[{"_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",6504380,"mediaKeyId","5680788-9cd86ffa564fd7126cfedbe48e088e2f","parentId",5680788,"title","District unveils ———Vic——— valuable information card and a POW/MIA \"chair of honor\" to memorialize service members","audioSeconds",277,"startMs",1948000,"endMs",2225000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5680788-9cd86ffa564fd7126cfedbe48e088e2f&start=1948&end=2225","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5680788-9cd86ffa564fd7126cfedbe48e088e2f/thumbnail_1948000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6504380/New-Jersey/District-unveils-Vic-valuable-information-card-and-a-POWMIA-chair-of-honor-to-memorialize-service-members","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504380-b070593c577d46277bd6e520aa4ebff8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770750968&Signature=SSGQmBGyL9vZ97yP0QMcFm8GOuMiYScH99XUjTOk0iU2tDtajddrs0TEvZiByDvpEHe4tOTIZu-ddPJQlgB4g7~vaIHMjqxZQwklTuXaaz0zhIHgz2-ZNClt9-gk0OvkGTLMoUM05dsuUb0l-3HE7AW-qM3wTKOYLxJwkl0kydXdyCr-EG1t8328xb6MRucaEWyPAlKOM-PAeIgvClz9kJDCfsoddQ57~J39gmGfHmsBsl5rC-AHeL5pDNXyTiBS-7utv8vk9wp586p9YCdzfJ21gOcwhfe6g4Xtm0bxZRLgfRtXpgp2Kq0ZGnIhPXz3UzrdnWt1AfBvX1EX1-R9Jg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Garfield Public School District","date","2025-08-26T12:31:31Z","article","Garfield Board of Education members and staff introduced two memorial and safety initiatives: a voluntary \"Valuable Information Card\" (the \"Vic card\") named for staff member Vic Rubnick, who died after a medical emergency at work, and a POW/MIA chair of honor the district received for public display.

Tracy Rubnick and family attended the meeting as staff described the card, which lists a staff member\u0000\u0000\u0000s identifying information on one side and optional confidential medical details on the other. Miss Mazzola (staff) said the card is voluntary and confidential and will be provided complimentary to staff this year; she said the idea began after Vic\u0000\u0000\u0000s death, when quick information could have been helpful during an emergency. Nurses and other commenters supported the idea, saying seconds matter during medical incidents.

Superintendent Tomko described the POW/MIA \"chair of honor,\" explained the board plans to place it in the high-school stadium stands (roped off) and anticipated a public ceremony including the mayor and veterans\u0000\u0000\u0000service organizations. Board members and local veterans present praised the chair as a visible tribute to the community\u0000\u0000\u0000s missing service members.

Why it matters: The Vic card is a voluntary, district-managed way for staff to convey urgent health information in emergencies. The POW/MIA chair is a memorial meant to recognize service members in public school venues.

Ending: The board said it will finalize placement and a plaque through the facilities committee and anticipated having the chair installed by the next meeting; the Vic card prototypes will be printed and distributed to staff as a complimentary, voluntary resource.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","GBOE Live Board Meeting August 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Board members and staff introduced a voluntary \"Valuable Information Card\" named for Vic Rubnick to help staff in medical emergencies and displayed a POW/MIA chair intended for public placement at athletic events; family members attended and board members described plans for ceremonies and placement.","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},6504385,"High school test scores: Garfield reports small ELA gains, larger gaps in math; ELL enrollment jumps to 540",209,1203000,1412000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5680788-9cd86ffa564fd7126cfedbe48e088e2f&start=1203&end=1412","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5680788-9cd86ffa564fd7126cfedbe48e088e2f/thumbnail_1203000.jpg","/articles/6504385/New-Jersey/High-school-test-scores-Garfield-reports-small-ELA-gains-larger-gaps-in-math-ELL-enrollment-jumps-to-540","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504385-c815d0482ac5b40fa66090e94fd8a477/orig.mp4?Expires=1770750968&Signature=cf7eQbTuZlEN8RAhNtrJ-zExsc3kwgwW8sHge-Xe~pgdgFKMoQCER8gmblOFSN8Mfho~rmXbnoymbqXAReP3PX2TrdCYJCE67RhdpH7ZyIGr8ha3o258vequbJWz9hsLOenSTRTL8aEDLvfLK1Rh48EtGD4n1-PGvUj~SfFu54jPLX-OJe-v2zvKV-zJ7Gr9PG0MiiOxOAE7OpcNXj9pNgWMjli~Wz0NyQSiiOaBLO61b6U5lFczOiKcldxi179e~NN~kFcDqyHVb4P9hVNv50fx55BZyO5430MkNdydH1YhUQM-yqBp4WsIxK3Q89BvtbWJQy4XI~PIOjEP9z1aQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff presented results from the 2025 New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA) and gave updated English-language learner (ELL) access data during the meeting.

Dora D'Amico (high school principal), Dr. Anna D'Agostino and Elizabeth Mirzajewski (6-12 supervisors) summarized the NJGPA: the assessment includes ELA and mathematics components administered across two days for ELA and two mornings for math. The presenters said 328 students took the ELA assessment and 329 took the math assessment this spring.

Key results presented for Grade 11 (district): ELA graduation-ready rate 71.5%; mathematics graduation-ready rate 37.2%. Presenters gave comparative figures: district combined graduation-ready (including a few 12th graders) was reported as 71.4% for ELA in 2025 versus a state figure of about 80.7%; math district rate reported at about 37.1% versus a state figure of about 58.0. Presenters said subgroup results largely held steady or improved from 2024 to 2025 in ELA and math.

On English-language learners, the district reported an increase in ELL enrollment to 540 students from about 322 two years earlier. The top six home languages were shown (15 languages total in the district). Presenters said 11% of ELL students exited the program this year (compared with 9% the prior year). Staff described challenges: many newcomers have interrupted formal education, which affects acquisition of English; teachers and staff are providing diagnostic testing, sample-problem interventions, one-to-one supports and professional development. The district said it purchased an audio-enhancement system with Title funds to help multilingual students follow classroom instruction.

The board thanked presenters and noted the district will continue intervention strategies and diagnostic testing across grade levels.

Ending: District leaders said they will continue analyzing multiple measures, offer professional development and bring further data to the board as the year progresses.","Presenters reported Garfield's 2025 NJGPA results showing a modest ELA increase for grade 11 and a lower math proficiency; district staff also told the board ELL enrollment rose to 540 students and described supports including an upcoming welcome center and language supports funded in part with Title funds.",{"_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},6504390,"Superintendent outlines PowerSchool move, internet upgrades and recommends $750,000 capital reserve",206,443000,649000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5680788-9cd86ffa564fd7126cfedbe48e088e2f&start=443&end=649","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5680788-9cd86ffa564fd7126cfedbe48e088e2f/thumbnail_443000.jpg","/articles/6504390/New-Jersey/Superintendent-outlines-PowerSchool-move-internet-upgrades-and-recommends-750000-capital-reserve","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504390-fd63832a6e95fc9d06ce8b255c0201ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1770750968&Signature=S7qVUUZUBrEAdXF9r9Z3B04Y7MOSmJq0dpefTVuLTtfsMCwEly~o-narmuDNTdd1kRovPkgjqlWJ9XXNF3vquULEvFRCGjmr5bJbqPjeViQlzeprqWRTiI6AAIN2axWP4X0GPqAs95ZUKy3ualIzNs-rfwciLsuDWoSKclxbz7BAinRe5qYDSSCtyuF5vGSj3zvgZefGf51ObnvKUB8CwE~VNXW6IzLsl9zRpX-lsfZ1wXhAGTbLkS4b7TDkKE5ZPXxj73hIWvDzE4Ab4WkmKUOcpypS8FCFfrtXUEQopctPhCN-Q~b4QJINSIK4gt8NkxAb8DNk9m4DcnQEYlMt~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Thomas Tomko updated the Garfield Board of Education on technology and facilities work completed over the summer and recommended setting aside $750,000 in a capital reserve for planned projects.

Tomko said the district is completing a transition to PowerSchool as its student information system and that several PowerSchool modules already existed in district workflows. He described PowerBuddy, a parent-facing PowerSchool tool that tracks assignments and missing work. Tomko thanked the technology team and district staff for work on the transition.

Tomko said the district also plans to implement Intellicate, a new workflow system to replace several facilities and management processes. He reported recent network diagnostic work with MindsEye Technology had doubled speeds in some buildings after cabinet and switch reconfigurations; he said additional configurations were planned over three upcoming weekends to extend improved speeds to elementary schools.

Facilities work over the summer included work at the fieldhouse and installation of a new scoreboard expected to be operational for the first game of the season, and continued maintenance and custodial projects following a recent facilities tour.

Tomko recommended establishing or increasing a capital reserve to $750,000 to be restricted for capital projects, and described a maintenance reserve (he referenced a $350,000 target during remarks) to provide cash flow for repairs. He said the maintenance reserve can be adjusted as needed but that funds restricted for capital projects will protect money for long-term needs.

Public commenters asked about the MindsEye Technology contract and timing for large payments. Marlena Zawatska, a resident, asked why the district would sign a contract for $720,000 (as she stated) before seeing the system operate with students in classrooms; she asked whether the board should wait to see performance with students present. The superintendent responded that MindsEye is an established vendor that had already helped restore connectivity and that tests during the summer showed improvements.

Why it matters: Upgrading the student information system, network capacity and facilities conditions affects classroom operations and parent access to student information; capital and maintenance reserve decisions determine how the district funds and prioritizes repairs and new construction.

Ending: The board approved facilities resolutions and moved forward with the consent blocks that include related projects; the district said it will prioritize projects for the new capital reserve and bring a recommended list to the board for approval.","Superintendent Tomko discussed the district\u0000\u0000\u0000s switch to PowerSchool, recent internet speed improvements with MindsEye Technology, a new workflow system (Intellicate), summer facilities work including a scoreboard and feeding program, and recommended moving $750,000 into capital reserve and establishing a maintenance reserve.",{"_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},6504395,"Garfield Board approves multiple resolution blocks, appoints business administrator Jack Labou",125,3543000,3668000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5680788-9cd86ffa564fd7126cfedbe48e088e2f&start=3543&end=3668","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5680788-9cd86ffa564fd7126cfedbe48e088e2f/thumbnail_3543000.jpg","/articles/6504395/New-Jersey/Garfield-Board-approves-multiple-resolution-blocks-appoints-business-administrator-Jack-Labou","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504395-4dd99325e8c2bcb0cb506b67a96b44d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770750968&Signature=PPYtyGKQ5XKsS7zFhpcs2pnv9GA4QQks2ZjMTxDrtM2P~8vtdd9hxedy6ZSFv4k3UpQ9o0gLLSNrjtgyy8c0uFzEMoA-hbOp5jMd6H365r2cl9mqQspQ6KbqmQYlU6cWy3ahC5srmHDqEqZ73ZlbTIYFBk2o-BP-c6ifjoqhUqGjoohabAOGQx9K1d0Pp-PdpdgBCV4GQehNRMZpbA~--5lZsUDtwqG6ajmfDqvqe5jb6UoP9-L-CRjP2beD8GYWKihzFjrbIsqKFK1njJqBsqn9pv0ZEPySvPHEUHl1PeOjCFElsV0DaA69FQ2ssUzglcXV1tuThXx2-2Oi6chlcA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Garfield Board of Education approved multiple resolution blocks during its meeting, including personnel and governance items and finance, education and facilities packages, and confirmed Jack Labou as the district\u0000\u0000\u0000s business administrator.

Board members cast roll-call votes on grouped resolutions after routine motion and second. Several members recorded abstentions or recusals on specific items, which were noted aloud during the roll calls.

Why it matters: The grouped votes included budget and contract approvals, personnel appointments and facility items. The board also moved to create and fund capital and maintenance reserve accounts discussed separately in the meeting; those budget decisions will affect how the district prioritizes repairs and upgrades going forward.

The meeting record shows the board moved and approved resolutions 8.1 through 8.44, with specific abstentions and recusals noted at roll call. Doctor Tomko called roll and Dr. Porcheck, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Otto, Ms. Hassan, Mr. Ramos, Mr. Gaba, Ms. Petiri and Mr. Focarino all participated in the votes. Mr. Taylor said he would \"reluctantly\" abstain on 8.44; Mr. Otto announced a recusal on 8.44 as well.

Finance resolutions 10.1 through 10.21 were approved with multiple abstentions on items 10.4, 10.5, 10.6 and 10.7 by several board members (recorded as abstentions or recusals on the public record). Education resolutions 12.1 through 12.56, facilities resolutions 14.1 through 14.2, and policy resolutions 17.1 and 17.2 also passed by roll call.

The board publicly congratulated Jack Labou after the vote confirming his appointment as business administrator. Public commenters and several longtime residents addressed the board to endorse Labou\u0000\u0000\u0000s qualifications during the public-comment period leading up to the vote.

Votes at a glance
- Resolutions 8.1\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000 (personnel/consent block): approved; abstentions/recusals recorded on 8.44 (Mr. Taylor abstained; Mr. Otto recused).
- Finance 10.1\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000: approved; multiple abstentions recorded on items 10.4, 10.5, 10.6 and 10.7 (recorded by Mr. Otto, Ms. Hassan, Ms. Petiri and Mr. Focarino as noted at roll call).
- Education 12.1\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000: approved.
- Facilities 14.1\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000: approved.
- Policy 17.1\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000: approved.

Discussion and public comment preceding the votes included praise and endorsements for the newly appointed business administrator from several residents, and questions from the public about specific contracts and hiring procedures.

Ending: The board adjourned after routine business and public comment, with members wishing the community a safe holiday weekend.","The Garfield Board of Education approved several blocks of resolutions covering personnel, finance, education and facilities and confirmed Jack Labou as the district\u0000\u0000\u0000s business administrator amid several recusal and abstention votes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

District unveils ———Vic——— valuable information card and a POW/MIA "chair of honor" to memorialize service members

High school test scores: Garfield reports small ELA gains, larger gaps in math; ELL enrollment jumps to 540

Superintendent outlines PowerSchool move, internet upgrades and recommends $750,000 capital reserve

Garfield Board approves multiple resolution blocks, appoints business administrator Jack Labou