Clifton Public Schools public meetings in 2023
16 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm
This is a routine regular board meeting with no substantive policy or financial decisions. The board will recognize students of the month, employees of the month, and recipients of the NJ Exemplary Educator Award. It will also adopt minutes from the previous meeting.
- Recognition of Rudra Patel for PBSIS framework
- Recognition of four CHS Students of the Month
- Recognition of four Employees of the Month (Maurice Capici, Lisa Salvatoriello, Maryann Ulczak, Kristian Hospod)
- Recognition of NJ Exemplary Educator Award winners Christy Van Saders and Sharon Schwarz
- Adoption of minutes from November 16, 2023
The Board conducted a regular meeting focused on public comments and student and staff recognitions. No substantive policy decisions or financial approvals were recorded in the provided minutes.
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm
The Clifton Board of Education holds a regular meeting featuring recognition of students and staff, adoption of previous meeting minutes, and a first reading of Policy 3324. The board also hears public comments and reports from the superintendent and student representative.
- Recognition of CHS Students of the Month (Milena Jimenez, Steven Pena, Seth Porcelli, Sonia Lazaridis)
- Distinguished Employee of the Month awards to Julio Iglesias, Taras Petryshyn, Fallyn Colaianni, and Stanley Lembryk
- Adoption of minutes from October 19, 2023 regular and executive meetings
- First reading of Policy 3324 (truncated in agenda)
- Public recognition period for resident comments
The Board of Education met for a regular session primarily focused on public recognition and awards. The Board formally adopted the minutes from the October 19, 2023, regular and executive meetings.
- Approved adoption of October 19, 2023 Regular Meeting minutes
- Approved adoption of October 19, 2023 Executive Meeting minutes
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Executive Session - 5:30 pm followed by Regular Board Meeting
The board will hold an executive session for personnel, negotiations, and litigation, followed by a regular meeting. Agenda items include first readings of eight policies, recognitions for AAC month, student of the month, and employee of the month awards, and adoption of minutes from the October 5 meeting.
- First reading of policies: 2270 Religion in Schools, 3161/4161 Examination for Cause, 3212/4212 Attendance, 5111 Eligibility, 5116 Homeless Students, 8500 Food Services
- Recognition of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Recognition Month with presentations by Amy Ferranti and Heather Polk
- Student of the Month awards for four Clifton High School students (Sophia Zeisel, Judah Portillo-Del Valle, Juna Crawford, Nicco Valencia)
- Distinguished Employee of the Month awards for Joseph Schmidt, William Terrill, John Brooks, and Jeffrey Horn
- Adoption of minutes from the October 5, 2023 regular board meeting
The Board of Education held a regular meeting that included an executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters. The public session focused on community comments, student achievements, and employee recognition. No substantive policy or financial decisions were recorded in the public minutes.
- Approved motion to convene in Executive Session for Personnel and Legal matters (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm
The Clifton Board of Education will hold a regular meeting with procedural items, recognitions, and action on bylaws. Key votes include adoption of minutes from September 21 and second reading of bylaws on board member resignation/removal and electronic participation. The board will also recognize National Principals Month, International Augmentative and Alternative Communication Awareness Month, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
- Second reading and adoption of Bylaw 0145 (Board Member Resignation and Removal) and Bylaw 0155.1 (Board Member Participation Using Electronic Devices)
- Recognition of National Principals Month
- Recognition of International Augmentative and Alternative Communication Awareness Month
- Recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- Approval of minutes from the September 21, 2023 regular and executive meetings
The Board of Education approved new bylaws regarding member resignation and the use of electronic devices during meetings. Additionally, the Board approved a tuition discount partnership with Caldwell University and authorized a trip for Mock Trial students to Harvard University.
- Adopted Bylaw 0145 (Board Member Resignation and Removal)
- Adopted Bylaw 0155.1 (Board Member Participation Using Electronic Device)
- Approved creation of Assistant Network Engineer job description
- Approved 3-year academic partnership with Caldwell University for 25% tuition discounts (2023-2026)
- Approved CHS Mock Trial students' trip to Harvard University in Boston, MA
- Approved out-of-district placement for Pupil #135037 at CTC Academy ($96,813.82 tuition)
- Approved out-of-district placement for Pupil #120655 at Mary A. Dobbins School ($79,949.7 tuition)
- Adopted minutes from September 21, 2023 Regular and Executive meetings
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm
The Clifton Board of Education will hold a regular meeting discussing routine procedural items, including adoption of previous minutes, recognition awards, and reports. Notably, the board will conduct a first reading of three policies covering board member resignation/removal, electronic participation at meetings, and use of school facilities. A proclamation recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and an expression of condolence for a former educator are also on the agenda.
- First reading of Policy 0145 (Board Member Resignation and Removal), 0155.1 (Electronic Device Use at Meetings), and 7510 (Use of School Facilities)
- Recognition of Amanda Rhodes as 2023-2024 Passaic County Teacher of the Year
- Adoption of minutes from August 24, 2023 regular and executive meetings (motion carried)
- Proclamation declaring September 15 – October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month in the district
- Expression of condolence for former educator Constance Pomposelli, who served from 1969
The Board of Education recognized Amanda Rhodes of School #11 as the 2023-2024 Passaic County Teacher of the Year. The Board also adopted the meeting minutes from August 24, 2023, and amended the school facilities use policy. Administration provided reports on summer programs and NJQSAC placement scores.
- Approved resolution recognizing Amanda Rhodes as 2023-2024 Passaic County Teacher of the Year (8-0)
- Adopted Regular and Executive Meeting minutes from August 24, 2023 (8-0)
- Approved amendment to Policy 7510 to remove 'partisan' and 'community political organizations' (8-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm
The Clifton Board of Education approved several actions, including a second reading of policies for School Threat Assessment Teams and Sick Leave. It accepted the district's Emergency Virtual or Remote Instruction Program Plan for the 2023/2024 school year. The board also adopted a cost‑sheet setting maximum allowable fees for various types of independent educational evaluations. Additionally, the board accepted an award for financial reporting excellence and approved an agreement with Church World Services to assist immigrant families.
- Second reading and adoption of policies 2419 School Threat Assessment Teams and 1642.01 Sick Leave
- Approval of the Clifton 31_0900 Chapter 27 Emergency Virtual or Remote Instruction Program Plan
- Adoption of Independent Evaluation Maximum Allowable Cost sheet (e.g., $500 for academic assessments, $1,000 for functional behavior assessments)
- Acceptance of the ASBO International Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for FY 2022
- Agreement with Church World Services to assist immigrant families
The Board of Education approved updated policies regarding sick leave and school threat assessment teams. The Board also adopted minutes from June and July 2023 and accepted a financial reporting award for Fiscal Year 2022.
- Adopted Policy 2419 (School Threat Assessment Teams) and Policy 1642.01 (Sick Leave)
- Approved minutes from June 22, 2023, Regular and Executive meetings
- Approved minutes from July 27, 2023, Regular and Executive meetings
- Approved the 2023/2024 Emergency Virtual or Remote Instruction Program Plan
- Approved the Independent Evaluation Maximum Allowable Cost sheet
- Accepted ASBO International's Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for FY2022
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Executive Session - 5:30 pm followed by Regular Board Meeting
The Clifton Board of Education will hold a public hearing and vote on an amended employment agreement for Superintendent Dr. Danny Robertozzi covering July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2028. The board will also consider a district mentoring plan, a teaching agreement with The Frisch School (paid at $93.10/hour), and payments to the NJ Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired (fees from $2,200 to $16,590). A first reading of Policy 2419 on School Threat Assessment Teams is scheduled.
- Public hearing and vote on amended Superintendent's Employment Agreement 2023-2028
- Submission of 2023-2024 District Mentoring Plan to the Passaic County Superintendent
- Memorandum Agreement with The Frisch School for Teach STEM classes; teacher Nicole Stanziale compensated at $93.10/hour
- Approval of payments to NJ Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired for 10 students at varying levels ($2,200–$16,590)
- First reading of Policy 2419 - School Threat Assessment Teams
The Board of Education approved a new employment agreement for Superintendent Dr. Danny Robertozzi spanning July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2028. The Board also accepted the 2023-2024 District Mentoring Plan and approved a STEM teaching agreement with The Frisch School.
- Approved Superintendent Dr. Danny Robertozzi's employment agreement 2023-2028 (6-0-2)
- Approved submission of the 2023-2024 District Mentoring Plan
- Approved Memorandum of Agreement with The Frisch School for STEM classes
- Approved payment for services from the NJ Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired
- Passed resolution of condolence for former maintenance team member Mr. Thomas Stoll (8-0-0)
- Received and filed first reading of Policy 2419 regarding School Threat Assessment Teams
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm
The Clifton Board of Education will vote on recognizing outstanding staff, including the 2023 Educator of the Year and Paraprofessional of the Year, and honoring retirees and 25-year veterans. The board will also decide on adopting a Therapy Dog policy (second reading), amending tuition reimbursement to include LDTC certification, and approving an articulation agreement with Kean University for Project Adelante at $2,400 per student for up to 40 students.
- Recognition of Mark Bigica as 2023 Educator of the Year and Ana Martinez as Paraprofessional of the Year
- Second reading and adoption of Policy 5337.1 (Therapy Dog)
- Amendment to expand tuition reimbursement pool to include LDTC certification
- Approval of Kean University articulation agreement for Project Adelante, $2,400 per student (up to 40 students), funded by ESSER and Title III
- Recognition of 16 employees for 25 years of service and 27 retirees
The Board of Education officially recognized several teachers and educational service professionals as recipients of the 2022-2023 Governor's Educator of the Year Award. Additionally, the Board named Mark Bigica as the 2023 Educator of the Year and Ana Martinez as the 2023 Paraprofessional of the Year.
- Approved recognition of 2022-2023 Governor's Educator and Educational Services Professionals of the Year (6-0)
- Approved Mark Bigica as 2023 Educator of the Year (6-0)
- Approved Ana Martinez as 2023 Paraprofessional of the Year (6-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm
The Clifton Board of Education will hold a regular meeting including recognition of the Robotics Team, Students of the Month, and music ensemble students. The board will also conduct a first reading of Policy 5337.1 (Therapy Dog) and adopt minutes from the May 4, 2023 meeting. Public comment is open for residents.
- First reading of Policy 5337.1 – Therapy Dog
- Recognition of Robotics Team for FMA District Championship and Autonomous Award at FIRST Championship
- Recognition of CHS Students of the Month (Mia Gaunt, Albaraa Gebril, Tiffany Guerrero, Kaylee Miller)
- Recognition of Region and All State Ensemble students in music (band, orchestra, chorus)
- Adoption of minutes from May 4, 2023 regular and executive meetings
The Board of Education adopted the minutes from the May 4, 2023, regular and executive meetings. The session primarily consisted of student and faculty recognitions and public comments regarding the school dress code.
- Approved minutes of the May 4, 2023 Regular Meeting (7-0)
- Approved minutes of the May 4, 2023 Executive Meeting (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm
The Clifton Board of Education will vote on adopting the final 2023-2024 school budget of $295,936,962, which includes a $5,477,778 general fund tax levy increase (3%). A public hearing on the budget precedes the vote. The meeting also includes recognition of Students of the Month and a PBSIS showcase, first readings of policies, and a public comment period.
- Adoption of 2023-2024 final budget: $295,936,962 total, $5,477,778 tax levy increase (3%), with capital reserve withdrawal of $1,350,000 for Transportation Hub Expansion and CHS exterior bathrooms
- Recognition awards for CHS April Students of the Month (Nathaly Romero Vera, Arman Rasouli, Miha Garcia, Emmanuel West)
- PBSIS Showcase recognition of School Five students for STARS lesson plans
- First reading of policies including Use of Corporal Punishment and School District Security
- Public recognition period for residents to address the board on any school-related matter
The Board approved the Final School District Budget for the 2023-2024 school year with a 4% tax levy increase. The budget includes funding for instructional staffing in security, special education, and English language learners, as well as specific capital projects.
- Approved 2023-2024 Final Budget totaling $295,936,962.00 (8-0)
- Approved 4% General Fund levy increase of $5,477,778.00 (8-0)
- Approved $1,350,000.00 withdrawal from Capital Reserve for projects (8-0)
- Allocated $1,000,000.00 for Transportation Hub Expansion (8-0)
- Allocated $350,000.00 for CHS Exterior Bathrooms (8-0)
- Approved minutes of the March 16, 2023 Special Meeting (8-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm
The Clifton Board of Education will vote on several resolutions including accepting $10,065,483 in Preschool Expansion Aid for 2023-2024, adopting updated policies on board officers, bilingual education, attendance, and bullying, and approving a student suspension. The board will also hear an audit presentation for 2021-2022 and the superintendent's report. The meeting includes procedural items such as adoption of minutes and public comment.
- Acceptance of $10,065,483 in Preschool Expansion Aid from NJ DOE
- Second reading and adoption of policies including 0152 (Board Officers), 2423 (Bilingual/ESL), 5200 (Attendance), 5512 (Harassment/Intimidation/Bullying)
- Approval of staff for Rutgers Labor Management Collaborative District Leadership Team meeting on April 25, 2023
- Memorandum Agreement with Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy to provide Teach STEM classes at $101.21/hr (not to exceed $7,692.29)
- Resolution approving suspension of Student ID #09-2022 after disciplinary hearing
The Board approved the acceptance of over $10 million in NJ DOE Preschool Expansion Aid. Other actions included adopting several district policies and approving a STEM teaching agreement with Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy.
- Accepted 2023-2024 NJ DOE Preschool Education Aid of $10,065,483.00
- Approved Memorandum of Agreement with Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy for STEM classes
- Adopted policies 0152, 0161, 0162, 2423, 5200, 5512, 8140, and 8330
- Approved submission of the 2023-2024 Comprehensive Equity Plan
- Approved attendance reports for January and February 2023
- Approved staff participation in Rutgers Labor Management Collaborative meeting
- Adopted minutes from March 2, 2023 regular and executive meetings
- Passed resolution of condolence for former teacher's aide Mrs. Vera Schimenti
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Special Board Meeting - 6:00 pm
The Clifton Board of Education is holding a special meeting to present the 2023‑2024 budget overview and consider any related actions. The agenda also includes procedural openings and a public recognition segment for resident comments.
- Budget Overview – 2023‑2024
- Public Recognition – resident comments (discussion)
- Meeting opening: call to order, pledge of allegiance, roll call
- Presentation of the district Mission Statement
- Reading of the Open Public Meetings Statement
The Board reviewed a presentation on the tentative 2023-2024 budget, including state aid, fixed costs, and instructional priorities. Following a discussion on tax increases and funding, the Board agreed to prepare a 3% preliminary budget to be sent to the County.
- Agreed to prepare a 3% preliminary budget for submission to the County
Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm
The Clifton Board of Education will consider adopting a local wellness policy (8505) and abolishing two COVID-19 policies (1648.11 and 1648.13) on second reading. The board will also approve an agreement with the Northern Region Educational Services Commission. Additional items include recognition of students and staff, and first reading of several policies.
- Second reading and adoption of policy 8505: Local Wellness Policy/Nutrient Standards for Meals and Other Foods
- Abolishment of policies 1648.11 (The Road Forward COVID-19) and 1648.13 (School Employee Vaccination Requirements)
- Approval of agreement between Clifton Board of Education and Northern Region Educational Services Commission (no dollar amount specified)
- First reading of nine policies including 5512 (Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying) and 2423 (Bilingual and ESL Education)
- Recognition of CHS March Students of the Month and PBSIS district coordinator
The Board of Education approved several administrative items, including the establishment of two new special education classes and a summer school agreement. The Board also adopted a local wellness policy and abolished two COVID-19 related policies.
- Approved one new Learning/Language Disabilities class and one new Emotional Regulation Impairment class at School #17 (8-0)
- Approved agreement with Northern Region Educational Services Commission for summer school at Clifton High School (8-0)
- Adopted Policy 8505: Local Wellness Policy/Nutrient Standards for Meals and Other Foods (8-0)
- Abolished Policy 1648.11 (The Road Forward COVID-19) and Policy 1648.13 (School Employee Vaccination Requirements) (8-0)
- Approved field trips to Seton Hall University, Bowlero, 5 Wits, and The Fiesta (8-0)
- Declared March as National Women's History Month (8-0)
- Approved resignation of Nora Maciel, 10-Month Secretary at School #2
- Approved retirements for Joel Baker, Martha Duran-Ramirez, Antoinette Jacobus, John Notari, Kathleen Rossi, and Maryann Stanckiewitz
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm
The Clifton Board of Education is holding a regular meeting with mainly routine business: adoption of minutes, recognitions of student athletes and staff, and ceremonial resolutions. A resolution recognizing National School Counseling Week (Feb 6-10, 2023) was approved. An item on Black History Month is listed but incomplete in the agenda.
- Adoption of minutes from January 19, 2023 regular and executive sessions
- Recognition of Clifton High School All County First Teams for fall sports
- Recognition of February Students of the Month: Rashel De La Cruz, Jadrian Castro, Lory Anne Cuadra, Jason Rossi
- Recognition of PBSIS contributions by Miguel Ruiz, Gabriella Fonseca, Christyn Duverge, Michaela Mercado
- Resolution to observe National School Counseling Week (EA-2/9/23)
The Board of Education adopted the minutes from the regular and executive meetings held on January 19, 2023. The remainder of the meeting consisted of student and staff recognitions, public comments, and committee reports.
- Adopted Regular Meeting minutes of January 19, 2023 (9-0)
- Adopted Executive Meeting minutes of January 19, 2023 (9-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Executive Session - 5:30 pm followed by Regular Board Meeting
The Clifton Board of Education holds an executive session followed by a regular meeting. The board will adopt minutes from December 8, 2022 and January 5, 2023, recognize students for volunteer service and monthly honors, and approve a resolution of condolence for former commissioner Frank Pecci. Presentations on HIB and district updates are also scheduled.
- Recognition of Jose Suarez Gonzalez (Gold, 265 hours) and Albaraa Gebril (Bronze, 104 hours) for the President's Volunteer Service Award
- Recognition of Clifton High School Students of the Month for January 2023
- Resolution of condolence honoring former board commissioner Frank Pecci
- Adoption of minutes from the regular meeting of December 8, 2022 and the reorganization meeting of January 5, 2023
- Presentations on HIB data and Start Strong/district updates by administrators
The Board of Education approved several changes in employment status for district staff and accepted multiple resignations. The meeting also included student award presentations and a review of the Mustang ACES Program.
- Approved change in employment status for five staff members (8-0)
- Approved status change for Lynette Fun to 12-Month Secretary at $40,715.00
- Approved status change for Shaun Smith to Supervisor of Custodians at $75,000.00
- Approved status change for Jhon Salazar Fernandez to Custodian at $45,395.00 plus $1,500.00 differential
- Approved status change for Danielle Liebi to Technology Trainer/Facilitator
- Approved status change for Edward Levash to TTR Special Education Teacher at $60,485.00
- Approved resignations for Mildred Altamirano, Eleonora Carrabino, Christine Lucas, Michelle Martorano, Samantha Meyler, and Andreina Perez Batista
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Reorganization Meeting - 6:00 pm
This reorganization meeting will see the Clifton Board of Education elect a new president and vice president, appoint professional services including legal counsel and an auditor with a fee cap of $65,250, and set the meeting schedule for 2023. The board will also recognize retiring Mayor James Anzaldi and outgoing board member Joe Canova.
- Nomination and election of Board President and Vice President
- Appointment of Adams, Gutierrez & Lattiboudere as general counsel at $155/hour and Machado Law Group as special education counsel at $150/hour
- Appointment of Lerch, Vinci & Bliss as auditor with fee not to exceed $65,250
- Recognition of retiring Clifton Mayor James Anzaldi
- Renewal of tax-sheltered programs and adoption of curriculum guides
The Board held its reorganization meeting to elect leadership and appoint professional services for the year. Jim Smith was elected President and Lucy Danny was elected Vice President. The Board also approved several professional service contracts and designated bank accounts.
- Elected Jim Smith as Board President (9-0)
- Elected Lucy Danny as Board Vice President (8-0-1)
- Appointed Adams, Gutierrez & Lattiboudere, LLC as general counsel at $155.00 per hour
- Appointed Machado Law Group as special education counsel at $150.00 per hour
- Appointed Lerch, Vinci & Bliss as auditor with fees not to exceed $65,250.00
- Designated TD Bank for payroll and General Fund Accounts
- Reappointed Michael Ucci as Board Secretary and Ahmed Shehata as Assistant Board Secretary
- Approved DiCara, Rubino as architect of record