THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
METUCHEN, NEW JERSEY
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2025
MEETING AGENDA
of the Metuchen Board of Education
Metuchen High School
400 Grove Avenue
Metuchen, NJ 08840
-
Call to Order
-
Flag Salute
-
Notice of Meeting
I hereby make this statement to indicate compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act known as Chapter 231 of the Public Laws of New Jersey, 1975, which became effective 90 days after enactment, January 19, 1976.
Notice of this meeting was given by providing the location, time and date of this meeting, and posting of the same on the front door of the Board of Education offices, by delivering copies to the Borough Hall and the Metuchen Public Library, The Home News and Tribune, and by filing a copy with the Borough Clerk as prescribed by this law.
-
Roll Call
|
Mr. Bhatt
|
|
Ms. Killean
|
|
|
Ms. Cheatham
|
|
Mr. Lifton
|
|
|
Mr. Derflinger
|
|
Ms. Michaels-LaMorte
|
|
|
Mr. Glassberg
|
|
Dr. Spigner
|
|
|
Dr. Johnson-Marcus
|
|
Mr. Suss
|
|
-
Showcase of Success
❖ MHS Chamber Orchestra
The MHS Chamber Orchestra is the premier orchestral ensemble in the Metuchen School District. The MHS Chamber Orchestra consistently received Gold Ratings at the CJMEA Orchestra Festival, and was selected to perform at both the NJMEA Convention in 2024, and the prestigious ASTA National Orchestra Festival in 2025.
Tonight they will be performing a portion of Schubert's "Death and the Maiden" String Quartet. Come see Chamber Orchestra perform the work in its entirety at the Winter Orchestra Concert on Wednesday December 10th at 7:00pm.
❖ Students with Perfect NJSLA Scores Spring 2025
|
Perfect NJSLA Score English Language Arts
|
|
BRYNN ALLEN
|
|
MADELEINE AU
|
|
ANIKA BANGIA
|
|
HASINI PADMA BHARATH
|
|
AUDREY BONILLA
|
|
EMILY BORTOLATO
|
|
CLAIRE CAHILL
|
|
SANYA CAPP
|
|
CHRISTOPHER CHEN
|
|
HAZEL CRAFT
|
|
DAVID DICKMAN
|
|
CALVIN DUPUIS
|
|
TANAY ETUKURI
|
|
NASHID FARUQUE
|
|
MICHAEL FAWCETT
|
|
AFRIEL ANN FERNANDEZ
|
|
ASHTON GANDHI
|
|
KAVYA GANDHI
|
|
OLIVIA GREEN
|
|
BRIAN HE
|
|
KARA HEYBOER
|
|
MOIRA HWANG
|
|
MARYAM JAMALI
|
|
AYUSHI KAMATH
|
|
KATHERINE KILLEAN
|
|
OLIVIA LAM
|
|
MAXWELL LELAND
|
|
ANMEI LI
|
|
LUCIENNE LIN
|
|
SOPHIE LOBO
|
|
CAMILLA LUDWIG ALVARADO
|
|
SOPHIA MALEH
|
|
ERICA MERZLYAKOV
|
|
ALEIA MICABALO
|
|
KATHERINE MOLINEUX
|
|
KAILASH MYERS
|
|
WILLIAM NUSSBAUM
|
|
EDWARD PERLIN
|
|
SOPHIE POTTER
|
|
ANIKA RAI
|
|
JOANNA RAICHILSON
|
|
HARINI RAO
|
|
EVA SKVARCEK
|
|
CONNER STONE
|
|
NICHOLAS TANG
|
|
SONAM VYAS
|
|
JESSIE ZHANG
|
|
SALLY ZHENG
|
|
SEBASTIAN ZICCARDI
|
|
MILA ZIN
|
|
Perfect NJSLA Score Mathematics
|
|
MAYA DODSON
|
|
NASHID FARUQUE
|
|
BRIAN HE
|
|
JAYDEN HSU
|
|
IAN HUA
|
|
STEVEN JACOBSON
|
|
VIDHUR KARTHIK
|
|
ELLA MIAO
|
|
GRACE NAHASS
|
|
SUMEDH NAIKSATAM
|
|
EDWARD PERLIN
|
|
NICHOLAS TANG
|
|
ARJUN VENKAT
|
|
JAYA WALIA
|
|
YITONG WANG
|
|
Perfect NJSLA Score Science
|
|
MAYA DODSON
|
|
KAI ENGLERT
|
|
ALISTAIR FAWCETT
|
|
ASHER GREENBAUM
|
|
MATTHEW LIFTON
|
|
BARNAV MITRA
|
|
REECE OSBORN-JONES
|
|
AIDAN RYDAROWSKI
|
-
Meeting Open to the Public (for any topic)
-
Presentations
❖ District Goals Update - Dr. Caputo
-
Reports
-
Old Business
-
New Business
-
Approval of Minutes of the Board of Education Meetings
|
October 28, 2025
|
Special Business Meeting (1)
|
|
October 28, 2025
|
Special Business Meeting (2)
|
|
October 28, 2025
|
Board Meeting
|
-
Meeting Open to the Public (for any topic)
-
Recommendations of the Superintendent of Schools
(at this time the Board will take formal action on the following items – see attachments)
Oftentimes it may appear to members of our audience that the Board of Education takes action with very little comment and in many cases a unanimous vote. Before a matter is placed on the agenda at a public meeting, the administration has thoroughly reviewed the matter with the Superintendent of Schools. If the Superintendent is satisfied that the matter is ready to be presented to the Board of Education, it is then referred to the appropriate board committee. The members of the board committee work with administration and the Superintendent to assure that the members fully understand the matter. When the committee is satisfied with the matter, it is presented to the Board of Education for discussion before any final action is taken. Only then, is it placed on the agenda for action at a public meeting.
-
PERSONNEL
Motion/Second/Comments/Roll Call
----------------------------end of personnel section--------------------------
-
FINANCE
Motion/Second/Comments/Roll Call
1. Professional Development
Move to approve the following professional development activities as shown on the following chart:
|
Start Date
|
End Date
|
Activity Title
|
Name
|
Building
|
Approved
|
Payment
|
FFPI Proposal #
|
|
10/21/
2025
|
10/21/
2025
|
CST & Related Services- Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) & the IEP Process
|
Crawford, Courtney
|
Edgar
|
$0
|
No cost
|
10/21/
2025
|
|
11/5/
2025
|
11/5/
2025
|
Evolving the Definition of Dyslexia for Greater Inclusivity & Impact
|
Murphy, Samantha
|
Campbell
|
$0
|
No cost
|
11/5/
2025
|
|
11/5/
2025
|
11/5/
2025
|
Evolving the Definition of Dyslexia for Greater Inclusivity & Impact
|
Santasieri, Erin
|
Campbell
|
$0
|
No cost
|
11/5/
2025
|
|
12/2/
2025
|
12/2/
2025
|
ASCD Transformational Learning Summit
|
Lezama, Ann
|
MHS
|
$135
|
FFPI
|
12/2/
2025
|
|
12/2/
2025
|
12/2/
2025
|
ASCD Transformational Learning Summit
|
Nalepa, Lindsay
|
MHS
|
$135
|
FFPI
|
12/2/
2025
|
|
12/2/
2025
|
12/2/
2025
|
Transformational Learning Summit
|
Kurtin, Ilana
|
Central Office
|
$135
|
Other
|
12/2/
2025
|
|
12/5/
2025
|
12/5/
2025
|
NJCHE Annual Conference
|
Butler, Michael
|
Edgar
|
$183.13
|
FFPI
|
12/5/
2025
|
|
12/8/
2025
|
12/8/
2025
|
Regional Women's Educational Leadership Forum and Breakfast
|
Bonassisa, Deneane
|
Central Office
|
$65
|
Other
|
12/8/
2025
|
|
12/8/
2025
|
12/8/
2025
|
Central Math Jersey Supervisors' Meeting
|
Lemerich, Kathryn
|
Central Office
|
$8.46
|
No cost
|
12/8/
2025
|
|
12/18/
2025
|
12/18/
2025
|
Preparing for America at 250 Years: Indigenous History and Contemporary Life
|
Wagenblast, Eileen
|
MHS
|
$0
|
No cost
|
12/18/
2025
|
|
1/23/
2026
|
2/20/
2026
|
Designing Thinking Classrooms Across Disciplines
|
Green, Samantha
|
MHS
|
$295
|
FFPI
|
1/23/
2026
|
|
2/11/
2026
|
2/11/
2026
|
Elementary Math Labs: How to Transform your Math Classroom into an Inquisitive and Investigative Classroom (3-5)
|
Meyer, Lori
|
Edgar
|
$179
|
FFPI
|
2/11/
2026
|
|
2/18/
2026
|
2/18/
2026
|
Fractions to Functions (4-12)
|
Meyer, Lori
|
Edgar
|
$149
|
FFPI
|
2/18/
2026
|
2. Treasurer of School Monies and Board Secretary’s Reports
Move to approve the Treasurer of School Monies’ Report, and Board Secretary’s Report as of September 30, 2025.
3. Payment of Bills
a) Board Secretary’s Certification
Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6:20-2A.10(d), the Board Secretary has certified that as of November 18, 2025 no budgetary line item accounts have obligations and payments which exceed the amount appropriated by the Board of Education.
_____________________________________ _______________
Michael A. Harvier, Board Secretary Date
b) Approve the Following Items Submitted by the Board Secretary
Payment of bills and claims, as shown on the attached list(s) that have been certified by the Board of Education and filed in the Business Office.
4. Change Order M&M Construction
Move to approve the change orders as listed below:
|
Change Order #
|
Description
|
Amount
|
|
26
|
PCO#l03R2 Dated 9/4/25 - ASI#51 MHS Seating Area Drainage. ADD: $42,137.51
PCO#111 Dated 9/23/25 • PR! 9R3- Drainage at Wrestling Room. ADD: $3,836.66
PCO#l13 Dated 9/4/25 - MHS Wrestling Room Roof Drain. ADD: $7,554.09
PC0#115 Dated 9/26/25-MHS - RM 132 Devices. ADD: $1,078.31
PCO#116 Dated 9/26/25 - MHS - RM 168 Insulated Panel. ADD $2,297.64
|
$56, 904.21
|
|
27
|
PCO#102 Dated 914125 -MHS -Added Trenching for Primary Service. ADD: $33,395.51
|
$33, 395.51
|
|
28
|
PCO#120 Dated 10/23/25 - MHS - EUC Repair Existing Inlet. ADD: $3,926.86
|
$3, 926.86
|
|
29
|
PCO#121- Dated 11/4/2025 – MHS – PR32 Add Receptacles
|
$3,457.59
|
5. Grant Acceptance
Move to approve the 2025-2026 Wellness Grant Award through the Schools Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) in the amount of $11,663 and $2,500 stipend to Maryanne Vitagliano to administer the grant. Stipend is included in the grant.
6. Comprehensive Maintenance Plan
Move to approve the district's Comprehensive Maintenance Plan for the 2026-2027 school year.
----------------------------end of finance section--------------------------
-
POLICY
Motion/Second/Comments/Roll Call
1. Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying
Move to affirm the findings of the previously reported case.
2. Suspensions
The Board hereby acknowledges receipt of the suspension report summary for October 27, 2025 - November 14, 2025.
3. First Reading of Policies and Regulations
Move to approve the first readings of the following policies and regulations:
-
P 6220 Budget Preparation (M)
-
P 6111 Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI) Program (M)
-
P 1636.01 Notification of Promotion, New Job, and Transfer Opportunities
-
P 0173 Duties of Public-School Accountant
-
P 0143 Board Member Election and Appointment
-
P 0177 Professional Services (M)
-
P 0174 Legal Services (M)
-
R 6220 Budget Preparation
-
R 6111 Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI) Program (M)
-
P 1648.15 Recordkeeping for Healthcare Settings In School Buildings –
Covid-19 (M) (Abolished)
----------------------------end of policy section--------------------------
-
CURRICULUM
Motion/Second/Comments/Roll Call
1. Field Trips
Move to approve the following field trips for students in the Metuchen School District as shown:
|
School
|
Destination
|
Class/Group/
Purpose
|
Teachers/
Advisors
|
Date(s)
|
No. Of Students
|
Board Cost- Transportation
|
Number of
Subs Needed.
|
|
EMS
|
Metuchen Library
|
Grades 3-8; Students will engage in community-based instruction to the Metuchen Public Library to generalize communication, social skills and ELA goals outside of the classroom and practice engaging within the community.
|
Brian Jeney, Alexis Wolford, Brendan McCunney, Michelle Duggan, Kelsee Young, Emily Bianchi and Lori Anne DiSerio
|
11/18/
2025
|
8
|
$50
|
no subs needed
|
|
MHS
|
NJASCD Transformational Learning Summit Registration
|
Grades 9-12; Students will experience best practices in education and gain inspiration from keynote speaker Richard Culatta, who will share innovative insights on the future of teaching and learning. They will also connect with student leader presenters to learn practical strategies for success.
|
Lindsay Nalepa
|
12/2/
2025
|
3
|
$0
|
1 sub needed
|
|
CES
|
Edgar
|
Grades 3-4;Students will engage in group activities designed to increase and generalize their communication, social, academic and daily living skills.
|
Brian Jeney, Alexis Wolford, Brendan McCunney, Kelsee Young, Michelle Duggan, Emily Bianchi, Lori Anne DiSerio
|
12/5/
2025
|
8
|
$40
|
no subs needed
|
|
MHS
|
Campbell
|
Grade 12; Senior MHS students, part of the Robert Wood Johnson Safety Ambassador Program, will be presenting safety lessons to Campbell first grade students.
|
Karin Flores
|
1/29/
2026
|
8
|
$40
|
1 sub needed
|
|
MHS
|
Campbell
|
Grade 12; Senior MHS students, part of the Robert Wood Johnson Safety Ambassador Program, will be presenting safety lessons to Campbell first grade students.
|
Karin Flores and Danielle Cermak
|
2/12/
2026
|
8
|
$40
|
1 sub needed
|
|
MHS
|
North Brunswick High School
|
Grades 9-12; Students in the MHS Chamber Orchestra will participate in the CJMEA High School Orchestra Festival at North Brunswick HS. Students will perform their festival setlist to a panel of judges who will give them written and verbal feedback.
|
Christopher McEwan
|
2/23/
2026 (after school trip 4-9pm)
|
23
|
$160
|
no subs needed
|
|
MHS
|
Campbell
|
Grade 12; Senior MHS students, part of the Robert Wood Johnson Safety Ambassador Program, will be presenting safety lessons to Campbell first grade students.
|
Karin Flores and Sarah Karger
|
3/12/
2026
|
8
|
$40
|
1 sub needed
|
|
MHS
|
Campbell
|
Grade 12; Senior MHS students, part of the Robert Wood Johnson Safety Ambassador Program, will be presenting safety lessons to Campbell first grade students.
|
Karin Flores and Danielle Cermak
|
4/9/
2026
|
8
|
$40
|
1 sub needed
|
|
MHS
|
Hamilton on Broadway
|
Grade 10; Hamilton covers area that we study in U.S. 1
|
Evan Robbins, Steve Cichetti, Christopher Giddes
|
4/15/
2026
(after school trip 4-9:30 pm)
|
100
|
$0
|
no subs needed
|
|
MHS
|
New Providence Middle School
|
Grades 7 and 8; Students in the EMS Advanced Orchestra will participate in the CJMEA Middle School Band/Orchestra Festival. Students will perform for other middle schools in the region, and will receive feedback from professionals in the field.
|
Christopher McEwan and Jordyn Gallagher
|
4/24/
2026
|
12
|
$140
|
1 sub needed
|
|
EMS
|
Somerset Patriots Baseball Park
|
Grade 6; It will be STEM day- there will be activities in math and science for our students to participate in. Students will complete an assignment before and after trip. Exercises focus on how baseball connects to math, science ELA, and Social Studies.
|
Kristin Bruno, Paul Mruczinski, Ken Smith, Karen Logan, Allyson Rescorl, Suzy Palmer, Caroline Forde, Rebecca Dwyer,Julia Vaughn,Rachel DiVanno
|
5/27/
2026
|
200
|
$0
|
no subs needed
|
|
CES
|
NJ State House & State Museum
|
Grade 4; Social Studies: Civics & History
|
Alexandra Gonzalez, Bianca Rodriguez, Sandy Vorensky, Gina Kish, Rebecca Porretto, Melissa Fiore, Nicole Valera
|
6/10/
2026
|
100
|
$0
|
no subs needed
|
2. ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) Grant 2025-2026
Move to approve the district’s ESSA grant for 2025-2026 school year to accept the allocations and intended use as per the application (Agenda 8/26/25, Section 13, B8):
|
Title
|
Total Allocation
|
Public Allocation
|
Non Public Allocation
|
|
Title IA
|
$63,648
|
$63,648
|
$0
|
|
Title IIA
|
$31,034
|
$25,476
|
$5,558
|
|
Title III
|
$12,590
|
$12,590
|
$0
|
|
Title III Immigrant
|
$5,631
|
$5,631
|
$0
|
|
Title IVA
|
$10,000
|
$8,209
|
$1,791
|
3. Professional Development
Move to approve F Jones Consulting & Team, LLC DBA Magnolia Consulting Group to provide professional development for I&RS and 504 teams on tiered interventions and supports, for the 2025-2026 school year, not to exceed $5,600.
4. Professional Development
Move to approve F Jones Consulting & Team, LLC DBA Magnolia Consulting Group to provide professional development for Special Education teachers for the 2025-2026 school year on behavior strategies and interventions, not to exceed $5,600(IDEA grant funded).
----------------------------end of curriculum section--------------------------
-
Meeting Open to Public (for any topic)
-
Announcements
-
Motion to Go Into Executive Session (when applicable)
Resolution to Close Meeting
BE IT RESOLVED, pursuant to the Sunshine Act, N.J.S. 10:4-12 and 13, that the Board of Education will now meet in executive session to discuss _____________________________________ and that matters discussed will be disclosed to the public as soon as the reason for confidentiality no longer exist.
-
Adjournment
