Riverside board approves staffing moves, contracts and $53,015 roofing change order

The Riverside Township Board of Education on Aug. 8 approved a slate of routine district actions, including personnel appointments and resignations, service contracts for professional development and student supports, curriculum adoptions and a $53,015 change order for roofing work.

Board member D. Graf moved and Mrs. S. Pinho seconded motions that passed unanimously on most items. The meeting, held in the elementary cafeteria, opened at 7:00 p.m. and adjourned at 7:16 p.m.

Why it matters: The approvals set personnel and program plans for the 2024–25 school year, authorized district spending for instructional coaches and trainers, and cleared technical work on a bond‑funded roofing project that the board said requires additional Kalwall panels.

Presentation and parent question: District staff M. Adams and Ms. Saia presented NJPA and WIDA assessment results; parent Kristy Veasy asked for clarification about new physical forms and where agenda attachments are posted, which Mr. Adams addressed.

Contracts and professional services: The board approved a series of vendor agreements for classroom coaching and professional development: - Inflight, LLC: up to $64,000 for embedded teacher coaching, workshops and PLC work across three buildings; - Inspired Instruction, LLC: multiple packages for embedded mathematics and science coaching, culturally responsive teaching and inclusive co‑teaching, with specified day limits and amounts for each package (amounts listed in contract language); - TESO Consulting Group Partners: up to $30,000 for PLC work and intensive coaching (24 hours maximum). The board also approved an agreement with Genesis Counseling Centers, Inc. for student assistance services.

Instructional programming and virtual learning: The board approved the Ram‑V Virtual Learning Program, including a VHS Learning service agreement for online courses at $380 per semester seat (40 seats, annual fee $15,200). The district also adopted K–12 curriculum lists that include AP courses, electives, vocational offerings and ESL programming.

Personnel and staffing changes: The board accepted several resignations and approved appointments, including: - Erika Ruff: accepted resignation as Dean of Programs and Students effective Sept. 1, 2024, and appointed to Child Study Team Director at a contract salary listed at $118,550 (prorated); - Catherine J. Blatchley: approved as PreK–12 Dean of Programs and Students (10‑month position) at a contract salary of $81,500 (pending criminal history review); - Multiple paraprofessionals, hall monitors, custodial, and other support staff hires were approved with start dates in August/September; details were presented as part of the personnel slate. The board also approved a list of potential High‑Impact Tutors to be paid from High‑Impact Grant funds (rates and maximum hours specified).

Finance and operational items: The board approved the Board Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports, payment of bills, budget transfers permitted by the State Department of Education, and the June 30 financial reports. It approved cafeteria prices for 2024–25 (elementary lunch $3.05; middle/high lunch $3.20; breakfasts and adult/milk prices also set) and a tuition payment of $3,807 for 57 students attending Burlington County Institute of Technology for 2024–25.

Capital project change order: The board approved Bond Referendum Project #3 change order CO#2 for roofing in the amount of $53,015 to install additional Kalwall panels; the motion carried unanimously.

Health, safety and school operations: The board approved the District Safety and Security Plan for 2024–25, Nursing Services Plans and Nursing Standing Orders for each building, the Athletic Trainer’s Standing Orders, and the district Professional Development Plan. Robert O’Brien was appointed Riverside Township School District School Safety Specialist for 2024–25.

Policy and governance: The board suspended Bylaw 0131 to allow one reading of revised policies and regulations, and approved the abolishment of policy 0164.6. It also approved the Comprehensive Equity Plan Statement of Assurance for 2024–25.

Votes at a glance: Most motions passed unanimously with the roll recorded as Aye: D. Graf, E. Mossop, S. Parker, S. Pinho, J. Sierra, R. Wrice, S. Wrice; Nay: 0. The facility/building use approval recorded an abstention by S. Wrice; otherwise recorded votes show unanimous approval.

Next steps: The meeting minutes will be filed and the approved contracts, staffing changes and plans will be implemented according to the timelines and conditions set in each agreement. The board adjourned at 7:16 p.m.