[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6555268,"mediaKeyId","3845997-9cc18066bcd0b16ec360f7fa475fdbac","parentId",3845997,"title","Belleville board welcomes new student representative, recognizes county poster contest winners","audioSeconds",336,"startMs",960000,"endMs",1296000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3845997-9cc18066bcd0b16ec360f7fa475fdbac&start=960&end=1296","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3845997-9cc18066bcd0b16ec360f7fa475fdbac/thumbnail_960000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6555268/New-Jersey/Belleville-board-welcomes-new-student-representative-recognizes-county-poster-contest-winners","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6555268-c8293fbbd05dbd50d9719a0148bbcdd7/orig.mp4?Expires=1773577862&Signature=L-LytnrOk8Pq7VuN3ocHQHjMNejvFkN56D9TC746IuAVg565xROviy~Oyi0PrWrBvjDNYjPlQiycGumrwaKcXCRkv~ThKFwCjBzbpmVpW1DlBJ97fqa2MToh5EotkHFX0eWNpROllYg~qcOCDmL6qH12ifkNhu9Jh0lF1-ckd0ORDuX2fZufJyX5MLdIUE~Ma1~zxLUP2r1A4SSqgIDD~t30n4Yh64J2MX-BkQw3VcMs8bDJ~pEjPIqQU8yp2hC0n1iSBNwyMxdQDXpZzHxS5M0BwAMzmmiHo8qmUwHeojDDh8NryKHL~uwmYkol6410KAx1Z6uKCu~6TMeTE0sz2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Belleville Public School District","date","2025-06-17T12:25:54Z","article","The Belleville Board of Education introduced a new student representative and recognized two students selected in the Essex County \"My Essex County\" poster contest at its June 16 meeting.

Jasmine Sapulveda (identified in the meeting as the new student board representative) introduced herself and highlighted spring events: the spring concert, senior awards and upcoming middle- and high-school graduations scheduled June 19 and June 20, respectively. She encouraged students to follow the high school journalism club and noted available academic support programs.

The board presented certificates to Monet Taylor and Emerson Daddis for their placements in the county poster contest, which is run by the county clerk’s office. A district presenter said more than 1,000 students across the county enter the contest each year and that there are 20 honorable mentions and 15 winners; Monet Taylor was cited as an honorable mention and Emerson Daddis as one of the 15 winners. The presenter said Belleville School 10 had both students represented among county honorees.

Why it matters: The board’s recognition highlights student achievement and county-level competition participation ahead of the end of the school year and graduation ceremonies.

Ending: Trustees and district staff congratulated graduating seniors and thanked staff and community members for the school year; the board welcomed incoming Superintendent Dr. Alfonso at a future meeting.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BOE Meeting 6-16-2025","oneSentenceSummary","The district welcomed a new student board representative and presented certificates to two Belleville students who placed among county winners in the \"My Essex County\" poster contest.","taxTitle","Belleville Public School District, School Districts, New Jersey","taxId",68124,"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},6555273,"Board approves grouped personnel, curriculum, policy, purchasing and finance resolutions",1986,939000,2925000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3845997-9cc18066bcd0b16ec360f7fa475fdbac&start=939&end=2925","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3845997-9cc18066bcd0b16ec360f7fa475fdbac/thumbnail_939000.jpg","/articles/6555273/New-Jersey/Board-approves-grouped-personnel-curriculum-policy-purchasing-and-finance-resolutions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6555273-7b926696c57e39970dfd616d5602b83d/orig.mp4?Expires=1773577862&Signature=RA8nF-87X9fLZDAh74GCCE3VHfTVbs0rd5pqLVYj0vllQ86C31Pt5~TiGfDOaUAd1DDnEl8S0evAm0A9oQR0bXfAgHMD1cy~RmKWlQNMBZFpq8Svj1Rc~dbSpXyC-KcXM6PBUdlICvfcp8-TdGlzDgEEhAf63cn5bB5OPqu92NlrtQCbJn3O-zFEEypdMECJ6x7vNBQD-cy76CDbdPXgrjkDCNCMQkIpEKZHt7RsHdIKoZQgE2xVoMQIg1TqIP6SiS41mWm7~Lmt~SG2zcsb12-M1uwbfirERIudz4psBqSWILFA1K8ET2QNNT3mIjS9ffcjmrBjyaTFUGKqT3phoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Belleville Board of Education voted on multiple grouped resolutions at its June 16 meeting. All grouped items presented that evening were approved by roll-call vote; two personnel items were tabled.

What the board approved (roll-call votes recorded as recorded in meeting minutes):
- Approval of minutes from the May 19 meeting (public and closed session) — motion approved.
- Personnel resolutions 9.1 through 9.46 — approved; items 9.39 and 9.45 were tabled at the meeting.
- Curriculum and instruction resolution 10.1 — approved.
- Board action and board policy resolutions 11.1 through 11.13 — approved (first readings and committee referrals as listed in agenda).
- Purchasing and business services resolutions 12.1 through 12.79 — approved (agenda includes high-value purchases: Chromebooks $999,749.82; teacher laptops $165,600; desktops $217,000; MindsEye license $182,731 among others).
- Finance resolutions 13.1 through 13.15 — approved.

Vote counts: The meeting’s roll call shows trustees voting unanimously in favor of each grouped slate: Trustee Gillis, Trustee Leon, Trustee Muniz, Trustee Masaccio, Trustee Pacheco, Vice President Darrow and President Benamini recorded “Yes” on the roll calls included in the minutes.

Notes: The agenda announced that personnel items 9.39 and 9.45 would be tabled. Board staff recorded that purchasing items include technology purchases and license renewals that will be implemented by the district’s purchasing and technology departments.

Ending: Board minutes will reflect the roll-call votes and any follow-up tasks assigned to district departments for implementation and public reporting.

","At its June 16 meeting the Belleville Board of Education approved grouped resolutions for personnel, curriculum, board policy, purchasing and finance. Two personnel items were tabled.",{"_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},6555278,"Residents urge action on dangerous Union and Home Street intersection after crossing-guard incident",379,3434000,3813000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3845997-9cc18066bcd0b16ec360f7fa475fdbac&start=3434&end=3813","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3845997-9cc18066bcd0b16ec360f7fa475fdbac/thumbnail_3434000.jpg","/articles/6555278/New-Jersey/Residents-urge-action-on-dangerous-Union-and-Home-Street-intersection-after-crossing-guard-incident","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6555278-2a82c4200153952bb0514e3f1ddd936a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773577862&Signature=T-HibaLunorHeCDv~dkUUYsTtzP30DurrG2kFrqmyuWAZIiZWyt~4QJPTBKFB3Z0htzIlx6vcG~FU3-SyUxLyrFItXEjfhLZDj2xt6SusYksN78LHQXGtoN~1K7VQZV-aU9QAwq1e3w2WHeFiZ9mghxG7WiXhU7YcJlbTqNnuyU-w1jWgAzVfJQFus69Sm4IuOwaC3mlqQDTnzMlTgjQP32KUX53bhcSXAIEV81NZ6vFO01KrOEkvRoOdzxniOm6bkfGc6SShPtKG-6t7jNS2NjkGdNnL05WWq0XR-Z2wpJQqPf0CH0ebGyyTiqX2f8Uf49~9AedWY5IfKZ6hXxDzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents urged the Belleville Board of Education and township officials to press county authorities to address a long-standing safety hazard at the intersection of Union and Home Street after a crossing guard was struck.

Why it matters: Speakers told the board the intersection has a decades-long history of collisions near school pick-up zones and urged faster action to prevent more serious injuries or deaths.

Vincent Frantantoni, a resident who has attended local meetings for many years, said the intersection by School No. 3 (Union and Home) has been identified repeatedly as hazardous in township planning materials and county studies. He said previous advocacy by residents helped secure a light at another nearby intersection and asked the board to “hound the county” to get Union and Home redesigned before someone is killed.

Board members and staff said they would follow up. A trustee (commenting from the dais) noted Essex County’s Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant and a county-led roadway safety study; the trustee said Belleville had low survey participation for the county’s outreach but that Belleville had also applied for its own SS4A-funded safety study. The trustee said county officials, the state and Belleville engineers appeared to be engaged on redesign plans and promised to share survey links and updates with the community.

What the board said: Trustees and the interim superintendent pledged to contact township and county officials to get information about the crossing-guard injury and current engineering proposals and to share follow-up with the public.

Next steps: Board staff said they would reach out to township and county officials for information, and trustees said they would publicize the SS4A materials and community survey so residents can report hazardous locations.

Ending: Residents and board members urged awareness of the SS4A survey and asked the public to report dangerous intersections to county and township officials to support design changes.

","Speakers called on the board and township to press county officials to redesign the longstanding dangerous intersection at Union and Home Street, where a crossing guard was recently hit.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6555283,"Parent raises concerns about Apollo after-school program: fees, pick-up rules and snack/enrichment services",434,2954000,3388000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3845997-9cc18066bcd0b16ec360f7fa475fdbac&start=2954&end=3388","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3845997-9cc18066bcd0b16ec360f7fa475fdbac/thumbnail_2954000.jpg","/articles/6555283/New-Jersey/Parent-raises-concerns-about-Apollo-after-school-program-fees-pick-up-rules-and-snackenrichment-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6555283-7c53351ee8eed3dff6c25cbf2701dfe8/orig.mp4?Expires=1773577862&Signature=NWoTgdZfuQ4H81Qo7YBGU3dF-xjJv3gJwFlLTPysFIcDRkuBGTlluG-300PtWoBY-O2TGuEidfYKMLpvm6WGdL274z3xJ~e3b9F2Bm1meYIXUxMEIEAWO2vQ1otfmszPIkmgZVSaRjE9EV2Maba5~-cqPDJg-dP7A9UYKOr9A4brK01NZx2iTtK1pFYKDzBpXD0HAqkXRybKnlx0YcObhApfIK4hQF-4rogLHAXPWhdRZL5pM~EZtcQoUSEDkL~UJxwOLfMfa8673mR0jJemOaD0jhLBAVQomOVPy8b6GmB7jKK8ocOqE4v1whNCpXkZyHlJDzqh0~haqMz4PLG0Tw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Belleville parent described problems with the district’s contracted after-school program run by Apollo during public comment at the June 16 Belleville Board of Education meeting, urging the board to review the contract or consider returning to the previous vendor.

Why it matters: Families said the program’s policies create scheduling and cost burdens for working parents and reduce the enrichment and homework support they expected.

Tina Newton Garcia, a Belleville resident who identified herself as the parent of two children at the Hornblower Early Childhood Center and as a school administrator in Jersey City, told the board the district’s switch from a vendor called Champions to Apollo left families with less-flexible payment rules and stricter pick-up penalties.

Newton Garcia said Champions had offered a weekly payment option that better matched variable family schedules. She said Apollo requires full monthly payment in advance even when a family needs only part of a month and that Apollo allows no grace period for late pick-up. She said pickup at Hornblower begins at 3 p.m. and the latest permitted pickup time is 3:15 p.m.; she said she sometimes arrives at 3:25 p.m. when commuting and that one instance resulted in an out-of-pocket cost she described as $92 for a short delay.

She also said Apollo’s communications and program elements differ from what she received previously: she said she did not see homework folders or celebrations that Champions provided, and she described instances where children were served minimal or late snacks. She reported one pickup at about 4:15 p.m. when staff said they had no snacks available and handed each child a lollipop; on another occasion she said children received an uncovered plate with pretzels and a half banana.

Newton Garcia said morning drop-off has been inconsistent; she said Apollo’s posted opening time is 7 a.m. but that on some days staff did not admit children until about 7:10 a.m., which she said caused lateness for her commuting to work.

What the district said: Interim Superintendent Nick Peripato acknowledged he had not previously been made aware of these specific concerns and asked Newton Garcia to send a written email to the superintendent so staff could investigate and follow up. Board members and staff said emails should be forwarded to the superintendent’s office for timely response and that the board would ensure a follow-up.

Next steps: The board asked the parent to submit her concerns in writing to the superintendent so staff could review Apollo’s contract, payment procedures, pick-up policies and snack/enrichment delivery and respond to the family’s issues.

Ending: Newton Garcia asked the board to consider returning to Champions or renegotiating Apollo’s contract; the board said staff would investigate and follow up.

","A Belleville parent told the board the district’s contracted after-school provider, Apollo, lacks flexibility former provider Champions offered and is charging fees and enforcing strict pick-up rules that create hardship for families.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6555288,"Parents and residents press Belleville board on OPRA costs, tech purchases and a faith-based vendor",477,1928000,2405000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3845997-9cc18066bcd0b16ec360f7fa475fdbac&start=1928&end=2405","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3845997-9cc18066bcd0b16ec360f7fa475fdbac/thumbnail_1928000.jpg","/articles/6555288/New-Jersey/Parents-and-residents-press-Belleville-board-on-OPRA-costs-tech-purchases-and-a-faith-based-vendor","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6555288-b2bb3b04fbf5c6c908296e263460eb49/orig.mp4?Expires=1773577862&Signature=DaUV3LRaDYWH2Z0aHG-XwIegSd~b2hl5uG-57SuGyL7itbK8n9n~amvC7j8nAt1u5g6JEbJqLoq8JsKRTS1-9YsHPuAWpJFMmzWnibA~DTEYDRlBEZewPUZn6ghF7mFtoMpixbkONIgoW3TAbA3fLnKdeWkTBjQngfxROTvPO9jM8nsMmwmbe3i9EQph97X2LSsH1l9qKdM-BEcIILti0lCOs~oR-az492b4BDVBo1YPGvdTeL5TnhkYEuaN3tvKa5-GOHETj4iE4XZE2uf5XxfHBOxCI46X9XHh71X9QPRYJesS1EIgX3d58B2~EhtZ79gRPgsvIFHJ00FmWpQCaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents used public comment at the Belleville Board of Education meeting on June 16 to press the board and administration for more transparency about public-records costs and the district’s recent procurement and contracting decisions.

The concerns centered on what speakers described as large OPRA fees for records requests, the details of high-value technology purchases listed on the agenda, and a proposed partnership with a faith-based recovery provider that will receive public funds.

Why it matters: Speakers said unanswered questions about contracts and fees undermine public trust and make it difficult for taxpayers to evaluate how district funds are spent. Board action that night approved a slate of personnel and purchasing resolutions that supporters said were routine but that critics said required clearer public documentation.

Resident Vincent Frantantoni noted the district’s budget growth since the previous superintendent’s tenure and raised OPRA costs, saying in public comment that he had asked for a “simple” answer via OPRA and received a one-sentence response that cost $275 in legal fees. Michael Mignone, a resident, and Michael Sheldon, another resident who identified several specific agenda items, urged the board to provide more information on agenda listings before votes.

Sheldon asked about several specific purchasing items listed in the business services section of the agenda, including:
- A $999,749.82 line item for Chromebooks (agenda item 12.62) where he said the agenda did not list quantity or model;
- A $165,600 purchase for teacher laptops (agenda item 12.43) with no quantity or model indicated;
- A $217,000 purchase from MRA International for about 60 desktop PCs (agenda item 12.36); and
- A $182,731 one-year camera license for MindsEye Technology (agenda item 12.32).

Interim Superintendent Nick Peripato and other staff answered questions about the technology purchases during the meeting. Peripato said the Chromebook order covered student devices and identified the student devices as 11.6-inch touchscreen convertible Chromebooks; he said the teacher laptops were HP ProBook models with warranties and that the desktop PCs were replacement units for two STEM labs. Peripato also said some purchases would use Title funds. The district characterized the MindsEye line as an annual license to operate cameras already deployed across the district.

On the agenda was a partnership described as New Chapter Faith Based Recovery LLC, which commenters said is a religious organization. Sheldon asked how the district would ensure compliance with the state’s requirement that publicly funded programs remain secular. In response, a district representative said arrangements and contractual clauses can be used to preserve a secular education and that the district would include monitoring and contractual safeguards; the district noted that for the coming year the program’s expenditure had so far been limited to about $5,000.

Several residents asked whether the superintendent’s final signed contract would be posted online. Peripato said the board was separately approving the contract as a separate agenda item and said the contract presented was the same as the version approved at the prior meeting; he also said citizens could submit an OPRA request for the signed document.

Action taken: the board voted to approve personnel resolutions 9.1–9.46 (with two personnel items tabled), purchasing/business services items 12.1–12.79, curriculum item 10.1, board policy items 11.1–11.13 and finance items 13.1–13.15 (see “Votes at a glance”). Roll-call votes recorded each trustee voting yes on those grouped resolutions.

What the board said about transparency: Board officers and the interim superintendent acknowledged the public’s questions and said they would follow up. The state monitor and legal counsel said some record requests require review before release and that costs can reflect staff time to produce and redact records; the board indicated it would consider posting contracts and policy drafts to make routine documents more accessible.

What remains unresolved: Speakers sought more detailed line-item documentation on high-value purchases in future agendas (models, unit counts and funding sources) and a clear, public monitoring plan for any faith-based provider receiving public funds. The board did not change agenda language that night but said staff would provide follow-up information.

Ending: Several audience members said they would continue to seek copies of contracts and procurement details; the board and administration said they would respond to written requests and review posting practices for key documents.

","Speakers at the Belleville Board of Education meeting on June 16 urged greater transparency around Open Public Records Act (OPRA) fees, asked for details on large technology purchases and questioned a contract with a faith-based recovery provider. The board voted to approve personnel and purchasing resolutions during the meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Belleville board welcomes new student representative, recognizes county poster contest winners

Board approves grouped personnel, curriculum, policy, purchasing and finance resolutions

Residents urge action on dangerous Union and Home Street intersection after crossing-guard incident

Parent raises concerns about Apollo after-school program: fees, pick-up rules and snack/enrichment services

Parents and residents press Belleville board on OPRA costs, tech purchases and a faith-based vendor