Clifton Public Schools public meetings in 2024

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education is meeting to approve updates to district policies, including student suicide prevention and service animal guidelines. The policy updates will affect student safety protocols and service animal access across district schools. The board will also finalize the 2025-2026 preschool program plan and approve a special education service contract addressing evaluation services for Clifton residents. Personnel actions, including resignations and leaves of absence, and a list of approved field trips will be reviewed.

• Second reading of Board Bylaw 0141 regarding board member terms and number
• Adoption of seven new or updated district policies, including student suicide prevention and service animal guidelines
• Approval of the 2025-2026 Three-Year Preschool Program Plan
• Appointment of Ms. Sabrein Khater (1114 Main Avenue, Clifton, NJ) for special education services at $500.00 per Bilingual Arabic Educational Evaluation
• Approval of field trip destinations for the 2024-2025 school year, including visits to Newark, Livingston, and Allentown, PA

The Board of Education approved the 2025-2026 Three-Year Preschool Program Plan and several school field trips. The board also accepted a series of policy and bylaw second readings and approved various personnel resignations and leaves of absence.

• Approved 2025-2026 Three-Year Preschool Program Plan and Annual Update
• Approved second reading of Bylaw 0141 (Board Member Number and Term)
• Approved second reading of eight policies including Curriculum Content and Student Suicide Prevention
• Approved appointment of Ms. Sabrein Khater for Bilingual Arabic Educational Evaluations at $500.00
• Approved field trips for CHS, School #17, School #8, School #16, WWMS, and School #14
• Approved resignations of Cassandra Geronimo, David Reeves, Danielle Sauro, Sallyann Tabasco, and Michael Zahorniak
• Approved 17 leaves of absence and 2 maternity leaves
• Adopted minutes from November 14 and November 21, 2024

Special Meeting - Quarterly Awards Meeting - 7:00 pm

This special meeting is solely for recognizing students and employees of the month for October and November. No substantive policy decisions, contracts, or public hearings are on the agenda; the meeting is ceremonial and procedural.

• Recognition of October and November Students of the Month from each grade
• Recognition of October and November Employees of the Month (District, Elementary, Middle School, High School)
• Procedural items: call to order, pledge, roll call, mission statement, open public meetings statement

The Board of Education held a special meeting to present quarterly awards. The board recognized students from 9th through 12th grade and distinguished employees across the district for the months of October and November.

• Recognized October Students of the Month: Allison Rouse (9th), Leondro Spoon (10th), Zaina Aburomi (11th), and Omar Rosario (12th)
• Recognized October District Distinguished Employee of the Month: Susan Feliciano
• Recognized October Elementary Distinguished Employee of the Month: Charles Meunier
• Recognized October Middle School Distinguished Employee of the Month: Mary Foley
• Recognized October High School Distinguished Employee of the Month: Kaitlyn Priestly
• Recognized November Students of the Month: Sophia Felix (9th), Laith Alsharif (10th), David Feliciano (11th), and Samela Zhana (12th)

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education will consider approving an agreement with Sage Thrive, Inc. to provide school-based counseling services from November 2024 through August 2025. The board will also vote on resolutions proclaiming November as Native American Heritage Month and condemning hate in all forms. Other action items include approving meeting dates for the Rutgers Labor Management Collaborative and accepting the October attendance report.

• Agreement with Sage Thrive, Inc. for counseling services (Nov 2024–Aug 2025)
• Proclamation of November 2024 as Native American Heritage Month
• Resolution condemning all forms of hate and discrimination
• Approval of 2024-2025 meeting dates for Rutgers Labor Management Collaborative District Leadership Team
• Expression of condolence for former kindergarten aide Sandra Roach

The Board of Education voted to pull item P-11/14/2-11 from the agenda pending further discussion. The Board also approved the minutes from the October 17, 2024, regular and executive meetings. No other substantive decisions were recorded in the provided text.

• Pulled item P-11/14/2-11 from the agenda (9-0)
• Approved October 17, 2024 Regular Meeting minutes (9-0)
• Approved October 17, 2024 Executive Meeting minutes (9-0)

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

This meeting of the Clifton Board of Education is largely procedural and ceremonial. The board will adopt minutes, hear reports, and pass resolutions recognizing National Principals Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Expressions of condolence for three individuals will also be entered into the record. No major policy changes or financial contracts are scheduled for vote.

• Adoption of minutes from September 19, 2024
• Resolution recognizing October as National Principals Month
• Resolution recognizing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month
• Expressions of condolence for former employees Jennifer Lucas and Kathleen Campitiello, and student Juel Martinez
• Presentation on state and local assessments by Assistant Superintendent Janina Kusielewicz

The Board of Education approved the minutes from the September 19, 2024, regular and executive meetings. The Board also read formal resolutions of condolence for the passing of former educators Jennifer Lucas and Kathleen Campitiello. Administration provided reports on state and local assessment data and committee updates.

• Approved Regular Meeting minutes of September 19, 2024 (9-0)
• Approved Executive Meeting minutes of September 19, 2024 (9-0)
• Passed resolution of condolence for Ms. Jennifer Lucas
• Passed resolution of condolence for Ms. Kathleen Campitiello

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education will consider several action items, including approving a $4,500 agreement with the New Jersey School Boards Association for strategic planning, accepting non-public technology aid allocations for the 2024-2025 school year, and adopting a resolution for Hispanic Heritage Month. The meeting also includes procedural items such as adoption of minutes and reports from committees.

• Resolution to proclaim Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15
• Approval of $4,500 agreement with NJSBA for District Strategic Plan
• Approval of 2024-2025 meeting dates for Rutgers Labor Management Collaborative District Leadership Team
• Acceptance of Non-Public Technology Aid for 2024-2025, with amounts for various schools (e.g., Bais Yaakov of Clifton $4,704, Clifton Cheder $7,938)
• Expression of condolence for retired teacher Eileen McKenna Whiting

The Board of Education adopted the minutes from August 22, 2024, and approved a contract for strategic planning. The meeting included reports on summer programs, a therapy dog initiative, and a proclamation for Hispanic Heritage Month.

• Approved $4,500 agreement with New Jersey School Boards Association for District Strategic Plan
• Adopted Regular and Executive Meeting minutes from August 22, 2024
• Proclaimed September 15 to October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month
• Approved 2024-2025 meeting dates for Rutgers Labor Management Collaborative District Leadership Team

- Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education will vote on adopting 10 policies, including Title I parent engagement for several schools and policies on school facilities use and naming. Other action items include a memorandum with The Frisch School for STEM classes, amendments to the 2024-2025 school calendar, and agreements for before- and after-school child care with the Boys and Girls Club. The board will also approve an agreement with Church World Services to assist immigrant families and accept non-public security aid.

• Second reading and adoption of 10 policies: 2415.50-.57 (Title I parent engagement for Schools 4, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, CCMS), 7510 (Use of School Facilities), 7660 (Naming Schools)
• Memorandum of Agreement with The Frisch School for Teach STEM Classes program; teacher compensated $93.10/hour (grant-funded)
• Amendment to 2024-2025 school calendar: early dismissal dates for back-to-school nights and parent conferences in Sept 2024 and Feb 2025
• Agreement with Church World Services to assist immigrant families in 2024-2025 under Ukrainian and Afghan School Impact Grants
• Approval of before-school child care at 8 schools and after-school child care at 13 schools operated by Clifton Boys and Girls Club

The Board of Education adopted several Title I and facility policies and amended the 2024-2025 school calendar to include early dismissals following Back to School nights and parent conferences. The Board also approved security aid for nine non-public schools and agreements for child care and immigrant family services.

• Approved amendments to 2024-2025 school calendar for early dismissals
• Approved NJDOE Non-Public Security Aid for 9 schools (e.g., St. Philip Preparatory School $60,065)
• Approved Memorandum of Agreement with The Frisch School for STEM classes
• Approved agreement with Church World Services (CWS) to assist immigrant families
• Granted Clifton Boys and Girls Club use of facilities for before and after school child care
• Adopted policies for Title I Parent and Family Engagement and school facility naming
• Appointed Mark Gengaro as alternate for Northern Regional Educational Commission
• Approved out-of-district placements for Pupil #133743 ($84,420) and Pupil #136189 ($85,095)

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education will vote on a series of personnel actions including 20 resignations, 5 retirements, multiple leaves of absence and maternity leaves, and amendments to previous leaves. The board will also hear a presentation on Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) and adopt minutes from the June 13 meeting. An expression of condolence for retired teacher Lorraine Hall is included.

• Approval of 20 resignations effective June–August 2024 across multiple schools
• Approval of 5 retirements effective August–October 2024
• Approval of 7 leaves of absence and 5 maternity leaves with specific dates
• Expression of condolence for Lorraine Hall, a 35-year kindergarten and elementary teacher
• Presentation on Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) by Director Michael Doktor

The Board of Education presented awards to students and employees of the month and commended the Clifton High School Mock Trial Team for winning the state title. The meeting also included reports on the PBSIS framework and a mental health awareness event at WWMS.

• Adopted resolution honoring the CHS Mock Trial Team for winning the state title
• Recognized AnnMarie Sheridan as the 2023 New Jersey Exemplary Educator
• Awarded Students of the Month: Hyab Tesfai, Wilson Estrella, Olena Lystopad, and Pratham Gandhi
• Awarded Employees of the Month: Megan Fitzpatrick, Lisa Hayward, Lindsey Cinque, and Jory Samkoff
• Presented certificates of recognition to CCMS students for PBSIS instruction

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education is holding a regular meeting with procedural items and multiple recognitions, including commendations for the CHS Mock Trial team's state title, Students of the Month, and Employees of the Month. No substantive policy or financial decisions are on the agenda.

• Recognition of CHS Mock Trial team for winning the NJ State Bar Foundation's Vincent J. Appruzzi Tournament, first Passaic County team to do so in 42 years
• Recognition of Students of the Month for grades 9-12
• Recognition of District, Elementary, Middle School, and High School Employees of the Month
• Recognition of PBSIS students at Christopher Columbus Middle School
• Recognition of AnnMarie Sheridan as 2023 NJ Exemplary Educator

The Board of Education presented awards to Students of the Month, Employees of the Month, and the Clifton High School Mock Trial Team. The board also recognized a 2023 NJ Exemplary Educator and students for their work with the PBSIS framework.

• Adopted resolution commending the CHS Mock Trial Team for winning the state title
• Recognized AnnMarie Sheridan as the 2023 New Jersey Exemplary Educator
• Awarded Students of the Month: Hyab Tesfai, Wilson Estrella, Olena Lystopad, and Pratham Gandhi
• Awarded Employees of the Month: Megan Fitzpatrick, Lisa Hayward, Lindsey Cinque, and Jory Samkoff
• Issued certificates of recognition to 12 CCMS students for PBSIS instruction collaboration

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education will consider resolutions to honor multiple educators, including the Governor's Educator of the Year recipients from each school, the District Educator of the Year, the Paraprofessional of the Year, Excellence in Education awardees, and staff with 25 years of service or retiring. The meeting also includes a robotics team presentation and a public comment period.

• Recognition of Governor's Educator of the Year recipients for each school, including teachers and educational service professionals
• Recognition of Allison Ditzig as the 2024 Educator of the Year
• Recognition of Eman Mowaswe as the 2024 Paraprofessional of the Year
• Recognition of six recipients of the 2023-2024 Excellence in Education Award
• Proclamation of gratitude for retirees and 25-year veterans

The Board of Education approved resolutions to honor Region and All State Ensemble students, Governor's Educators of the Year, and the 2024 Educator and Paraprofessional of the Year. The Board also adopted the minutes from the May 2, 2024, regular and executive meetings.

• Approved recognition of Region and All State Ensemble students
• Approved recognition of 2023-2024 Governor's Educators of the Year
• Named Allison Ditzig as 2024 Educator of the Year
• Named Eman Mowaswe as 2024 Paraprofessional of the Year
• Adopted May 2, 2024 Regular Meeting minutes (9-0)
• Adopted May 2, 2024 Executive Meeting minutes (9-0)

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education will consider adopting the final 2024-2025 school district budget totaling $292,772,798. The meeting also includes recognition of students and employees, a budget presentation by the assistant superintendent, and a public comment period.

• Adoption of 2024-2025 final budget: General Fund $259,685,065; Debt Repayment $8,283,900; Grants $24,803,833; Total $292,772,798
• Recognition of CHS Academic Decathlon team qualifying for National Finals
• Recognition of Students of the Month for grades 9-12
• Recognition of Employees of the Month: Transportation Supervisor Elizabeth Nick, Principal Joelle Rosetti, Special Education Teacher Salvatore Anzaldi, School Counselor Attilio Venturelli
• Presentation of 2024-2025 Budget by Assistant Superintendent Ahmed Shehata

The Board of Education approved the Final School District Budget for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2024. The total budget is set at $292,772,798, featuring a 3.885% increase in the General Fund levy.

• Approved 2024-2025 Final School District Budget of $292,772,798
• Approved General Fund of $259,685,065
• Approved Repayment of Debt of $8,283,900
• Approved Grants and Entitlements of $24,803,833
• Approved General Fund levy increase of $5,533,629 (3.885%)
• Approved Debt Service tax levy decrease of $749,138 (-12.93%)

Board Retreat - 6:00 pm

This is a Board Retreat meeting for training purposes only. The board will receive group training via the New Jersey School Boards Association on topics including committees, board self-evaluation, board goals and goal setting, and the CSA evaluation process. No action will be taken. The agenda also includes a public comment period.

• Training on board self-evaluation and goal setting
• Training on CSA evaluation process
• Training on committees
• Public comment period open to residents

The Board of Education held a retreat focused on group training via NJSBA. The session covered committees, board self-evaluation, goal setting, and the CSA evaluation process. No formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education will hold its regular meeting, focusing on recognizing students and employees of the month, hearing reports from administration and committees, and adopting minutes from the March 7, 2024 meeting. There will be a public comment period. No major policy changes or financial actions are on the agenda.

• Recognition of April Students of the Month: Tiana Hrubovcakova (9th), Lucas Chen (10th), Nazli Yildiz (11th), Abel Chong (12th)
• Recognition of April Employees of the Month: Vincent Constantino (District), Angela Basanese (Elementary), Jeffrey Labriola (Middle School), Stephen Sarsano (High School)
• Presentation on Positive Behavior Supports in Schools (PBSIS) by Coordinator Paula Raygoza
• Adoption of minutes from Regular and Executive meetings of March 7, 2024
• Public comment period for residents and non-residents

The Board of Education held a regular meeting focused on recognition and committee updates. No substantive policy changes or financial contracts were decided during the session.

• Recognized April Students of the Month: Tiana Hrubovcakova, Lucas Chen, Nazli Yildiz, and Abel Chong
• Recognized April Employees of the Month: Vincent Constantino, Angela Basanese, and Stephen Sarsano
• Passed resolution of condolence for former principal Gregg Dickey

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education will hold a preliminary budget hearing and presentation, along with recognizing Students and Employees of the Month. The meeting also includes adoption of prior meeting minutes and an open public comment period. The board reserves the right to enter executive session for personnel, negotiations, or litigation.

• Preliminary budget hearing and presentation (Item 10)
• Recognition of March Students of the Month: Andres Villamarin, Jenna Alnatur, Nicholas Doktor, Mariana Quesada Moya
• Recognition of March Employees of the Month: Samantha DeRose, Diane Garrido, Guinevere Sanchez, Joseph Feeley
• Adoption of minutes from February 8, 2024 regular meeting and March 2, 2024 board retreat
• Public comment period for residents to address school district operations

The Board conducted a preliminary budget presentation covering state funding, fixed costs, and instructional priorities. No formal votes on the budget or policy changes were recorded in the minutes.

Board Retreat - 9:00 am

The Board of Education is holding a retreat to discuss the role of board members, the function of committees, and communications. The meeting includes a period for public recognition and comments.

• Discussion on Role of Board Member
• Discussion on Function of Committee
• Discussion on Communications

The Board of Education conducted a retreat featuring a presentation by Kelly Mitchell of the NJ School Boards Association. The session covered the role of board members, governance mindset, and communications. No substantive policy or financial decisions were recorded.

• Adjourned meeting at 1:00 PM (9-0)

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education will hear an audit presentation from Paul Lerch of Lerch, Vinci & Higgins at this regular meeting. The agenda also includes recognitions of students, staff, and a retiring community leader, along with committee reports and a public comment period.

• Audit presentation by Paul Lerch, auditor from Lerch, Vinci & Higgins
• Recognition of Clifton High School Students of the Month (Melissa Garth, Nikita Shchekotikhin, Fahmid Aftab, Veronica Trejos)
• Recognition of Distinguished Employees of the Month (Kevin Nusspickel, Carmen Pagan, Kimberly DeStefano, Courtney Terry)
• Recognition of Robert Foster, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Clifton, on his retirement after 43 years
• Public comment period open to residents and non-residents

The Board of Education received a presentation on the 2022-2023 audit report from Lerch, Vinci & Higgins. The meeting primarily consisted of student and employee recognitions and committee reports. No formal votes on resolutions or policy changes were recorded in the provided text.

• Presented 2022-2023 audit report (no vote recorded)

Regular Board Meeting - 7:00 pm

The Clifton Board of Education will present awards to students and staff, receive a HIB Period 1 report from the Director of Operations, and vote to approve meeting minutes from December 7, 2023 and January 4, 2024. The meeting also includes public recognition and procedural items.

• Presentation of HIB Period 1 report by Michael Doktor, Director of Operations and Student Services
• Recognition of students Mariam Gebril, Nazli Yildiz, and Crystalin Castillo for President's Volunteer Service Awards
• Recognition of CHS January Students of the Month: Robinson Thelusma Guante, Shawn Atamian, Emilia Wilk, Julia Galik
• Recognition of January Distinguished Employees of the Month: Eric Mountain, Ana Rosa Duarte, Karen Ponce, Bryan Stepneski
• Adoption of minutes from December 7, 2023 and January 4, 2024 regular meetings

The Board approved the meeting minutes from December 7, 2023, and January 4, 2024. The session primarily focused on student and employee recognition and a presentation on HIB Period 1 data. No other substantive policy or financial decisions were recorded.

• Adopted minutes of December 7, 2023 and January 4, 2024 (9-0)

Reorganization Meeting - 6:00 pm

This reorganization meeting includes the election of the Board of Education president and vice president for the coming year. The board will also vote on appointment of school attorney (Weiner Law Group at $165/hour), special education counsel (Machado Law Group at $150/hour), auditor (Lerch, Vinci & Bliss up to $77,150), and other routine professional services. Additionally, the board will designate banks, renew tax-sheltered programs, adopt curriculum guides, and continue existing policies.

• Election of board president and vice president for the term beginning January 4, 2024
• Appointment of Weiner Law Group as general counsel at $165 per hour
• Appointment of Machado Law Group as special education counsel at $150 per hour
• Appointment of auditor Lerch, Vinci & Bliss with a fee not to exceed $77,150
• Renewal of tax-sheltered programs with multiple vendors including AIG Valic, Vanguard, and others

The Board held its reorganization meeting to elect leadership and appoint professional service providers for the year. Members Alan Paris and Dr. Lucy Danny were elected as President and Vice President, respectively. The Board also approved a series of administrative appointments and designated TD Bank for payroll and general funds.

• Elected Alan Paris as Board President (5-4)
• Elected Dr. Lucy Danny as Board Vice President (5-4)
• Appointed Weiner Law Group, LLP as general counsel at $165.00 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 $77,150.00
• Designated TD Bank for payroll and General Fund Accounts
• Reappointed Ahmed Shehata and Michael Ucci as Board Secretary and Assistant Board Secretary
• Approved DiCara, Rubino as architect of record