Board hears clean audit, approves routine packages and hears Berkeley Heights update including new superintendent hire

The board received an audit presentation that found no formal audit recommendations and offered two management suggestions, and then approved several standard agenda packages and heard a lengthy Berkeley Heights schools report.

The presenter who reviewed the financial statement audit told the board the district "came through with no audit recommendations" and described required federal and state single‑audit procedures tied to a spending threshold; the presenter also said the auditors had made two routine management suggestions and praised the district for stabilizing its finances amid recent staff transitions. A board member asked about food service, noting a roughly $50,000 year‑over‑year increase; the presenter said the net effect was about $49,000 and attributed it to higher operating revenue, higher operating expenditures, increased non‑operating subsidies and higher interest.

The audit presentation was followed by multiple routine approvals. The chair asked for — and the board recorded — votes to adopt administration items 1–6, budget and finance items 1–11, personnel items 1–13 (which included adding high‑school volunteer Emma Wargowski to the volunteer list) and policy items 1 and 3. A board member noted item 2 in the administration package is the annual self‑assessment under the Anti‑Bullying Bill of Rights; Beechwood received a 72 and Deerfield a 71 out of a possible 78, and those results will be submitted to the state as required. All listed packages were approved by roll call.

Jordan Hyman provided a report on Berkeley Heights schools, citing student activities and athletic successes, facilities work on gym painting and LED hallway lighting, and personnel updates. Hyman said Berkeley Heights approved Kim Peltree as superintendent at an Oct. 29 special meeting; Peltree is set to start Jan. 1 under a three‑and‑a‑half‑year contract. The report also noted the hiring of CJ Hendricks as athletic director.

Hyman and other members discussed a long‑running initiative to add field lights at GL. He said neighborhood opposition that was once a barrier has been resolved and the town now appears supportive, but funding for wiring and fixtures remains the principal hurdle; members mentioned grants and external partners as possible financing avenues. The board tentatively set its reorganization meeting for Jan. 6 pending member availability and scheduled a strategic planning committee meeting with the goal of bringing a finalized plan to the full board at its Dec. 10 meeting.

The chair opened a public comment period; no members of the public came forward. The board moved to adjourn and ended the meeting, noting the next regular meeting is Dec. 10.