[{"_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",6142127,"mediaKeyId","5566418-3df66569dfa7fdf54237508572160bfd","parentId",5566418,"title","Superintendent reports district HIB scores and recognizes local donors and student achievements","audioSeconds",86,"startMs",98000,"endMs",184000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566418-3df66569dfa7fdf54237508572160bfd&start=98&end=184","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566418-3df66569dfa7fdf54237508572160bfd/thumbnail_98000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6142127/New-Jersey/Superintendent-reports-district-HIB-scores-and-recognizes-local-donors-and-student-achievements","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6142127-f79e561592a1bdc11f47c430664e9121/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195712&Signature=G4i-ta-7u~VOi3W4sBZs3ijAYN6l~Xwj~H~VHue4DcCTS~V3w7mwWEz67OvHsz-AYtFCwMO5eObwI3f4YeS8qsd9rMt~-QQExQJZNUiyeuEFLj6ksp4TKpQ0qE3YhBKoeakd7WONbZs1fyyeSY4ovAGbb~YuZM-9YckPlApjDjgNkG2EGX5qIMd3upISpZA9fxAAD4LbvUexNE5UTxCOmmSO9ghtXJuzQGM9IzqjZt44dUSdG3CYjxsw6Bc0TVZmS7EgEB21Jqc-Yi6~MGKFCawCalwrEQhERTnSrLY~SG550L9no0oQ~W2W3nI05Yq-81bupkWeO4W1a5YwqyMeVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","West Milford Township Public Schools, NJ","date","2025-08-08T22:57:30Z","article","At the May 20 meeting the superintendent reported the district’s certified results on the 2023–24 Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) self-assessment and recognized several recent donations and student achievements.

Superintendent Dr. Kitchen said the district’s overall certified HIB score for 2023–24 is 75 out of a maximum 78; individual school-level certified scores reported were Apshawa 74, Macopin 77, Maple Road 76, Marshall Hill 75, PK 74, UGL 75 and West Milford High School 73. Dr. Kitchen described the certification as a confirmation of programs, staff training and procedures in place districtwide.

Dr. Kitchen also thanked local donors and partners: AGF for an assistive-technology donation to PK, Maple Road PTA for clear-touch panels and picnic tables, the Beck Ears family for ski-team uniforms and the Rotary Club plus the Babula family for a large contribution toward a new playground at Upper Greenwood Lake (UGL) that administrators said will be ready by July in time for the new school year.

Student representative Megan Seidner gave a report on recent student activity: Advanced Placement testing and New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) dates, inductions into the National Honor Society and other honor societies, athletics results across track, baseball, softball, lacrosse, tennis and golf, and community scholarship awards totaling $97,500 as of May 15. Seidner also listed upcoming school events including the Governor’s Educator of the Year breakfast, War and Remembrance Day and senior prom plans.

No formal votes were associated with the recognitions and reports.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","West Milford Township Public Schools Board of Education Meeting 5/20/25","oneSentenceSummary","Superintendent reported the district's certified HIB scores for 2023–24 and highlighted donations to schools and student accomplishments across athletics and academic honor societies.","taxTitle","West Milford Township Public School District, School Districts, New Jersey","taxId",72621,"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},6142132,"Board adopts clarified device policy allowing building-level restrictions, staff to set enforcement",175,3454000,3629000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566418-3df66569dfa7fdf54237508572160bfd&start=3454&end=3629","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566418-3df66569dfa7fdf54237508572160bfd/thumbnail_3454000.jpg","/articles/6142132/New-Jersey/Board-adopts-clarified-device-policy-allowing-building-level-restrictions-staff-to-set-enforcement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6142132-ad727cc5988b767297595e2ed5af282a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195712&Signature=Zz-FvRvIjinexHn3rnTCm7T8MM6kBGxv7Uo765tNkM03KyCnYOuIKRdnrww5PvFAma1guDdyG~T8REjCDuOdAM0w4mU0Y7WOSuVfpqdyNh-8ssxn-ftz2I7RvERBqmL-R~kb6dBz6mLUXtNuqY-qTAV9bUCNBlP5xTT9--DHihcgKtTynFFxMabyh-ojq7mmOalxn6hUDm8ksb3WzAVklstB7yx-osh27u~qkLddjbLykbczvluOHnL83CmgjLyWcr01xNnPnZnoKTEf4442mNpCPI-ieTlKBeZQEN55V6zTvWfLR3BZ0H1cPPajiEMQDSxY6T0BWuuXJIjAJnwSlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The West Milford Board of Education approved a revision to the district policy on electronic devices, adding language to make clear that building administrators may further restrict device use beyond the district policy and that individual buildings should set rules consistent with district guidance.

A board member explained the change as giving principals flexibility to prohibit or limit devices in particular spaces even where the district policy permits them, enabling building-level rules that better align with classroom management and safety. The revision was described as adding the option for buildings to “further restrict” device usage.

Board members asked how that would be enforced. Administrators described practical enforcement options under consideration: pocket charts or locked boxes (described in the meeting as “pocket chart” solutions), and other containment options sometimes called GoBoxes, which hold surrendered devices during class time and are intended to reduce distraction and theft risk. Administrators said final enforcement methods will be decided locally by building leadership and facilities staff, and that procedures would be implemented consistently across secondary classrooms.

The board adopted the revised policy (motion numbered 18.2 on the agenda) on roll call. Staff said building administrators will work with technology and facilities to implement appropriate secure storage systems and consistent protocols for classroom and cafeteria use.

","The board adopted a revision to the district electronic-device policy that preserves a district-wide standard while allowing building administrators to further restrict device use and directs schools to develop consistent enforcement practices.",{"_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},6142136,"Board accepts business administrator's departure, approves incoming central-office administrator",662,4691000,5353000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566418-3df66569dfa7fdf54237508572160bfd&start=4691&end=5353","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566418-3df66569dfa7fdf54237508572160bfd/thumbnail_4691000.jpg","/articles/6142136/New-Jersey/Board-accepts-business-administrators-departure-approves-incoming-central-office-administrator","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6142136-ca3ac96ecaeb76b163da68d93b5b7c48/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195712&Signature=ooKuuExwEawqZBgCjmFX1nsQY1Ep5eh9DyTeTPVvWrbt~lGLsRyVU~eFRKGgLkCniwGHFSzIQCid-4iOOKvRQbZCXn9mE0TB0zPKNDo-~8JteFJK0B2kRkrwAXjKAKzv8haa0HmQjzi5SvvKpCULpXBD3PtSQBj9YPTxQmNgEUdQi4H0bCxcfvb1~Nlbvf5xLuS678DHXRaZnWPmNYqzx8zO1Puz1Zy9jJT~ssWrXaqR3iMcH2RRqCuNv7YVOQjhXhAoqvnUI1KsG7Y4LSkFzCjl54UvmJXynZL5-V9mUQOJV1CGFKFP4hPonaDt1SLtCd7TGwolCS6w-UXgOaGnDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The West Milford Board of Education on May 20 acknowledged the planned departure of Business Administrator Dan Schultz and approved the appointment of Dr. Dana Schwartz to a central-office administrative role.

Schultz, who read remarks and accepted thanks from board members, said he has enjoyed his roughly 10 years with the district and is leaving to take an opportunity closer to home to spend more time with family. “I've enjoyed my 10 years here,” Schultz said during a brief farewell to the board.

The board also introduced and celebrated Dr. Dana Schwartz, who the meeting indicated will move into a district central-office position. Board members and hiring-panel participants praised Schwartz’s vision for special education. One board member said Schwartz was the unanimous choice of the hiring panel and several speakers emphasized her experience and the panel’s confidence in her approach to special education programming in the district.

Board minutes show personnel actions, including resignations and appointments, carried on roll call later in the meeting under the personnel agenda. Board members expressed appreciation for Schultz’s service and welcomed Schwartz to central office; Dr. Schwartz thanked colleagues and supporters in brief remarks.

","The board acknowledged the resignation of Business Administrator Dan Schultz and approved the appointment of Dr. Dana Schwartz to a central-office post; board members and staff offered public thanks and congratulations.",{"_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},6142141,"Board approves retainer for attorney David Rubin after public objections",3143,2421000,5564000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566418-3df66569dfa7fdf54237508572160bfd&start=2421&end=5564","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566418-3df66569dfa7fdf54237508572160bfd/thumbnail_2421000.jpg","/articles/6142141/New-Jersey/Board-approves-retainer-for-attorney-David-Rubin-after-public-objections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6142141-9facbb7723cdbf9fac676bf4b2046249/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195712&Signature=m7JvEDxel6Fl3pLXguYJswV5~C18BVkUMHiJxKw~~Ly0EvZBKrODgLeHyvXHfUNjsiFItcqOmKeI0wlLs5igio8DcJ3FHesKwQykSFlwrfXmS3AlczdZTfYvsqp63q01CQUdYLKfPqMMBcKru0gMWO2ezVh3lMPp3Eiz5iVDefikADdMXAWJ2lcjMlmaGAm3z5NJoL8QRGWiXkzas6XUWKMcv-3t9tZe-keSZVublJxprJ-dyWBGgMdiN-uQFFJr1pT57ry5kTfIWiTADcuic5JO9T2XuWgwKlDs0gW5rFQRawOK8YbMQ7QV3lkHcB22vrCgV-hDxdwuo2stoHBNag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The West Milford Board of Education voted to approve a retainer agreement authorizing the district to engage attorney David Rubin if needed, a motion questioned during public comment.

During public comments on agenda items, resident Lisette (transcript uses Missus Romeo) of Long Pestell Drive urged the board to reject item 16.14, which would renew or extend Rubin’s retainer. She said the district had already paid Rubin about $2,000 and argued that the board should not continue to spend funds on the attorney. She also referenced district policy 0148 (board member indemnification) and said she believed the policy had not been discussed or applied consistently.

Board members asked staff clarifying questions about the motion. Administrators explained the item before the board was a retainer authorization — not a payment in advance — and that Rubin had previously been on retainer through May 21; the current motion would authorize retainer coverage to the end of the year and permit billing only if services are used.

On roll call the board carried the motion; the meeting record shows the motion passed as part of the operations agenda (roll call recorded in the minutes). The district did not take further public comment on the vote at the time and no additional financial details or invoices were read into the record during that agenda item.

","The West Milford Board approved a retainer agreement authorizing the district to use attorney David Rubin’s services going forward; a public commenter urged the board to reject the motion and cited prior payments and a board indemnification policy.",{"_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},6142146,"West Milford opens middle-school esports lab at Macopin, plans curriculum and county competition",4745,1321000,6066000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566418-3df66569dfa7fdf54237508572160bfd&start=1321&end=6066","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566418-3df66569dfa7fdf54237508572160bfd/thumbnail_1321000.jpg","/articles/6142146/New-Jersey/West-Milford-opens-middle-school-esports-lab-at-Macopin-plans-curriculum-and-county-competition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6142146-ad7db8f31d724b3e3320491099e786b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195712&Signature=b71m~HrdSkGdgbultseci~rkHcjLQcCq77vuZ8cOmK-TLmUCcGMV4VGVX-xywOMCGLNEcrqNuxg7HOAqruBpgiq-xiD9dCzGyCsbmDkj~fXw9c-uhEWS3UeVjk6m1IOiSpaIo95gGfooJiUexJFHCElbjW8xsE-sqYfQJ77Azj4EMaStN8NhVQT7reVs2FRN5DS7hO3MMhmIrc36ohyqBXSp1pjFtdO96d-dr66fawGboub-aZsRTCYNlmDy3FDd93B9NEPhkC9mMkZ55vM~0nME~NqSbGTHh3CqF4kyz4x4l8xogtUFZycpnFM7HKtQg30V7m~9WuBZLt1x40iCag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The West Milford Board of Education on May 20 heard a presentation and tour of a newly built esports and robotics lab at Macopin Middle School and discussed placing esports classes in the middle-school cycle schedule beginning in September.

The lab presentation, led by Tom Santoro, a Macopin language-arts and special-education teacher who coaches the district esports team, showed seven gaming stations, green-screen broadcasting space and a separate robotics field. “Esports is not just for the gamers. It’s for anyone who wants to get involved because we need people, to do social media management and marketing,” Santoro said.

Board members and administrators described the project as a relatively low-cost, in-house build. District staff reported they received outside quotes of about $492,000 to build a high-school arena, and that the local-build described to the board was completed for an estimated $169,000 in materials and local budget cost; technology equipment was paid for using computer-science grant funds and Title funds that administrators said were allowable for the planned pathway.

Assistant Superintendent Dan Novak said the lab is intended to be both a club and an academic offering and that the board had previously approved an esports curriculum at an earlier meeting. Novak said the middle-school rollout is being targeted at students with high absenteeism rates as part of an action-research effort to measure whether esports participation improves attendance and engagement. Chronic absenteeism was defined during the presentation as missing 10 percent of the school year, or roughly 18 days.

School operations staff described how the former wood-shop/storage room at Macopin was cleaned, repurposed and outfitted with epoxy flooring, a green-screen wall, air conditioning and data cabling by maintenance staff. District staff and outside partners who worked on the build were thanked by administrators during the presentation.

Administrators and Santoro described classroom activities that will accompany gameplay, including teamwork training, public speaking, content creation, streaming (Twitch), shoutcasting (play-by-play commentary), basic IT and introductory game-design exposure using tools such as Unreal Engine. Santoro said the program links to high-school pathways in computer science, broadcasting and multimedia and that it is intended to give students tangible career and college-readiness skills.

District staff told the board they plan a middle-school interscholastic match at Macopin and noted that Garden State Esports and the New Jersey School Interscholastic Athletic Association now recognize scholastic esports competitions at middle and high school levels.

No additional vote on construction funding was taken at the May 20 meeting; administrators described the lab as completed and said the curriculum will be finalized over the summer and placed into the cycle schedule for next school year. Board members said they would publicize and host a ribbon-cutting and competitive event once scheduling and networking of the lab is complete.

The presentation closed with a brief walk-through plan for board members to view the lab in person after adjournment.

","The West Milford Board of Education heard a presentation and tour of a newly constructed esports and robotics lab at Macopin Middle School and discussed rolling out an esports curriculum and middle-school competition aimed at improving student engagement and chronic absenteeism.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Superintendent reports district HIB scores and recognizes local donors and student achievements

Board adopts clarified device policy allowing building-level restrictions, staff to set enforcement

Board accepts business administrator's departure, approves incoming central-office administrator

Board approves retainer for attorney David Rubin after public objections

West Milford opens middle-school esports lab at Macopin, plans curriculum and county competition