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Waterford Board unanimously approves multi‑million Hammonton tuition contracts, accepts E‑Rate grant and adopts facilities plan
Summary
At its Feb. 15 meeting the Waterford Township Board of Education unanimously approved large tuition contracts with Hammonton Board of Education for 2023–24, certified monthly finances and bills totaling roughly $2.1 million, accepted a $48,173.75 E‑Rate grant for Chromebooks, and approved the district long‑range facilities plan and related procurement.
At a regular meeting on Feb. 15, 2023 at Waterford Elementary School, the Waterford Township Board of Education unanimously approved a series of business and personnel items that will affect next school year’s budget and facilities planning. Board President Matthew DeNafo presided over the meeting and the board returned to open session at 7:00 p.m.
The board approved multiple finance items by roll call vote, including certification of monthly financial reports and payment of bills with line items listed in the minutes: Bills List #1 for $1,994,921.08; Bills List #2 for $36,570.81; Bills List #3 for $3,597.78; and Nutri‑Serve for $50,934.09. The business motion covering items 1–10 was moved by Thomas Leach, seconded by Rosemarie Hunter, and carried by unanimous roll call vote.
Among the largest actions, the board approved tuition contracts with the Hammonton Board of Education for the 2023–24 school year: a net cost of $3,376,768 for grades 7–8, $6,447,583 for grades 9–12, and $489,347 for special‑education tuition. The minutes record these contracts as approved under the business agenda and do not specify individual student counts or contract term details beyond the 2023–24 school year.
The board also accepted a $48,173.75 E‑Rate Universal Services Program grant to purchase Chromebooks and approved a contract with New Jersey Tutoring Corps Inc. to provide after‑school tutoring services for $25,502.40, with services to be funded by ESSA Title I SIA Part A and ARP ESSER III sub‑grant funds. The tutoring program is scheduled to begin the week of March 6, 2023 and run through April 27, 2023, with English language arts sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays and mathematics on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Facilities items approved included adoption of the district’s Long Range Facilities Plan and cancellation of a previously planned Site Improvement Project at Waterford Elementary School. The board authorized purchase of a sidewalk addition from Affordable Paving Contractors at a cost of $32,935.
The board also approved amendments to grant budgets (ESEA/ESSA and ARP ESSER) to accept carryover and reallocate funds as needed for the grant periods noted in the minutes. Nutri‑Serve food management balances and student account cancellations totaling $1,169.44 (plus $127.20 separately listed) were also approved as uncollectible or due to charges prior to approved free/reduced applications.
Personnel actions approved by unanimous roll call vote included retirements and appointments. The minutes acknowledge retirements of Deneen Macauley, Transportation Coordinator (effective Dec. 1, 2023), and Mary Jennifer Laute, Media Specialist (effective July 1, 2023). The board recognized Loreen Dico, a non‑instructional aide, as the December 2022 Perfect Attendance Award recipient.
Superintendent Dr. Michael Nolan provided an oral report and the board reviewed district reports, including a technology report and enrollment totals that rose from 930 to 952 students year‑over‑year for 2022–23.
No members of the public spoke during the public comment periods. The meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
What happens next: the contracts and budget actions are recorded in the district minutes; the tutoring services are scheduled to begin in March and Chromebook procurement will proceed under the E‑Rate award.
