Rockaway Borough board accepts 2024-25 audit amid concerns about invoice backup; approves software contracts and interim business administrator

The Rockaway Borough Board of Education unanimously voted Tuesday to accept the district—2024-25 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and the Auditor—Management Report prepared by Lerch, Vinci & Bliss and to approve a set of related financial and administrative actions.

The acceptance of the ACFR and AMR was moved by board member Faride Hernandez and seconded by board member Vanessa Dorgilles. The motion passed on a voice vote. During the discussion several attendees raised concerns about financial oversight: an attendee identified in the record as Kim "commented about frustration," another participant, Khan, said the board should "move forward," and others asked whether the auditors—findings could result in state oversight and why some invoices lacked backup documentation.

Why it matters: the audit acceptance closes out the district—financial year formally but prompted questions about internal controls and documentation. Those concerns came as the board approved a short-term administrative change: the board also approved an agreement to appoint Dr. Giovanni Cusmano as Interim School Business Administrator/Board Secretary effective Dec. 10, 2025, through June 30, 2026 (or sooner), subject to approval by the Executive Morris County Superintendent of Schools.

Board action on contracts: the board approved two separate contract agreements with Computer Solutions Inc. The first covers proprietary human-resources and payroll software and support services for the 2025-26 school year at $36,990, including licensing, data conversion, software support and cloud access. The second covers budgetary and accounting software for the period July 1, 2026—through June 30, 2027 at $40,780, and includes software support that extends to the HR/payroll product. Both purchases were listed on the agenda as exempt from competitive bidding under N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-5(19).

Votes at a glance: - Acceptance of 2024-25 ACFR and AMR: mover Faride Hernandez; seconder Vanessa Dorgilles; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Computer Solutions Inc. HR/payroll contract, $36,990: approved (resolution on the agenda; exemption cited: N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-5(19)). - Computer Solutions Inc. budget/accounting contract, $40,780: approved (resolution on the agenda; same exemption cited). - Appointment of Dr. Giovanni Cusmano as Interim School Business Administrator/Board Secretary (Dec. 10, 2025——June 30, 2026): approved (resolution on the agenda). - Participation in Sustainable Jersey for Schools and appointment of the superintendent as liaison: approved (roll call recorded: Hernandez moved; Dahl seconded; all five members voted Aye).

Other business and context: the board also approved standard consent-agenda items including meeting minutes, payroll and bills (two claims lists totaling $2,773,973.68), an amended 2025-26 district calendar, and a set of student field trips and district events listed on the agenda. Personnel actions included rescinding approval of a previously appointed softball coach, approval of additional instructional periods for Mary Leslie, hiring actions pending background checks, and acceptance of Marcy Rattay—————————————————————————————————s resignation as a lunchroom/recess aide effective Dec. 23, 2025 (she will remain in another district role).

Members and next steps: board president Edward Graf presided; the board scheduled its next regular meeting and reorganization for Jan. 7, 2026. Several attendees asked for follow-up on the audit concerns recorded in the meeting minutes, including requests for backup documentation for invoices and clarification of the business administrator's oversight responsibilities. The interim business administrator appointment was recorded as subject to county-level approval.