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Closter Board approves routine minutes, personnel moves, tuition and special-services rates, and policy second readings
Summary
The board approved March 5 minutes and HIB affirmations, multiple personnel actions, special-services and tuition rates for 2025–26, payment of $1,251,363.51 in district bills, and second readings of several policies and regulations.
At its March 19 meeting, the Closter Board of Education approved a slate of routine actions including minutes, financial certifications, personnel appointments and resignations, rates used for out-of-district special education and tuition schedules, and second readings of district policies.
Board business highlights:
- Minutes and HIB: The board approved the March 5 meeting minutes and affirmed superintendent decisions on three HIB incidents (TMS-2425-15, TMS-2425-16, TMS-2425-17) by roll-call vote.
- Financial approvals: The board certified February financial reports as required by NJSA 18A:17-9 and NJAC 6:20-2.13 and approved payment of bills totaling $1,251,363.51 (General Fund $1,243,853.48; Special Revenue $7,316.80; Enterprise/Milk $193.23).
- Rates and tuitions: Trustees approved the 2025–26 special services rates (for example, individual speech session $82.00; group speech $41.00) and tuition rates for nonresident/region placements (Kindergarten $17,722; Grades 1–5 $17,555; Grades 6–8 $16,546; Preschool Disabled $35,237; Learning/Language Disabilities $32,977; Emotional Regulation Impairment $26,591).
- Personnel: The board approved retirements (Diane Smith, paraprofessional, effective June 30, 2025), resignations (Caterina Belvedere; Hersh Vora), appointment of a long-term Pre-K leave replacement (Kenza Sehbi Tlemcani) with salary terms ($200/day for days 1–10; BA Step 0 thereafter pro-rated), substitute approvals, discretionary leave for Edlira Gjata, and paraprofessional hires Abigail Capazzi and Maria Barricella (start dates and hourly rates specified in the agenda).
- Policies: The board approved second readings of multiple policies and regulations, including P 5111 (Eligibility of Resident/Non-Resident Students), P 5512 (Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying), P 5516 (Use of Electronic Communication Devices), P 5701 (Academic Integrity) and P 9320 (Cooperation with Law Enforcement Agencies).
All listed motions in these agenda sections were carried by roll-call votes in which the recorded YEAS included Ms. Micera, Ms. Argenziano, Ms. Estrems, Mr. Paldi, Ms. Lee, Ms. Li and Ms. Finkelstein.
Why it matters: These routine approvals implement staff changes, formalize rates used for billing special services and out-of-district tuition, and adopt policy updates that affect student conduct, communication device rules and cooperation with law enforcement. The payment-of-bills action reflects the district’s monthly cash flow and obligations.
Next steps: Personnel hires and leaves take effect on the dates set in each approval; tuition and special-services rates will be used in 2025–26 placements and budgeting. The board will revisit limited outstanding items at future meetings as needed.
