The Englewood Board of Education on Wednesday approved routine business items — including minutes, the board secretary report and the treasurer’s report — and passed a consent agenda as amended, but declined to approve a proposed purchase services contract with the JCC School of Music after several members said they had not received the contract or supporting proposal.

Why it matters: The JCC School of Music contract affects a cohort of students who participate in after‑school music programming. Board members and community advocates urged the district to provide the contract materials and asked the administration to make a timely decision before the start of the school year.

Key board actions and votes
- Executive session: The board voted to move to executive session to discuss personnel, legal and contractual matters and later reconvened; the motions carried by voice vote.

- Minutes and routine financial reports: The board approved minutes for June 5, June 12 and June 26 with a correction to the spelling of a board member’s name. The board also approved the board secretary report for April and May 2025. The treasurer’s report for April and May 2025 was approved; one board member recorded an abstention on the treasurer’s report.

- Consent agenda and exceptions: The consent agenda was introduced as amended (administrative removal of two items and the inclusion of four policies for first reading). During the roll call several board members registered exceptions to specific consent items; the consent agenda overall was approved as amended.

- JCC School of Music contract: Multiple board members said they had not received the JCC contract or proposal and therefore recorded an exception; the board did not reach a majority in favor of the JCC School of Music purchase/contract item and the item failed to pass. Board members asked the administration to supply the contract and supporting documents ahead of the next meeting so the item can be reconsidered.

Policies scheduled for first reading
The policy committee reported four policies listed for first reading: P5516 (use of electronic communication and recording devices), P2365 (acceptable use of generative artificial intelligence), P2365.1 (AI plan) and P5117 (interdistrict public school choice). The board did not take final votes on those policies at this meeting; they were placed on the agenda for first reading and additional consideration.

Public comment and committee reports
Public commenters thanked the district for tutoring and academic supports and asked for evaluation details. Community members also raised questions about the district’s dual language application process and its interpretation of a cited NJAC provision; a resident asked for clarification on how the district’s cited NJAC guidance affected entry after kindergarten. The district said written responses and a link were posted on the district website and that it would provide additional clarification.

Next steps and context
Board members requested the JCC contract be provided to board members and noted that the district has a limited time window to ensure program continuity for students before fall. Administration said it will provide the requested documents and the board agreed to reconsider the item at the next public meeting. Committee chairs also announced upcoming meetings, including a special finance meeting on Aug. 4.

Ending: The board adjourned after directing the administration to share the requested contract and program documentation; the board scheduled further discussion on policies and follow‑up reports for the August meeting.