River Dell board forwards preliminary 2026–27 budget to county and honors student Kayla Lee

The River Dell Regional Board of Education voted on multiple consent and budget items at its regular meeting and formally recognized a student honored by the county.

At the top of the meeting the board unanimously approved a preliminary 2026–27 district budget for submission to the executive county superintendent. The figures read aloud at the meeting listed total expenses of $44,522,827 and a tax levy that was read as “38,627,51” (numerical formatting as read at the meeting was unclear). The board moved the preliminary budget to the county for review and approval; the vote on the motion was recorded by roll call and carried.

Board members also approved the consent agenda, accepted February line-item transfers and financial adjustments, and completed a second reading of several policies and regulations. During the consent vote one member recused themselves from item 9A as noted on the record.

The meeting included a ceremonial resolution recognizing Kayla Lee as River Dell’s nominee for the Bergen County Unsung Hero award. Dr. Albero read the formal resolution on the board floor, describing the Unsung Hero program as honoring students who “have modeled good citizenship, a spirit of quiet strength, and a profile and purpose that inspires others.” The board adopted the resolution by motion and roll call, and the resolution will be presented to Kayla Lee by the district.

In new business, the board approved a nomination resolution to submit materials to the Bergen County School Boards Association supporting Alan Figenson for the 2026 Archie Haye Leadership Award. The nomination text summarized Figenson’s 14 years of board service and leadership on initiatives including one-to-one laptops and the district’s portrait of a graduate.

What happens next: The preliminary budget will be reviewed by the executive county superintendent’s office; any county adjustments or approvals will be reported back to the board for final adoption. The nomination package for the Archie Haye award will be submitted to the Bergen County School Boards Association for consideration.

Votes at a glance • Kayla Lee Unsung Hero resolution — motion moved and seconded; roll call recorded unanimous approval (recorded votes read on the record). • Consent agenda — motion moved and seconded; roll call approval with one recusal on item 9A. • Second reading of policies/regulations — motion moved and seconded; roll call approval. • Acceptance of February financial report and line-item transfers — motion moved and seconded; roll call approval. • Preliminary 2026–27 budget submission — motion moved and seconded; roll call approval. • Nomination of Alan Figenson for Archie Haye Leadership Award — motion introduced and approved to submit the application materials.

The board opened the meeting to public comment twice; no members of the public spoke on agenda items or at the end of the meeting. The meeting was then adjourned.