policy 5512 (Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying)
• Approval of a food drive for Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, with donations to St. Peter's Haven
• Expression of condolence resolution for former Councilman Frank T. Gaccione
• Adoption of minutes from the October 20, 2022 regular and executive meetings
• Recognition of Students of the Month and the PBSIS Junior C.A.R.E. Team

The Board of Education met to recognize students and staff and hear public concerns regarding school nursing and paraprofessional shortages. The only formal action recorded was the adoption of the previous meeting's minutes.

• Approved minutes of the October 20, 2022 Regular Meeting
• Approved minutes of the October 20, 2022 Executive Meeting

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education will vote on several action items, including a $127,250.40 agreement with the Boys & Girls Club for the 21st Century Community Learning Center afterschool program at Schools #12 and #17. Other decisions include accepting the attendance report, submitting the NJQSAC District Performance Review to the state, and continuing standard operating procedures. The board will also hear reports on district calendar, state assessments, and district performance, along with recognition of October Students of the Month.

• $127,250.40 agreement with Boys & Girls Club for 21st Century Community Learning Center afterschool program at Schools #12 and #17
• Submission of NJQSAC 2022-2023 District Performance Review to NJ Department of Education
• Adoption of Standard Operating Procedures and Purchasing Manual
• Approval of staff to attend Rutgers Labor Management Collaborative District Leadership Team meeting
• Recognition of Clifton High School October Students of the Month

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education will vote on several action items, including ratification of a 2022-2025 collective bargaining agreement with the Clifton Cafeteria Association. The board will also adopt policies on emergency virtual instruction and dress/grooming, accept a $1,000 Special Olympics grant, and approve a tuition student from Paterson. Public recognition and committee reports are scheduled.

• Ratification of Memorandum of Agreement with Clifton Cafeteria Association for 2022-2025
• Adoption of Policy 2425 – Emergency Virtual or Remote Instruction Program and policies 3216/4216 – Dress and Grooming
• Acceptance of Special Olympics of NJ Unified Champion School grant for $1,000
• Approval of tuition student from Paterson at $81.77 per diem
• Recognition of National Principals Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The Board ratified a collective bargaining agreement with the Clifton Cafeteria Association for 2022-2025. Other actions included adopting policies on dress, grooming, and emergency virtual instruction, and accepting a $1,000 Special Olympics grant.

• Ratified Memorandum of Agreement with Clifton Cafeteria Association for 2022-2025
• Adopted Policy 2425 (Emergency Virtual or Remote Instruction Program)
• Adopted Policy 3216 and 4216 (Dress and Grooming)
• Accepted $1,000 Special Olympics of NJ Unified Champion School- Project Unify Grant
• Approved 24 individuals to serve on the NJQSAC Steering Committee 2022-2023
• Approved out-of-district placement for student L.Z. with Newton Board of Education ($17,139.00)
• Approved acceptance of six tuition students from Paterson and Passaic districts
• Adopted minutes from September 22, 2022 Regular and Executive meetings

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education will vote on adopting 14 policies (second reading), a revision to the 2022-2023 school calendar adding six early dismissal dates for Achieve NJ, and approval of an Emergency Virtual or Remote Instruction Program Plan. The board will also hear presentations on the referendum, HIB, and summer programs, and discuss public participation policies.

• Adoption of 14 policies (second reading) including Student Journalism, Postnatal Accommodations, and Meal Charges
• Revision of 2022-2023 school calendar: six early dismissal days for Achieve NJ
• Approval of Emergency Virtual or Remote Instruction Program Plan for 2022/2023
• Approval of staff participation in Rutgers Labor Management Collaborative District Leadership Team meeting
• First reading of policies on Public Participation, Emergency Virtual Instruction, and Dress and Grooming

The Board approved the minutes from the August 25, 2022, regular and executive meetings. The Board tabled the first reading of Policy 0167 regarding public participation to allow for technology committee review. A motion to suspend remote public comment was defeated.

• Approved Regular Meeting minutes of August 25, 2022 (6-0, 2 abstentions)
• Approved Executive Meeting minutes of August 25, 2022 (6-0, 2 abstentions)
• Tabled first reading of Policy 0167 (Public Participation in Board Meetings)
• Denied motion to suspend remote public comment

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education will vote on a resolution urging Congress to extend federal waivers for child nutrition programs, which are set to expire and could reduce meal reimbursement rates and end free meals for all students. The board will also approve district goals for the 2022-2023 school year and authorize the superintendent to hire non-supervisory personnel retroactively. Additionally, first readings of multiple policies covering student representatives, legal services, and meal charges will be presented.

• First reading of policies including High School Student Representative to the Board, Legal Services, and Meal Charges/Outstanding Food Service Bill
• Approval of District Goals for 2022-2023 school year
• Resolution supporting extension of USDA school meal flexibilities amid expiration of federal waivers
• Authorization for superintendent to hire non-supervisory personnel between Aug 25 and Sep 16, 2022
• Expression of condolence for retired head custodian Achim Mugrauer

The Board of Education approved the minutes from the regular and executive meetings held on July 28, 2022. The session included presentations on the 'Say Something' anonymous reporting app and the district's health and physical education standards.

• Approved Regular Meeting Minutes of July 28, 2022 (7-0)
• Approved Executive Meeting Minutes of July 28, 2022 (7-0)

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education will consider several action items including applying for a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, contracting with Tri-County Behavioral Care for in-district therapy services at $10,800/month (full-time) and $4,800/month (part-time), approving before- and after-school child care programs run by the Clifton Boys and Girls Club at multiple schools, and adding three special education classrooms at School #8, CELA-B, and WWMS. The board will also receive a first reading of policies on board member electronic participation, communication, and legal services.

• Apply for 21st Century Community Learning Center Program Continuation Grant for 2022-2023
• Contract with Tri-County Behavioral Care for one full-time therapist at $10,800/month under ESSA Title IV grant
• Contract with Tri-County Behavioral Care for one part-time therapist at $4,800/month under ARP-HCY grant
• Approve before-school child care at Schools #2, #5, #8, #9, #11, #13, #17 by Clifton Boys and Girls Club
• Add three special education classrooms: LLD-S at School #8, Preschool Disabilities at CELA-B, LLD-M at WWMS

The Board of Education adopted the minutes from June 23, 2022, and voted to deny the second reading of two policies regarding electronic devices and board member communications. The Board also requested that Administration draft a letter and resolution to legislators supporting free meals for all students.

• Adopted Regular and Executive Meeting minutes of June 23, 2022 (9-0)
• Denied second reading of Policy 0155.1 (Board Member Participation Using Electronic Devices) and Policy 0169.01 (Electronic Communication Among Board Members) (6-3)
• Approved request for Administration to draft a letter and resolution to legislators supporting free meals for all students (9-0)

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

The Clifton Board of Education will hold an executive session followed by a regular meeting. Action items include a resolution recognizing Pride Month, approving recognition of the Unify Club student athletes, accepting an Imagine Math National School Excellence Award, and adopting prior meeting minutes. The board will also hear a first reading of Policy 0131 on bylaws and receive reports from the superintendent and committees.

• Resolution to recognize June as Pride Month and affirm support for LGBTQ+ students and staff
• First reading of Policy 0131 (Bylaws, Policies and Regulations)
• Recognition of Clifton High School Unify Club students for gold and silver medals at New Jersey State Summer Games
• Acceptance of Imagine Math National School Excellence Award for School #3
• Adoption of minutes from the June 2, 2022 regular and executive meetings

The Board of Education adopted the regular and executive session minutes from June 2, 2022. The meeting primarily consisted of student recognitions, award presentations, and public comments regarding nursing shortages and health standards.

• Approved adoption of June 2, 2022 Regular Meeting minutes (8-0)
• Approved adoption of June 2, 2022 Executive Meeting minutes (8-0)
• Convened Executive Session to discuss Superintendent's Evaluation (5-0)

Regular Board Meeting - 6:00 pm

This meeting is largely procedural and ceremonial, focusing on the adoption of minutes from the previous meeting, recognitions of educators and staff (including the Governor's Educator of the Year, Educator of the Year, retirees, and 25-year veterans), and an expression of condolence for a deceased teacher. No significant policy changes or financial actions are on the agenda.

• Recognition of recipients of the 2021-2022 Governor's Educator of the Year Award across multiple schools
• Recognition of John O'Reilly as the 2022 Educator of the Year
• Recognition of retirees and 25-year service veterans
• Expression of condolence for deceased teacher Deanna Steup Smith

The Board of Education approved the minutes from May 19, 2022, and passed a resolution of condolence for the late teacher Deanna Steup Smith. The Board officially recognized John O'Reilly as the 2022 Educator of the Year and honored multiple recipients of the 2021-2022 Governor's Educator of the Year Award.

• Adopted Regular and Executive Meeting minutes of May 19, 2022 (9-0)
• Approved resolution of condolence for Deanna Steup Smith (9-0)
• Recognized John O'Reilly as the 2022 Educator of the Year
• Approved recognition of 2021-2022 Governor's Educator of the Year Award recipients

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education will vote on a partnership with Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine for annual K-12 health screenings in 2022-2023. Also up for decision are a three-year agreement with Kean University for counseling placements, adoption of curriculum and textbook revisions, and an out-of-district placement at North Jersey Elks costing $86,011.80. Several policies receive first readings, including those on harassment/intimidation/bullying and emergency situations.

• Partnership with Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine for annual student health screenings
• Three-year agreement with Kean University for counseling and social work student placements
• Out-of-district placement at North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Agency ($86,011.80/year)
• Adoption of curriculum and textbook revisions for 2022-2023 school year
• First reading of policies on HIB, emergency situations, and COVID-19 recordkeeping

The Board approved the minutes from the May 5, 2022, regular meeting. Several policies were received and filed for first reading, and the Board discussed legal procedures for contacting the board attorney.

• Adopted Minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 5, 2022 (7-0-2)

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education meets to vote on the 2022-2023 final budget of $265.4 million, which fails 3-5, with no general fund tax levy increase but a 738% debt service levy increase. The agenda also includes a first reading of Policy 0167 on public participation and a public hearing on the budget. Other business includes recognition of staff and a resolution of condolence for a bus aide.

• Adoption of 2022-2023 final budget of $265,428,696 fails (3 yes, 5 no)
• First reading of Policy 0167 - Public Participation in Board Meetings
• Capital projects: CHS Tennis Court and Band Field Renovation ($2,176,800), CHS Hallway LED project ($730,000), School #14 parking lot paving ($535,000)
• Public hearing on final 2022-2023 budget
• Recognition of Maryann Hoholuk for medical emergency response

The Board approved the Final School District Budget for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2022. The meeting included a public hearing on the budget and a presentation on new health and physical education standards.

• Approved 2022-2023 Final School District Budget
• Recognized Maryann Hoholuk for saving a child's life (Motion Carries)
• Adopted Regular Meeting minutes from April 7, 2022 (Motion Carries)
• Adopted Executive Meeting minutes from April 7, 2022 (Motion Carries)
• Received and filed first reading of Policy 0167 regarding Public Participation in Board Meetings

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education is meeting to vote on several action items, including approval of memorandum agreements with Ben Porat Yosef and The Frisch School for STEM instruction, a resolution for Autism Awareness Month, and first readings of policies on board committees, public participation, and bilingual education. The board will also recognize student achievements and hear committee reports.

• Memorandum of Agreement with Ben Porat Yosef for Teach STEM Classes, teacher Mauna Trivedi at $73.61/hour, effective Sept 2022 to June 2023
• Memorandum of Agreement with The Frisch School for similar STEM instruction (details incomplete in agenda)
• Resolution declaring April 2022 as Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month
• First reading of policies: Board Committees (0155), Public Participation in Board Meetings (0167), Bilingual and ESL Education (2423)
• Recognition of Clifton High School Students of the Month and PBSIS showcase for School 16

The Board approved the minutes for the regular and executive meetings held on March 24, 2022. Other business included student and staff recognition and reports from policy, finance, and facilities committees.

• Approved Regular Meeting minutes of March 24, 2022 (8-0)
• Approved Executive Meeting minutes of March 24, 2022 (8-0)
• Received and filed first reading of policies 0155, 0167, and 2423
• Withdrew first reading of By-law 0167

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education is acting on several education and personnel items, including approval of summer school at Woodrow Wilson Middle School, out-of-district placements with tuition costs, and staff resignations. The board also holds first readings of multiple policies.

• Approval of summer school agreement with Northern Region County Educational Services Commission for use of Woodrow Wilson Middle School (June–August 2022)
• Appointment of Purple Communications for virtual ASL services at $90.00 per hour
• Out-of-district placement of pupil #117109 at Chancellor Academy ($76,677 per 10 months) and pupil #117611 at ECLC of Ho-Ho-Kus ($63,978 per 12 months)
• Approval of field trips to AMC Wayne, NJ Sea Life Aquarium, The Health Barn, and Space Farm Zoo
• Resignations of staff including a secretary, custodian, paraprofessionals, and a science teacher

The Board adopted the minutes from the March 3, 2022 meeting. The Superintendent provided updates on a 0% tax levy increase in the preliminary budget and the status of referendum projects. Several administrative appointments and service agreements were approved.

• Adopted March 3, 2022 Regular Meeting minutes (9-0)
• Approved staff participation in Rutgers Labor Management Collaborative District Leadership Team Meeting
• Approved staff attendance at Felician University Job Fair on April 25, 2022
• Approved summer school agreement with Northern Region County Educational Services Commission for use of Woodrow Wilson Middle School
• Accepted February 28, 2022 attendance report
• Appointed Purple Communications for virtual ASL services at $90.00 per hour
• Approved out-of-district placement for Pupil #117109 at Chancellor Academy with $76,677.00 tuition

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education will adopt the minutes from the February 10 regular meeting and the February 23 special meeting, hear the superintendent’s report, review the FY2021 audit presentation, and receive updates from various committees. It will also vote to create a School Security Specialist position for middle and high school grades 6‑12.

• Adoption of minutes from the February 10, 2022 regular board meeting
• Adoption of minutes from the February 23, 2022 special board meeting
• FY2021 audit presentation by Paul Lerch, Auditor
• Creation of a School Security Specialist job description for grades 6‑12
• Ice Hockey agreement between Clifton High School and Passaic Valley High School (details incomplete)

The Board of Education approved several staff resignations and retirements. The board also adopted the minutes from the February 10 and February 23 meetings. Superintendent Dr. Robertozzi announced that masks would become optional in school buildings and on buses starting March 7.

• Adopted February 10 Regular and Executive meeting minutes (9-0)
• Adopted February 23 Special and Executive meeting minutes (8-1)
• Approved resignation of S oraya Drouet, p/t Paraprofessional (Effective 3/5/22)
• Approved resignation of Zina Elsayed, Substitute Teacher (Effective 2/23/22)
• Approved resignation of James Sahanas, Head Custodian (Effective 2/28/22)
• Approved retirement of Barbara Garibell, 12-Month Secretary (Effective 6/30/22)
• Approved retirement of Carla Rodriguez, Special Education Teacher (Effective 6/30/22)
• Approved retirement of Filomena Viscardi, ESL/Bilingual Teacher (Effective 6/30/22)

Special Board of Education Meeting - 6:00 pm

This special meeting of the Clifton Board of Education consists of procedural opening items and public recognition, followed by a motion to convene in executive session to discuss pending litigation. The motion was approved by a vote of 7-0. No other substantive action or public decision is scheduled.

• Motion to convene in executive session for pending litigation; motion carried 7-0
• Public recognition period open for resident comments on district operations

The Board of Education convened a special meeting and entered executive session to discuss pending litigation. No formal action was taken during the meeting.

• Approved motion to convene in Executive Session to discuss Pending Litigation

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education will consider approving three out-of-district special education placements with combined tuition of $235,802, adopting a three-year Bilingual/ESL Program Plan for 2021–2024, and amending the 2022–2023 school calendar to close schools for Rosh Hashanah on September 26, 2022. The board will also vote on amendments to STEM teaching agreements with nonpublic schools and field trip approvals for the CHS Robotics Team.

• Out-of-district placements: Pupil at North Jersey Elks ($86,011.80/year), Pupil at Windsor Learning Center ($59,940/10 months), Pupil at Cornerstone Day School ($89,850.20/10 months)
• Adoption of Bilingual/ESL Three Year Program Plan for 2021–2022 through 2023–2024
• Revision to 2022–2023 school calendar: schools closed Monday, September 26 for Rosh Hashanah
• Amendment to MOA with Frisch School for STEM classes: Mauna Trivedi compensated at $73.61/hour, not to exceed $5,300.11
• Amendment to MOA with Ben Porat Yosef for STEM classes: Mauna Trivedi compensated at $73.61/hour, not to exceed $4,711.21

The Board of Education approved three out-of-district student placements and amended agreements to provide STEM classes at two nonpublic schools. The Board also adopted a three-year Bilingual/ESL program plan and updated the 2022-2023 school calendar.

• Approved three out-of-district placements with tuition costs ranging from $59,940.00 to $89,850.20
• Adopted the NJ Department of Education Bilingual/ESL Three Year Plan (2021-2022 through 2023-2024)
• Amended agreement with The Frisch School for STEM classes (up to $5,300.11)
• Amended agreement with Ben Porat Yosef for STEM classes (up to $4,711.21)
• Amended 2022-2023 school calendar to close schools on Monday, September 26, 2022
• Approved CHS Robotics Team travel to Bethlehem, PA and Houston, TX (pending qualification)
• Approved field trips to BMW North America and Times Union Center
• Adopted minutes from the January 20, 2022 Regular and Executive meetings

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The board will meet in regular session to adopt minutes from previous meetings, hear the superintendent's report, and receive presentations including the HIB and violence/vandalism/substance abuse report for September through December 2021. The agenda also includes recognition of staff and students, first reading of a policy, and expressions of condolence.

• Recognition of PBSIS Staff Member of the Month Mrs. Tracy Morigi
• Recognition of Clifton High School Students of the Month
• Adoption of minutes from Dec 9, 2021 and Jan 6, 2022
• Presentation of HIB and violence/vandalism/substance abuse report for Sept-Dec 2021
• First reading of a policy (no details provided)

The Board of Education approved changes in employment status for three staff members and adopted the minutes from the December 9, 2021, and January 6, 2022, meetings. The session included reports on school security, residency checks, and construction management for referendum projects.

• Adopted Regular and Executive Meeting minutes of December 9, 2021 (8-0, 1 abstain)
• Adopted Reorganization Meeting minutes of January 6, 2022 (9-0)
• Approved status change for Erelida Pujols to Substitute Teacher at $240.00 per diem (9-0)
• Approved status change for James Sahanas from Head Custodian to Custodian (9-0)
• Approved status change for Maurice Capaci to Maintenance Foreman at $75,000.00 per year (9-0)

Reorganization Meeting - 6:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education holds its annual reorganization meeting, electing a president and vice president and setting the meeting schedule for 2022. The board also votes on several appointments, including the school attorney at $155 per hour and an auditor with a fee not to exceed $61,450.

• Nomination and election of Board President and Vice President for the coming year
• Appointment of Adams, Gutierrez & Lattiboudere as general counsel at $155/hour
• Appointment of Machado Law Group as special education counsel at $150/hour
• Appointment of Lerch, Vinci & Higgins as auditor with fee not to exceed $61,450
• Approval of 11 new per diem substitute teachers for the 2021/2022 school year

The Board of Education held its reorganization meeting to elect leadership and appoint key personnel. The board established its meeting schedule for the year and designated TD Bank for payroll and general fund accounts. Several legal and administrative appointments were approved.

• Elected Jim Smith as Board President (5-4)
• Elected James Daley as Board Vice President (6-3)
• Approved meeting schedule through January 5, 2023 (9-0)
• Designated TD Bank for payroll and General Fund Accounts
• Appointed Adams, Gutierrez & Lattiboudere, LLC as general, personnel, and negotiating counsel at $155/hour
• Appointed Machado Law Group as special education counsel at $150/hour
• Reappointed Michael Ucci as Board Secretary and Ahmed Shehata as Assistant Board Secretary
• Approved St. Joseph’s Family Medicine as medical personnel