Business administrator outlines cafeteria change orders, food-service revenue steps and a special-education tuition increase

Business Administrator Stephanie briefed the New Milford Board of Education on several finance and facilities items slated for the regular meeting.

Stephanie said two change orders will be requested for the high‑school cafeteria/senior lounge: one to repaint exterior walls (matching a newly chosen color) and another to address unexpected conditions uncovered when windows were removed that require structural protection work. She described the change orders as necessary to complete the project and said the items were added to the agenda late to ensure the project is finished.

On food services, Stephanie explained that September is typically a low month for cafeteria revenue because of commodities purchases, payroll and fewer service days. The district has introduced additional snack options at the elementary level and other differentiated offerings at the high school (described in the transcript as a change in selection, e.g., churros and other items) to increase sales; she said the approach has begun to improve income.

Stephanie confirmed the food‑service vendor name as recorded in the transcript (Pontonian) and said she would follow up with additional financial data; she also noted transportation and audit items are due in December and updates will be provided when available.

The superintendent previously described a special‑education sending tuition contract (High Point School, Bergen County) with an aid/tuition adjustment of $32,265 tied to program needs; board discussion flagged the budgetary consequences of unplanned special‑education expenses. The JAG athletic training contract (backup athletic trainer) was listed for approval on the finance portion of the regular agenda.

No final votes on change orders or contract amendments were recorded in the work session transcript; those approvals were scheduled for the upcoming regular meeting.