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Board delays referendum, approves student-services director and HIB recommendations
Summary
Superintendent told the board that DEP-related issues have delayed the planned referendum; the board approved the appointment of Miss Katie Petski as Director of Student Services and voted to approve 14 HIB items on the agenda, with three substantiated at Copeland Middle School.
The Rockaway Township Board of Education was told the district’s planned referendum will not take place in March after site-planning issues involving the state Department of Environmental Protection, and the board approved several personnel and disciplinary recommendations.
During public comment, resident Megan O'Conor asked for an update on the referendum date and information sessions. Superintendent Dr. Richard Corbett said the district "will not be having the referendum in March" because of difficulties related to the Department of Environmental Protection and that the board will regroup with its architect to consider options; no new date was set.
On personnel, the board approved the superintendent’s recommendation to appoint Miss Katie Petski as Director of Student Services. Corbett said Petski previously served as the district’s supervisor of special education and was the most qualified candidate in a "thorough rigorous interview process." The appointment was approved by roll-call vote with one abstention recorded.
The board also voted to approve HIB (harassment, intimidation and bullying) recommendations listed on the agenda. Corbett reported there were 14 HIB items on the agenda, of which three were substantiated and all three occurred at Copeland Middle School; he identified perceived or actual characteristics for the substantiated cases as race, gender and another distinguishing characteristic. The board approved the recommendations by roll-call vote and directed appropriate follow-up through student services.
What comes next: district staff said they will regroup with the architect on referendum planning and will update the public when a date is established; student services will implement supports for the substantiated HIB findings and report back to the board.
(Reporting based on the board meeting record and roll-call votes recorded in the meeting transcript.)
