[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6259518,"mediaKeyId","3140995-d417ca73f46c8d109ec9953d0d952f6a","parentId",3140995,"title","District honors April student of the month, Special Olympics athletes and champion Gianna Evelina","audioSeconds",827,"startMs",724000,"endMs",1551000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3140995-d417ca73f46c8d109ec9953d0d952f6a&start=724&end=1551","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3140995-d417ca73f46c8d109ec9953d0d952f6a/thumbnail_724000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6259518/New-Jersey/District-honors-April-student-of-the-month-Special-Olympics-athletes-and-champion-Gianna-Evelina","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259518-779d842624cc9e5f3fafe8553b38de56/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168551&Signature=aYaT2UR0xGcFzXLBcd0QKvEj9cpW0QFhvmWVY0vTZHdb~wefuBVhZGsFKX95kYvIjaTCLTY6fC2O6f0-1bNvue4Y4HEqb9IkhQa0CzkcUGPm93eVpQle3kJUdeD94nnTI-jRP2jRD0Xd6RuR4-~DJW6aQKtTLjM9GcTJkkAyZjn8SEWXDuKwxO5vGNpP~2UvUSkFzx4vnjGSD4U0UNWvgDwc5OZ79Cno79yIxUzi5-1ZIUMWs6pnbwN45fxm4XabUdPZBdktR9cN~yyT4PH5bG85WDPMPpW4zFNpqnr4yTDCv3eav2KeND9jlKtnDY2lsK8IetXq9MClMd9tcdf2Ig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Garfield Public School District","date","2025-04-29T00:28:35.77Z","article","The Garfield Public School District recognized student and athlete achievements at its April 28 board meeting, naming Rebecca Delgado Berano as April student of the month, presenting Special Olympics athletes with medals and congratulating eighth-grader Gianna Evelina on qualifying for international competition.

Rebecca Delgado Berano was introduced by an English/social studies teacher who praised her academic record — membership in the National Honor Society and Math Honor Society — leadership as vice president of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica and college-level coursework at Rutgers Business School. Rebecca accepted the award and thanked teachers, coaches and family for their support.

The meeting also recognized eight Special Olympics athletes. The assistant coach and team representative summarized results reported by the district: Adam Alatiott won two bronze medals (100m and 200m), Lexi Bonin earned a silver (100m) and a bronze (200m), Jason and Nick Eskenetti each won bronze in the 100m and 200m, Tyler Ruderman placed third in both the 100m and 200m, Saeed Obid earned silver (100m) and bronze (200m), Jeremiah Perez received a sixth-place certificate in the 100m and silver in the 200m, Genetee Rodriguez received a fourth-place certificate (100m) and silver (200m), and Raynard Rogers took silver in the 100m and a gold in the 200m. The assistant coach thanked families, coaches and district staff for support.

A middle-school principal told the board that Gianna Evelina, an eighth grader and straight-A student who trains five days per week in jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts, won a gold medal at a qualifying event and will represent Team USA in international competition in Abu Dhabi or Dubai as described by the principal. The principal announced a district dress-down fundraiser to help offset travel costs for the family.

Board President and board members presented a plaque to Board Member Alan Focarino in recognition of his Master Board Member award, noted by the president as a first for the district.

The board held the recognitions early in the meeting during the superintendent’s report and public sections and applauded the students and coaches.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","GBOE Live Board Meeting April 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Garfield Public School District recognized Rebecca Delgado Berano as student of the month, celebrated Special Olympics athletes who won multiple medals and honored middle schooler Gianna Evelina for qualifying to represent Team USA overseas.","taxTitle","Garfield Public School District, School Districts, New Jersey","taxId",68130,"location","New Jersey","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6259523,"Residents and former staff press Garfield board on reading programs and question new position controls; local pastor seeks school space",398,2692000,3090000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3140995-d417ca73f46c8d109ec9953d0d952f6a&start=2692&end=3090","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3140995-d417ca73f46c8d109ec9953d0d952f6a/thumbnail_2692000.jpg","/articles/6259523/New-Jersey/Residents-and-former-staff-press-Garfield-board-on-reading-programs-and-question-new-position-controls-local-pastor-seeks-school-space","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259523-2983cc54891a90cd6e382f72e2842678/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168551&Signature=JLGL5tXyWv8Nchfl-HZt9PKhYQxJLTGfzJFZR2P6vHBxiorhDN3Z8eGalWQfwZ2KI-oLrJNx5RqW3qcU5F3u15F2wyY-RR3ngq1xuLg3UeGzwgDHv~iN221GKBOMnJZ5gncHuu4ytkYQbTL-SMkcYcBWjImG5BWeK1VxJpfeYiurEDFlNtejRJrH25hnhWhuIqsp1yPYyNBt38C-Dk2GQ~VLPoQLwXqmAx3bZfXuVkPTiY9TKqAQgEREOh06BxMr3v2NAUoLGsurxf5Fc3rb-lS~VAyq76OSQgXrqekXQUyTBKK2XuG8bBtnv8VcLhkpSyNVQ5BNiN~8wKuii5CELA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several public commenters at the Garfield Public School District board meeting on April 28 urged the board to prioritize reading remediation programs and questioned whether newly approved position controls would improve classroom instruction.

Arlene Catieri, who identified herself as a resident, said she is concerned that the agenda items creating position controls appear to add supervisory posts at a time when the district needs direct classroom supports. “It’s all creating positions,” Catieri said during public comment, adding that she did not see items on phonics or targeted reading supports on the agenda.

Former district federal programs supervisor Jerry Ledford urged the board to expand access to the Wilson Reading System, a phonics-based intervention he said was previously established in Garfield and whose local trainer, Linda Porpora, could offer cost-effective training. “Wilson is one of the things you need in Garfield,” Ledford said, adding that Title funding can pay for training.

A pastor, Christian Allen of the House of Worship Christian Church, addressed the board about his congregation’s need for a larger meeting site and said the church had previously used district facilities and engaged with the district, the fire department and building inspectors on occupancy and safety. Allen said his congregation grew after the pandemic and that leaders sought to continue meeting in Garfield.

Why it matters: public comment signaled community concern that administrative reorganizations and new job descriptions not displace focus on classroom reading instruction and direct student supports. Speakers cited existing district programs and federal funding as potential resources to expand reading intervention.

What the district said: board and district leaders replied in the meeting that the personnel approvals are position controls and that existing programs such as Wilson and MTSS remain in place; the superintendent and board members said there is a train-the-trainer structure for reading interventions and that the lead-teacher position is intended as an instructional support role.

The board said it will consider posting or filling positions after reorganization and review requests for program funding and training as part of regular curriculum and Title funding processes.","During public comment at the April 28 Garfield Board meeting, residents urged renewal of Wilson reading training and questioned the district’s personnel postings; a local pastor said his congregation needs large facilities and said organizers had coordinated with the district.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6259528,"Garfield board approves personnel position controls, finance, facilities and policy items; orders guardrail and backs esports lab",1736,517000,2253000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3140995-d417ca73f46c8d109ec9953d0d952f6a&start=517&end=2253","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3140995-d417ca73f46c8d109ec9953d0d952f6a/thumbnail_517000.jpg","/articles/6259528/New-Jersey/Garfield-board-approves-personnel-position-controls-finance-facilities-and-policy-items-orders-guardrail-and-backs-esports-lab","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259528-579a5087ee723e58c3375b2c4b2c4a8e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168551&Signature=PsE05gdcUbJA0SRb0d1Ov3I00WOHf6xzHVqW08M~JFpIhttfNnx3a6M2QHBxGfFILSnlQXZz9YaSw9fQ6KG1x-aQRmBIeFJbiKrC2ZtZ7bUkrzRnWnEraNWrh1gdT5h6vKy7kH2H0M3XbyKwUIxgKbD1LIyjnqC4HGSLyzCjSKQ2D-PE7N0wdpROKxuyurbHO~-ixcSZ-viuK2qJKJrCUJl6S7-U75ZzXYJOLDshdES46DjqjnrFUs9J3HvkQiIzkSMSdnRK-0mV4hohcDSudVMpatod3ZSkVwTAA8ddO19-cxTGveTTpSCOeFd8rE9Sqni9vesdp5QIXU-Os9sHZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Garfield Public School District Board of Education on April 28 approved personnel position controls and passed a package of finance, education, facilities and policy items, while board and district leaders emphasized the approvals do not immediately add new payroll lines.

The approvals were part of the board’s consent motions covering personnel items 7.1–7.18, finance items in the 9.x series, education items 11.1–11/2021, facilities items 13.1–13.2 and policy items 16.1–16.2. The board also voted to place a purchase order for an esports lab at Garfield High School, ordered 100 feet of guardrail for the Semmel Avenue and Palisade corners, and authorized continued work on gym renovations and backstop repairs.

Superintendent Dr. Tomko told the board that the personnel items put job descriptions and position controls on the district’s books but are “not additional positions.” He said the district’s budget totals for administration are intended to remain the same and that the controls will allow the board and administration to post and fill roles later as needed. “These are not additional positions,” Dr. Tomko said. “They have additional position controls, which means the board has the ability to fill them if it wants.”

Why it matters: position controls determine what jobs the district may advertise and hire for in the coming year. Board members said the changes are intended to improve program articulation between elementary and secondary grades, support MTSS (multi-tiered systems of support) and create a lead-teacher pathway so teachers can take on expanded administrative duties when necessary.

Key votes and motions
- Personnel (agenda items 7.1–7.18): motion to approve moved by Miss Sanchez and seconded by Dr. Pivarochik; roll call recorded as aye from Board Members Taylor, Focarino, Gaba, Dr. Pivarochik, Miss Sanchez, Quiles and Ramos. Motion carries; outcome recorded as approved. Notes: superintendent emphasized these are position controls, not immediate hires.
- Finance (agenda items in the 9.x series): motion by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Focarino; roll call produced a majority voting aye and at least one abstention recorded by Mr. Focarino on certain listed finance subitems. Motion carries.
- Education (11.1 through 11/2021): motion carried with an abstention recorded by Mr. Focarino on items 11.6 and 11.11; remaining items passed.
- Facilities (13.1–13.2): passed; Mr. Focarino recorded an abstention on item 13.2. Approvals covered routine maintenance purchase orders and the custom wall padding purchase order for the Frank M. Dawson Memorial Gymnasium; the board also approved logo windscreens for the exterior athletic complex.
- Policy (16.1–16.2): unanimous approval on recorded roll call.

Facilities and program details recorded in the meeting included:
- Installation of two water-bottle filling stations at Garfield High School (reported complete).
- Frank M. Dawson Memorial Gymnasium is about 95% painted; a purchase order for custom wall padding was placed on the facilities agenda.
- A 100-foot guardrail order for Semmel Avenue and the opposite Palisade corner was reported as placed to improve safety along sidewalks near athletic fields.
- A backstop extension for the softball/athletic field is on back order with Dakota Contracting; the district said delivery is expected soon.
- The board approved a purchase order for an esports lab at Garfield High School.
- The district has begun an updated energy audit; initial work will include conversion to LED lighting.

Board procedure change
Board leadership said the district will trial moving public comment to before votes after the board’s reorganization so members of the public may speak on items prior to a board vote.

Discussion vs. decision
Board members repeatedly framed the personnel approvals as creating position controls and job descriptions rather than immediate hires; the board will determine whether to post or fill positions after reorganization. The superintendent and administration repeatedly described some items as reconfigurations or consolidations tied to retirements, not increases to the approved administrative spending total.

Next steps
Board members said committees and the newly constituted board after reorganization will determine which controls are posted and whether to fill roles. Facilities work will proceed according to vendor timelines for guardrails, backstops and padding, and the district will implement parts of the energy audit starting with LED lighting.","At its April 28 meeting the Garfield Public School District Board of Education approved a slate of personnel position controls, finance, education, facilities and policy items, voted to proceed on facilities work including a 100-foot guardrail order and an esports lab purchase, and will trial moving public comment before votes.","actionData","errors"]

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District honors April student of the month, Special Olympics athletes and champion Gianna Evelina

Residents and former staff press Garfield board on reading programs and question new position controls; local pastor seeks school space

Garfield board approves personnel position controls, finance, facilities and policy items; orders guardrail and backs esports lab