[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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],{"_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",6175283,"mediaKeyId","5359727-cee23cef58c0055bb087bbd8cbbffdf2","parentId",5359727,"title","Board committee backs purchase of 494 Newark Pompton Turnpike; architects’ cost estimates prompt further review","audioSeconds",742,"startMs",3436000,"endMs",4178000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5359727-cee23cef58c0055bb087bbd8cbbffdf2&start=3436&end=4178","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5359727-cee23cef58c0055bb087bbd8cbbffdf2/thumbnail_3436000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6175283/New-Jersey/Board-committee-backs-purchase-of-494-Newark-Pompton-Turnpike-architects-cost-estimates-prompt-further-review","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175283-bc27ad964473f45ee0a3f79d335fb4ac/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194632&Signature=e5vl8tWrHQftVN8l8dfHeWpSVupUOljtWcUKog3575mOoW0E1zNbDLbYhUaGAGRZCcz-~ywlE61l7xKmz4ayuEH085IoDN0b6Iy6kLWmjLWqKfkwM~vEI2phoMUTPZi1yPY5cPZJ9QBTDCWSWibh~h20dCCX4cKpiZZKYfcLVizYazUGd16I3lTc42ajjF-BQqXGNQQbQcvkWNJPPNxDCFW8RFfHaaZH0NbfAORVpKJynz5Scj99NpZ6y920DVbvxzouHt~fdW2voQw0CP7eVQuAEm1RZNOnID8qrgDfdZtrMUbAqYO0OqYTtwzNnaZnCuHUpqyx5QIDIHduqTkiBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pequannock Township School District, NJ","date","2025-07-11T04:20:52.037Z","article","The district’s facilities and finance advisory committee recommended purchasing the property at 494 Newark Pompton Turnpike and the Board of Education approved related FFA items at the June 23 meeting while asking staff and the district architect for more detailed cost information.

Committee summary and recommendation
Miss Cahill summarized an FFA meeting June 20 in which committee members and the district architect from Solutions Architecture reviewed build‑out estimates and discussed accessibility upgrades, electrical and septic work, and the possibility of connecting to PV’s (district) sewer line. The committee noted the architect’s estimates were deliberately conservative and in many cases “high,” leaving open questions about whether renovation costs could be lower with a tighter design.

“The committee strongly recommends the purchase of Newark 494 Newark Pompton Turnpike, citing several key reasons. First of all, its location. It’s unlikely we’ll find another property so close to our schools and situated on the town’s main thoroughfare at a similar cost,” Miss Cahill told the board.

Follow‑up and cost estimates
Solutions Architecture provided three options in a post‑meeting email summarized to the board: (1) a one‑story renovation yielding about 2,200 square feet; (2) an expanded one‑story renovation of about 2,600 square feet; and (3) full demolition and construction of a new one‑story 2,600‑square‑foot facility. Price estimates for those options ranged from the high $2 millions into the $4 million range, and the architect described the numbers as conservative, the board was told.

Committee members and board members said the estimates included items that appeared higher than necessary and asked Solutions Architecture for a punch list of follow‑up questions. The committee also noted that converting the property to a pre‑K site appeared unlikely because the lot is bookended by two dead‑end streets and would not provide appropriate traffic flow or turnaround for pick‑up and drop‑off, according to the architect’s review.

Board action
Board member Mister Pompeo moved the FFA items related to 494 Newark Pompton Turnpike; the motion carried on a roll call vote recorded at the meeting. Bloomer was absent; the recorded yes votes included Cerisi, Giddon, Icaio, McSweeney, Pompeo, Shanton, Esposito and Seneck.

Additional context
District staff said they can extend the lease on the current board office into early 2026 (lease expires Feb. 1, 2026), which gives the district more time to evaluate the property and the architect’s detailed follow‑up. The committee described the purchase as providing flexibility: the district could hold the property and later choose a limited renovation, a full reconstruction or other use if the board so decides.

The board gave direction for additional design and cost detail; staff and the architect are expected to provide further information to the committee and board before the district proceeds with substantial renovation work or demolition.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","June 23, 2025, Pequannock Township School District Board of Education Regular Business Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The district’s facilities and finance advisory committee recommended purchasing 494 Newark Pompton Turnpike and the Board approved related FFA items June 23 while asking the district architect for more detailed cost and design information.","taxTitle","Pequannock Township School District, School Districts, New Jersey","taxId",72669,"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},6175293,"Pequannock committee outlines timeline for AI policy, aims for board readings in July and August",1536,622000,2158000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5359727-cee23cef58c0055bb087bbd8cbbffdf2&start=622&end=2158","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5359727-cee23cef58c0055bb087bbd8cbbffdf2/thumbnail_622000.jpg","/articles/6175293/New-Jersey/Pequannock-committee-outlines-timeline-for-AI-policy-aims-for-board-readings-in-July-and-August","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175293-3c8ebb5185e8f86e0368fcacbd768206/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194632&Signature=Y2p~jid6dRIPJ2BMfo6ra1pE5UsGcaM1X1MpUW9aE33yCtAkpCuGW~UUV5WOMKpJ-iViSudf9QwyVMtb3tFbxaj7vUqd5zmPtkMazaiIRAp6gWiLEd7Cvv3HtQpxDnCez~Er-PLU3fSJOwuaMqIRxJxS9Ax0TkKmUc32bT934lASPPsdZI8Wr9CbNnBHPCwVycU~kR7Si5It405xCZkFVTdhd83fYn7KUi41MPE73TksxZBIqKyaPt3RM-HA7VZPAKRvNDnP~KeXkNrvi-AA4-7mMSleael4Q9FYJVDgJB7dU4iL6H5uMs3YJr-YFRtxILGXc-SdCC-FllmwB2PSeA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pequannock Township School District officials said at the June 23 board meeting they plan a two-reading schedule to adopt an artificial intelligence policy so staff and students have clear guidance for the new school year.

The district’s plan, presented to the Board of Education, calls for a first reading of an AI policy at the July meeting and a second reading in August with a companion implementation plan to follow, district leaders said. “We’re going to look to have a first reading of the AI policy ready for you for the July meeting, and then the August reading will have the second reading,” Doctor Portis said during his report.

Why it matters: The district’s approach would set rules and classroom expectations for student and teacher use of generative AI tools and pair policy language with practical guidance, training and a proposed honor code for students. Board members asked about equity and consistency across classrooms; committee members said they want a staged rollout that preserves teacher discretion while moving toward districtwide standards.

What the board heard
- A cross‑stakeholder AI committee with roughly 20 members — including students, special‑education staff, parents and teachers — drafted the plan and tools the district will use. Committee work included outreach to departments and surveys of teacher readiness.
- The committee recommended a two‑part approach: a deliberately flexible board policy and a more detailed, updateable plan (curriculum scope, grade‑level introductions, PD and curated resources) that can change faster than a policy.
- Committee presenters said they will draft an honor code for inclusion in student handbooks to clarify when use of AI constitutes academic dishonesty rather than plagiarism, and to spell out potential consequences and remediation.

“If you break this code and it’s not necessarily plagiarism…that’s academic dishonesty,” said the committee presenter, who described the honor‑code drafting work and how teachers can require process work or revision histories to detect misuse.

State and peer context
- Committee members said districts across New Jersey fall into three groups: districts that block AI use, districts tentatively supporting limited teacher experimentation, and districts that are already integrating AI into classes and policies. The presenter identified his work at the state level with the New Jersey Educational Technology Association and said the committee drew examples from districts such as East Brunswick.
- Presenters discussed the possibility that the New Jersey Department of Education could mandate AI instruction or expectations in coming years; the district’s plan aims to provide a flexible policy that can be updated without repeated board action.

Concerns and next steps
Board members pressed the committee on equity across classrooms if teachers adopt AI at different rates. The committee said students and families could face inconsistent exposure to AI unless the district defines where in the curriculum students must receive instruction on AI ethics and academic integrity.

The committee’s next steps, as presented: finalize a one‑page guidance tool for teachers this summer, draft a student honor code for the handbook, prepare a full implementation plan for board review in September, and schedule professional development and a parent‑education session in the fall.

The district did not take a formal vote on policy at the June 23 meeting; presenters said the first official board reading is scheduled for July.","Pequannock Township School District officials said at the June 23 board meeting they plan a two‑reading schedule to adopt an artificial intelligence policy so staff and students have clear guidance for the new school year.",{"_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},6175278,"PTEA representatives praise negotiation process as board prepares to consider memorandum of agreement",185,2994000,3179000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5359727-cee23cef58c0055bb087bbd8cbbffdf2&start=2994&end=3179","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5359727-cee23cef58c0055bb087bbd8cbbffdf2/thumbnail_2994000.jpg","/articles/6175278/New-Jersey/PTEA-representatives-praise-negotiation-process-as-board-prepares-to-consider-memorandum-of-agreement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175278-431e78f9022d2903ec112328a17f5633/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194632&Signature=TrDsv5V6OfabdVI8KXzy7kwg2XgiFBgITkDuE1N7AWeSsH6LaovhCb46hJAabZOWB7pwmMSWeoJv-OMcFSe~EQaAJDZfxXIs94M8tRiBTK7CCAabiV8RsN4Px7Tl8z9DDIWe9XsD8M-zs7-h7XiE4aC9UWQjjo8dj6njlWK84P4pzAYGyH179QC4r-2TYZLDN9G5zy0bdkMxVd6VOQYfAVokc9gfnzWVzV7OBawHcaRcYBu-6kndXcF8SCaatHeHYGynxQPbi92t0h~6u4KT-K8tU3Rg1v~LeDm5d8MmipDHtKe5w75ljltNXooguMkzssXZo5i7iOclvdxx6bkSJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives of the Pequannock Township Education Association addressed the board during public comment June 23 to thank the board and its negotiation team for what they described as a respectful and productive bargaining process on a new memorandum of agreement and associated salary guides.

The union speakers identified themselves as Fitton and Slaff of the PTEA and told the board the association had ratified a tentative agreement and appreciated the board’s negotiation team, specifically naming President Seneck, board members and the board attorney for their cooperation. “The entire process was really characterized by, what I believe was a very genuine feeling of respect,” one PTEA representative said.

Context: At the start of the meeting district staff had told the board the memorandum of agreement (MOA) and salary guides were on the June 23 agenda and that the association had ratified its side; public comment reiterated appreciation for the collaborative process. The transcript does not include an explicit roll call vote approving the MOA in the visible record, so this article does not state whether the board completed final approval that night.

What speakers said
- Fitton (PTEA) said members felt heard during negotiations and described the talks as cordial and collaborative.
- Slaff (PTEA) said the process reflected a high degree of trust and that the negotiation was among the most productive of his 21 years negotiating.

No formal board action or vote on the MOA is included in the transcript excerpts provided here; public comment was limited to agenda items and the speakers addressed their remarks to the board’s negotiation process and the pending agenda item.","Representatives of the Pequannock Township Education Association spoke during public comment at the June 23 meeting to thank the board and negotiation team for a collaborative process on a memorandum of agreement and salary guides that the presenters said had been ratified by PTEA and was scheduled for board consideration that night",{"_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},6175288,"Pequannock officials report declines in confirmed HIB cases and other incidents in six‑month report",447,2221000,2668000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5359727-cee23cef58c0055bb087bbd8cbbffdf2&start=2221&end=2668","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5359727-cee23cef58c0055bb087bbd8cbbffdf2/thumbnail_2221000.jpg","/articles/6175288/New-Jersey/Pequannock-officials-report-declines-in-confirmed-HIB-cases-and-other-incidents-in-sixmonth-report","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175288-528ac6bb1d3d2b3aa4adfcab9cd9c64a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194632&Signature=PSWUssJyJpi2-8Hts9-zWGx8sViREWJw~7pP3PpeUkr2cq3TYjJQeg3ZQ6q14H3yH~uq3zeraNXPsQqdvtVbJEeCVaof2XPTX4OuchUNc8VltLRhago9HMH9wNEO0bVAbykCGm3STcpAaIZotNYbo-TgVmGk6EbUJoPWTLntTKxNRaf4ZvZh48ZkX~3J-7p-f20aIPhfo7gcB5UAuaVGrr-b-1Qln0g373bt46rEXcaUezPmNadknt3IYkMzKGI6zDEoaJy65HSh3yIeJb7o-e92STAh8tq6K~I3C~MV5iZGzgj2sfhnOX0nMhAT6OxN0BBjrn-mmPS6qD7pbXuMQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pequannock Township School District’s anti‑bullying coordinator presented the district’s six‑month incident report at the June 23 Board of Education meeting and reported declines in several categories compared with the same period the prior year.

Doctor O'Keefe, the district’s anti‑bullying coordinator, said the report covered period 1 (July 1–Dec. 31) and showed lower totals for confirmed harassment/intimidation/bullying (HIB) incidents, fewer violence incidents and fewer suspensions and removals than the same period the previous year. “These are our totals…for a six months being reported,” Doctor O'Keefe said while walking the board through the slide set.

Why it matters: The NJ Administrative Code requires districts to report incidents of violence, weapons, vandalism, substance abuse and HIB to the board every six months; the report is the district’s statutory disclosure of safety indicators and of programs and trainings delivered to students and staff.

Key takeaways from the presentation
- Confirmed HIB incidents and HIB investigations were down from the prior comparable reporting period; Doctor O'Keefe said confirmed HIB reports decreased from five in the prior period to fewer in this reporting period.
- Violence reports were reported as zero for the period; removals (suspensions/expulsions) fell to eight from 13 in the prior comparable period.
- Vandalism and weapons incidents were reported as zero for the period covered.
- Security practices and technology (including SmartPass and on‑duty security staff) were credited with helping reduce substance‑use and vandalism incidents at the high school, Doctor O'Keefe said.

Doctor O'Keefe noted some important caveats: the dataset presented covers the older six‑month window (July–Dec.) and does not include the most recent six months; some conflict shifts to phones and social media and may not be captured in HIB reporting if incidents are not reported to school officials.

Board members asked whether the downward trend continued into the next six‑month report; Doctor O'Keefe said preliminary checks on period 2 showed a similar pattern but cautioned that official reporting deadlines and entry timelines affect what is included.

The board did not take additional formal action on the report at the meeting; the presentation served as the required statutory update.","At the June 23 board meeting the district’s anti‑bullying coordinator presented the required six‑month report (July–Dec) showing declines in confirmed harassment/intimidation/bullying cases, violence and removals compared with prior periods; staff credited trainings, security measures and lessons in classrooms","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board committee backs purchase of 494 Newark Pompton Turnpike; architects’ cost estimates prompt further review

Pequannock committee outlines timeline for AI policy, aims for board readings in July and August

PTEA representatives praise negotiation process as board prepares to consider memorandum of agreement

Pequannock officials report declines in confirmed HIB cases and other incidents in six‑month report