Salem County school boards approve multiple contracts, personnel actions and a $42.50 bus usage fee

The Salem County Vocational Technical School District and the Salem County Special Services School District boards met June 24, 2025, and approved a package of contracts, personnel actions and program items, including an increase to the school bus usage fee to $42.50 per hour. The boards completed statutory financial certifications, accepted monthly reports and moved several items into closed session for HIB reviews. The meeting opened at 7:00 p.m. and adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

The boards handled most business in consent blocks. Daryl Halter, a board member, moved to approve the May 13, 2025 meeting minutes; Earl Ransome seconded and the motion carried with all members voting yes. A later consent motion to approve New Business items 3.A–3.I for SCVTS was moved by Daryl Halter and seconded by James Davis and carried unanimously.

Administrators reported operational updates. Rebecca Cruz-Guy provided graduation counts (one kindergarten graduate, three eighth-grade moves and two 12th-grade completions, including “one most outstanding auto student”), and said two new teachers will join the district. Alicia Smith said portfolio appeals were 100% approved and noted upcoming NJGPA testing and summer professional development. Frank Maurer reported construction and facilities work across campuses, including window replacements, new floors, painting, kitchen work and a generator installation.

The boards approved multiple contracts and vendor arrangements, presented as consent items. Notable items included: - Authorization for Garrison Architects to prepare and submit an NJDOE Other Capital Project Application and amend the district Long Range Facility Plan. - Awarding routine and emergency electrical repair services and mechanical plumbing repair services for 2025–26 (appointments listed for Northeast Plumbing Services, LLC in the agenda). - A PASS policy-alerts and support contract with Strauss Esmay Associates, LLP for $3,895 for 2025–26. - Various facilities, maintenance and technology proposals, custodial and management services recommended for Campus Services, and renewal of the Finalsite contract. The SCVTS consent block of business-administrator items (7.A–7.FF) was moved by James Davis and seconded by Daryl Halter; the motion carried, with an abstention by Linwood Donelson noted for item 7.A.

On personnel matters, the boards approved multiple personnel actions across both districts. The SCVTS board approved contracts and summer staffing items (motion by James Davis, second by Earl Ransome). The Special Services board approved superintendent-recommended hires and a resignation and set bus driver pay at $30 per hour with a $15 per hour mid-day run rate. The SCSSSD business administrator recommended increasing the school bus usage fee to $42.50 per hour; the board approved that request as part of the 14.A–14.V consent motion.

The boards also accepted financial reports under the requirements of New Jersey statutes 18A:17-36 and 18A:17-9 for the relevant months and approved reconciliations and warrants by roll call votes.

Both districts voted to enter closed session to accept and approve the monthly HIB (harassment, intimidation and bullying) reports. The motions to recess into closed session for HIB review carried by roll call votes for SCVTS (motion by Earl Ransome, second by Patty Bomba) and SCSSSD (motion by Daryl Halter, second by Patty Bomba). The public record included the motions and votes but did not disclose details of the closed sessions in the posted minutes.

Votes at a glance - Approval of May 13, 2025 minutes: Motion by Daryl Halter, second by Earl Ransome — approved unanimously (Yes: Daryl Halter; Earl Ransome; James Davis; Linwood Donelson; Patty Bomba) (SEG 004). - Approval of New Business items 3.A–3.I (SCVTS): Motion by Daryl Halter, second by James Davis — approved unanimously (SEG 017). - Retirement resolution — Jane Smith: Motion by Daryl Halter, second by James Davis — approved unanimously (SEG 025). - Retirement resolution — Christopher Jones: Motion by Daryl Halter, second by Patty Bomba — approved unanimously (SEG 026). - Retirement resolution — Sandra Graham: Motion by Daryl Halter, second by James Davis — approved unanimously (SEG 027). - Approval of SCVTS Board Secretary/Business Administrator new-business items 7.A–7.FF: Motion by James Davis, second by Daryl Halter — carried; Linwood Donelson abstained on item 7.A (SEG 070). - Approval of SCSSSD new-business items 14.A–14.V (including bus-fee increase to $42.50/hr): Motion by Daryl Halter, second by Patty Bomba — approved (SEG 138). - Approval of SCSSSD personnel items 15.A–15.O: Motion by James Davis, second by Patty Bomba — approved (SEG 155). - Motions to enter closed session to accept HIB reports (SCVTS and SCSSSD): Motions carried (SEGs 104, 163).

What the boards did not decide in public: The minutes and agenda indicate executive sessions were held; the transcript does not provide details of any actions taken while in executive session beyond the public votes to enter and later to resume the meeting. Where votes or amounts were itemized on the agenda but not repeated in public discussion (for example, specific contractor award details), the agenda text lists the recommended vendors and amounts when provided.

The meeting ended with a final motion to adjourn by James Davis, second by Patty Bomba; the meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.