Mount Olive board hears positive state review, readies modular classrooms and energy program as budget planning begins

The Mount Olive Township Board of Education on Jan. 20 received a series of committee reports that set priorities for the 2026–27 budget cycle, including facilities work, an energy-efficiency contract and a shift in elementary instruction models.

Student liaison Etelka Moliner opened with a rundown of recent school events and accomplishments, noting an ‘‘all-time high’’ of 946 AP exam registrations for 469 students and that the district is hosting international students through early February. ‘‘So first of all, happy new year, everyone,’’ Moliner said, thanking administrators and staff for their work.

Superintendent Dr. Banerjee told the board that county and state reviewers who conducted the district’s CUSAC visit gave strong feedback. ‘‘The feedback, from the state has been that we are up to par, not only up to par, exceeding their expectations,’’ the superintendent reported, and the administration said county reviewers praised the district’s instructional and governance practices.

Budget planning is under way. Finance committee members said administrators have submitted ‘‘wish lists’’ for next year and that final numbers will depend on state aid. The committee announced plans to contract with Mantis Innovation for an energy-efficiency and asset-management system to monitor HVAC units’ usable life and prioritize preventive replacements. Committee members described the goal as ‘‘no surprises’’ on major system failures.

Facilities needs already identified include an approximately $52,000 repair to address water-pressure concerns at the middle school’s fire-suppression system. Committee members said Cintas flagged insufficient pressure for code, the town inspection concluded the system met minimum thresholds, but the district will spend the estimated $52,000 to ensure reliable compliance. Finance staff stated the work was not included in the current budget but can be covered by breakage in other lines.

The board also discussed plans for modular classroom units at the middle school for 2026–27. Administrators are collecting site quotes and intend to bid for units that include covered installations; the district said the trailers will be used for universal courses such as health, and that bids will require vendors to include weather protection and utility hookups.

On curriculum and special education, the board was told the district exceeded the 10% chronic-absenteeism threshold at the middle and high school levels and has been selected to participate in the New Jersey Department of Education’s special-education monitoring process as part of Cohort 3 (a six-year review cycle). Administrators said corrective-action plans and stronger attendance outreach are being developed, and that the Mauna Loa Success Academy (MOSA) program ended when grant and ESSER funding concluded; the district plans to embed interventions during the school day using iReady assessments and benchmark resources.

The curriculum committee also recommended moving fifth grade toward a self-contained instructional model, where one teacher covers ELA, math, social studies and science, to improve scheduling coherence and equity across classrooms.

Board members asked that legal support for special-education matters be explored via an RFP so the district has vetted attorneys available if needed. The finance committee and administration said they will return with more detail.

The meeting included standard reports from PTAs and recognition of retirees. The board moved several consent items as a package later in the meeting (see separate article on board actions and votes). The board recessed to closed session to discuss personnel and pending litigation and returned to approve a settlement (MRSL1588-25).