THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

METUCHEN, NEW JERSEY

 

TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2026

 

MEETING AGENDA 

of the Metuchen Board of Education

Metuchen High School

400 Grove Avenue

Metuchen, NJ  08840

1. Call to Order

 

2. Flag Salute

 

3. 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.

 

4. Roll Call

 

5. Showcase of Success

❖    Student Advisory Board

❖    MHS Seal of Biliteracy

 

Metuchen High School is proud to announce the following 43 students received the New Jersey State Seal of Biliteracy in Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Latvian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Tamil, and Ukrainian. The NJ State Seal of Biliteracy was established to recognize high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, listening and writing in one or more world languages in addition to English. To earn the NJ State Seal of Biliteracy students must meet graduation requirements for English Language Arts and earn a proficiency level of Intermediate Mid or higher on a state approved, world language assessment. Congratulations to the following students:

 

Seniors

 

Lauren Bonilla -  French

Branton de Costa -  Spanish

Kai Englert -  Japanese

Munachiso Ezem-Madu - Spanish

 

Saanvi Karthik -  French

Benjamin Lopez -  Spanish

Aidan Rydarowski - Spanish

 

    

Juniors

 

Julia Armour - Spanish

Eashaan Bhattacharyya - Spanish

Jocelyn Branch - French

Oscar Chang - Chinese

Daniel Choi - Spanish

Adriana Contreras Mayta - Spanish

Samika Devarajan - Spanish

Ava Foti - Spanish

Aiden Geary - Spanish

Julia Hajjar - Spanish

Eileen He - Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish

Zakhar Karpiuk - Russian and Ukrainian

Mira Karwowski - Polish

Arturs Krumins - Latvian

Chamber Lam - Chinese

Luke Leber - Spanish

Kiko Li - Chinese and Japanese

Sathvik Majumdar - Spanish

Gavin Moorman - Spanish

Charlotte Murphy - Spanish

Siddhant Naik - Spanish

Ragav Laxman Nellaiappan - Hindi, Spanish, and Tamil

Kyle O'Brien - Spanish

Lucy Ongteco - Spanish

Anya Prabhakar - German

Daniel Ruiz - Spanish

Ronan Sequeira - Hindi

Sophia Serban - Spanish

Marko Skoratko - Ukrainian 

Elisa Taegar - Spanish

Joseph Tamburello - Spanish

Aleena Varma - Spanish

Vikram Venkat - Tamil

Sayuri Vohra - Spanish

Shiyuan Wang - Chinese

Allen Zheng - Chinese

 

❖    Sports Champions

 

MHS Girls Track and Field

Central Jersey Group 1 Sectional Champions

Group 1 State Champions

Ella Andersen

Kadijata Bah

Emma Ballantine

Madeline Bersch

Jocelyn Branch

Makenna Bruns

Maria DiFino

Sophie Ferrara

Olivia Irving

Sabrina Kandel

Julia Kelly

Charlotte Murphy

Amber Murray

Lucy Ongteco

Ella Regan

Madeline Sinclair

Rose Surgan

Jordana Woods

Taylor Zaneto

 

Sectional Champion 

100m Hurdles

Triple Jump

Julia Kelly

 

Group 1 Champion

200m

Sectional Champion

100m 200m 400m

Makenna Bruns

 

Group 1 Champions

4x400 Relay

Sectional Champions

4x400 Relay

Kadijata Bah

Makenna Bruns

Charlotte Murphy

Rose Surgan

 

Sectional Champions

4x100 Relay

Kadijata Bah

Julia Kelly

Charlotte Murphy

Rose Surgan

 

MHS Boys Track and Field

Sectional Champions

4x400m Relay

Zakhar Karpiuk

Tyler Nicholson

Peter Szap

Ishan Ullal

 

MHS Boys Tennis

White Division Champions

Central Jersey Group 1 Sectional Champions

Jonathan Chen

Eli Danziger

Shawn Falkovich

Jayden Hsu

Chamber Lam

Sathvik Majumdar

Maddan Felipe Maktal

Jeremy Mark

Patrick Truc

 

6. Meeting Open to the Public (for any topic)

 

7. Presentations 

 

8. Reports

• President’s Report

• Superintendent's Report 

• Committee Reports

• Student Board Member Report

 

9. Old Business

 

10. New Business

 

11. Approval of Minutes of the Board of Education Meetings

 

 

12. Meeting Open to the Public (for any topic)

 

13. Recommendations of the Superintendent of Schools

(at this time the Board will take formal action on the following items – see attachments)

Often times 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.

 

1. PERSONNEL

Motion/Second/Comments/Roll Call

 

1.    Volunteer Clubs

    Move to approve the following volunteer clubs at Metuchen High School and Edgar Middle School:

 

 

2.    Leave of Absence - Certificated Staff

    Move to approve the leave of absence of Eileen Wagenblast, Teacher at Metuchen High School, effective August 31, 2026 through June 30, 2027.

 

3.    Appointment - Leave Replacement

    Move to approve the appointment of Sean Hubert, Leave Replacement for Eileen Wagenblast, Teacher at Metuchen High School, effective August 24, 2026 through approximately June 22, 2027, at a rate of $329.73*/day.

 

* salary may be adjusted based on new MEA contract 

 

4.    Appointment - Rescind

    Move to rescind the appointment of Ryan Brady, Teacher at Edgar School, for the 2025-2026 school year, at a salary of $64,050/year, Step 3A, prorated, effective June 15, 2026 through June 30, 2026 (Agenda 5/12/26, Section 13, A14).

 

5.    Appointment of Substitutes

    Move to approve the appointment of substitutes for the 2025-2026 school year as listed on the chart below, effective June 10, 2026, pending completion of substitute training and criminal history clearance: 

 

 

6.    Coaches – Metuchen High School and Edgar Middle School Fall 2026

    Move to approve the following Metuchen High School and Edgar Middle School coaches for the Fall 2026 school sports season as shown on the attached list.

 

7.    Coaches – Metuchen High School and Edgar Middle School Winter 2026- 2027

    Move to approve the following Metuchen High School and Edgar Middle School  coaches for the Winter 2026-2027 school sports season as shown on the attached list. 

 

8.    Coaches – Metuchen High School and Edgar Middle School Spring 2027

    Move to approve the following Metuchen High School and Edgar Middle School  coaches for the Spring 2027 school sports season as shown on the attached list. 

 

9.    Transfer - Paraprofessionals

    Move to approve the following Paraprofessional transfers for the 2026-2027 school year as listed:

 

 

10.    Resignation - Certificated Staff

    Move to accept the resignation of Isabella Harrington, BCBA for Metuchen Schools District, effective June 30, 2026.

 

11.    Appointment - Leave Replacement

    Move to approve the appointment of Christine Piovoso, Leave Replacement for Elizabeth Rentenberg, Teacher at Campbell School, effective August 26, 2026 through approximately December 4, 2026, at a rate of $329.73*/day.

 

* salary may be adjusted based on new MEA contract 

 

12.    Appointment - Leave Replacement

    Move to approve the appointment of Sue Fackler, Leave Replacement for Nga Fizur, School Nurse at Moss School, effective June 10, 2026 through June 24, 2026, at a salary of $329.73/day.

 

----------------------------end of personnel section--------------------------

 

2. FINANCE

Motion/Second/Comments/Roll Call

 

1.     Professional Development

    Move to approve the following professional development activities as shown on the following chart: 

 

 

2.    Facilities Use Agreement with YMCA

    Move to approve, the Facilities Use Agreement with YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy, effective September 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, at the rate of $2,500/month.

 

3.    Appointment – Treasurer of School Monies

Move to approve the appointment of Rebecca Cuthbert as Treasurer of School Monies for the 2026-2027 school year at a rate of $6,367.00/year. 

 

4.    Appointment – Board Attorney

    Move that the Board of Education (Board) approve the appointment of David Rubin, P.C. (Firm) as General Counsel and approve the Firm for the period of July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027. The Board will pay the Firm an hourly rate of $185/hour.

 

5.    Appointment – Board Attorney 

    Move that the Board of Education (Board) approve the appointment of The Machado Law Group (Firm) as Special Education Counsel and approve the Firm for the period of July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027. The Board will pay the Firm an hourly rate of $180/hour and $90/hour for Paralegals. 

 

6.    Appointment – Board Attorney

    Move that the Board of Education (Board) approve the appointment of Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC for the construction and procurement and approve the Firm for the period of July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027. The Board will pay the Firm $175/hour for partners and counsel, $170/hour for associates and $100/hour for clerks and paralegals.

 

7.    Appointment – Bond Attorney

    Move that the Board of Education (Board) approve the appointment of McManimon, Scotland & Baumann (Firm) as Bond Counsel and approve the Firm for the period from July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027. The Board will pay the firm an hourly rate of $225/hour and $199/hour legal assistant. 

 

8.    Establishment of Petty Cash Funds for the 2026-2027 School Year

    Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:19-3 move to approve the establishment of petty cash funds as of July 1, 2026. The individuals responsible for proper disposition of the indicated fund amounts are as follows:

 

 

9.    Tax Shelter Annuity Companies

    Move to approve PlanConnect as the third-party administrator for the following Tax Shelter Annuity Companies for the Metuchen School District for the 2026 -2027 school year. 

a)        403b & 457: Valic/Corebridge Financial and Equitable

b)        403b: USAA, Vanguard, and MetLife.

 

10.    Appointment – School Physician 

    Move to approve the appointment of Dr. Kevin Lukenda as district school physician for the 2026-2027 school year at the rate of $24,369.80/year.

 

11.    Appointment – Auditor

    Move to appoint Suplee, Clooney and Company as auditors for the 2026-2027 school year at a rate of $48,500.00/year. 

 

12.    Appointment of Representatives Requesting Federal and State Funds

    Motion to adopt the following resolution: 

 

RESOLVED that Vincent Caputo, Superintendent of Schools, Michael Harvier, Board Secretary/ Business Administrator of the Metuchen Board of Education, Tania Herzog, Assistant Superintendent, and Deneane Bonassisa, Director of Special Services or their designees, be designated as the Board’s agents to request state and federal funds under the existing State and Federal Laws for the 2026-2027 school year. 

 

13.    Appointments - Facilities Related

    Move to approve the appointment of Brian Shanley to the following positions for the 2026-2027 school year:

a)    Asbestos Management Officer

b)    Indoor Air Quality Designee

c)    Integrated Pest Management Coordinator

d)    Right to Know Officer

e)    AHERA Coordinator

f)    Chemical Hygiene Officer

 

14.    District Administrative Computers

    Move to approve the technology expenditure for district administrative computers in the amount of $37,311.60.

 

15.    District Computer Replacements

    Move to approve the technology expenditure for computer replacements for Special Services, Counseling, and Administration in the amount of $35,384.97.

 

 

16.    Appointment - Architects of Record

    Move to approve the appointment of Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc. as Architects of Record for the 2026-2027 school year. 

 

17.    Reserve Accounts

    

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 18A:21-2, N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-31, and N.J.S.A. 18A:7F-41 permit Board of Education to establish and/or deposit into certain reserve accounts at the end, and

WHEREAS, the aforementioned statutes authorize procedures, under the authority of the Commissioner of Education, which permits a Board of Education to transfer unanticipated excess current revenue or unexpended appropriations into reserve accounts during the month of June by board resolution, and 

WHEREAS, the Metuchen Board of Education wishes to transfer unanticipated excess current year revenue or unexpended appropriations from the general fund into the Capital Reserve Fund in the amount not to exceed $4,000,000 and Maintenance reserve in an amount not to exceed $700,000. 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Metuchen Board of Education that it hereby authorizes the district’s School Business Administrator to make this transfer consistent with all applicable laws and regulations.

 

18.    NJSIG Resolution

    

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 18A:18B-1, et seq., enables boards of education to join with other boards of education in school board insurance trusts for the purpose of forming self-insurance pools;

 

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Schools Insurance Group ("NJSIG") is a joint

insurance fund authorized by N.J.S.A. 18A:18B-1, et seq. to provide insurance coverage and risk management services for its members;

 

WHEREAS, the Metuchen Board of Education herein after referred to as the "Educational Institution," has resolved to apply for and/ or renew its membership with NJSIG;

 

WHEREAS, the Educational Institution certifies that it has not defaulted on a claim, and has not been cancelled for non-payment of insurance premium for a period of at least two (2) years prior to the date of its application to NJSIG;

 

WHEREAS, the Educational Institution desires to secure protection, services, and savings relating to insurance and self-insurance for itself and its departments and employees; and,

 

WHEREAS, the Educational Institution finds that the best and most efficient way of securing this protection and services is by cooperating with other boards of education in the State of New Jersey.

 

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT:

1. This agreement is made by and between NJSIG and the Educational Institution;

2. The Educational Institution joins with other boards of education in organizing and becoming members of NJSIG pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:18B-3(a), for a period of three years, beginning on July 1, 2026, and ending July 1, 2029 at 12:01 a.m.;

3. In consideration of membership in NJSIG, the Educational Institution agrees that for those types of coverage in which it participates, the Educational Institution shall jointly and severally assume and discharge the liabilities of each and every member of NJSIG to such agreement arising from their participation in NJSIG. By execution hereof the full faith and credit of the Educational Institution is pledged to the punctual payment of any sums which shall become due to NJSIG in accordance with the bylaws thereof, the plan of risk management, this Agreement and any applicable statute or regulation;

4. The Educational Institution and NJSIG agree that NJSIG shall hold all monies paid by the Educational Institution to NJSIG as fiduciaries for the benefit of NJSIG claimants all in accordance with applicable statutes and/or regulations;

5. NJSIG shall establish and maintain Trust Accounts in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:18B-1, et seq. and such other statutes and regulations as may be applicable;

6. By adoption and signing of this resolution, the Educational Institution is hereby joining NJSIG in accordance with the terms of this Indemnity and Trust Agreement and Resolution to Join / Renew Membership, effective the date indicated below, for the types of insurance as indicated in the Insurance Binder issued by NJSIG;

7. The Educational Institution hereby ratifies and affirms the bylaws and other organizational and operational documents of NJSIG, and as from time to time amended by NJSIG and/or the State of New Jersey, Department of Banking and Insurance, in accordance with the applicable statutes and regulations as if each and every one of said documents were re-executed contemporaneously herewith;

8. The Educational Institution agrees to be a participating member of NJSIG for the period herein provided for and to comply with all of the rules and regulations and obligations associated with said membership, including, but not limited to the NJSIG's Plan of Risk Management;

9. The Educational Institution under its obligations as a member of NJSIG agrees to allow for safety inspections of its properties, to pay contributions in a timely fashion and to comply with the bylaws and standards of participation of NJSIG including the plan of risk management;

10. IfNJSIG, in the enforcement of any part of this Agreement, shall incur necessary expense or become obligated to pay attorney's fees and/ or court costs, the Educational Institution agrees to reimburse NJSIG for all such reasonable expenses, fees and costs on demand;

11. The Business Administrator is hereby authorized in accordance with the Public School Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-1, et seq., to execute such contracts and documentation with NJSIG as is necessary to effectuate this resolution; and,

12. The Business Administrator is directed to send a certified copy of this Indemnity and Trust Agreement and Resolution to Join/ Renew Membership to NJSIG.

 

----------------------------end of finance section--------------------------

 

3. POLICY

Motion/Second/Comments/Roll Call

 

1.    Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

    Move to affirm the findings of the previously reported cases.

 

• EMS042826001

• EMS050526001

 

2.    Suspensions

The Board hereby acknowledges receipt of the suspension report summary for May 25, 2026 - June 5, 2026. 

 

3.    First Reading of Policies and Regulations

    Move to approve the first reading of the following policies and regulations:

 

❖    P1230 Superintendent’s Duties (M)

❖    P 5460 High School Graduation (M)

❖    P 1643 Family Leave (M)

❖    P 5561 Use of Physical Restraint and Seclusion Techniques for Students with Disabilities (M)

❖    P 5461 High School Diploma (M)

 

 ----------------------------end of policy section--------------------------

 

4. 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: 

 

 

2.    FOCUS Grant for 2026-2027 

Move to approve the acceptance of the NJDOE FOCUS grant in the amount of $4,896   for the 2026-2027 school year.

 

3.    Curriculum Writers  

Move to approve the following curriculum writers and amounts for the 2026-2027 school year:

 

 

----------------------------end of curriculum section--------------------------

 

14. Meeting Open to Public (for any topic)

 

15. Announcements

 

16. 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.

 

17. Adjournment