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Residents press board over Mind’s Eye Technologies contract and school traffic at Feb. 24 meeting
Summary
Multiple Rockaway Borough residents raised concerns during public comment about a vendor contract with Mind’s Eye Technologies, alleged 'no-bid' contracting and political contribution forms, and separately pressed the board on traffic and bell-schedule issues affecting students.
At the Rockaway Borough Board of Education meeting on Feb. 24, 2026, several residents used the public comment period to press the board for more information about district contracting and operational issues.
Ms. Wheelock said questions about Mind’s Eye Technologies had been answered via email after meetings and that a general correspondence had been sent to the community; she also asked that public notice information be included with future agendas to comply with OPMA requirements. Ms. Hamilton and Ms. DeMiceli urged the board and administration to review contracts for errors. Ms. Rueda specifically raised concerns about Mind’s Eye and asked about political contribution forms and what she characterized as 'no-bid' contracts; the record does not show a substantive reply from board members during the public portion.
Community members also voiced operational concerns. Parents and commenters asked the board to review school traffic procedures and the bell schedule at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, including requests for staff or a traffic officer presence at arrival; Mr. Bova asked about excusal of tardies on specific weather-related days. Ms. Franz and others raised scheduling concerns and noted decreases in Spanish class offerings and study hall arrangements.
The public hearing was limited to agenda items and comments were directed to the board president; the board did not take formal votes specifically on contracting or traffic policies during the meeting. Several commenters said some follow-up information was provided to them by email after the meeting.
Why it matters: Allegations or questions about contracting procedures and vendor disclosures (for example, claims about political contribution filings or no-bid awards) can prompt follow-up under district procurement policies and public-record requests. Traffic and scheduling issues affect day-to-day student safety and family logistics, which the board may address through future agenda items or administrative action.
The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for March 17, 2026, where residents may seek further responses or agenda consideration.
