Franklin Lakes Board approves broad consent agenda, large payments and multiple staff hires

The Franklin Lakes Board of Education approved a broad consent agenda at its Sept. 3 regular meeting, clearing large payments, several contracts tied to capital work, multiple personnel appointments and operational agreements ahead of the Sept. 5 student first day.

The motion to approve the consent agenda (resolutions 1286–1292, 1294–1317, 1319–1334) was made by board member Robert Spiotti and seconded by Ryan Richman; the roll call for the main consent block recorded seven votes in favor and no opposing votes. Superintendent Gregorio Maceri reported that teachers returned for convocation and training and confirmed students start Thursday, Sept. 5.

Why it matters: the approvals commit district funds and staff for the coming year and advance referendum-backed projects, including HVAC and window work at multiple schools.

Among the financial items the board approved were bills lists totaling $5,835,241.17 for June 2024 and $3,050,118.10 for July 2024. The board also approved vendor payments tied to capital and facilities work: $685,363 to EACM Corp. for HVAC and electrical upgrades at Franklin Avenue Middle School, High Mountain Road School and Woodside Avenue School; $85,424 to ARCO Construction for a roof replacement at High Mountain Road School; $44,100 to Panoramic Window and Door Systems for roof work at Franklin Avenue Middle School; and $28,500 to D&E Window and Door for window replacements at Woodside Avenue School. The superintendent reported estimated completion windows for referendum projects: FAMS HVAC expected by December/January, CRS and WAS HVAC by March/April, with window work beginning late fall.

The board approved out-of-district placements for special services students at providers including Bleshman Regional Day School, Windsor Bergen Academy and Glenview Academy, with typical annual tuition lines listed at $79,920.00 and some entries showing additional costs for 1:1 aides (one entry lists $51,984.00 for 1:1 aide cost over 180 days).

Operational agreements approved include a shared-services arrangement with the Ramapo Indian Hills Board of Education to purchase student meals and an agreement with Bergen County Special Services for home/hospital instruction at $65 per hour. The board also approved an agreement with the South Bergen Jointure Commission to provide occupational therapy services to cover a maternity leave at an annual cost not to exceed $135,000.

Personnel actions passed as part of the consent agenda included appointments and leaves: Daniela Colella was approved as an elementary teacher at Colonial Road School at a listed salary of $61,777 (effective Oct. 8, 2024); Kira Manniello was approved as a language arts teacher at Franklin Avenue Middle School at $61,777 (effective Sept. 1, 2024); Danielle Kuchinski was approved as a leave-replacement school psychologist at FAMS at $78,645 (effective Sept. 1, 2024); Taeok Chong was approved as school psychologist at Colonial Road School with a listed salary of $100,741 (effective Sept. 1, 2024); and Olivia Splendore was approved as an elementary teacher at Woodside Avenue School at $54,267 (effective Sept. 1, 2024). The board also authorized the reappointment of substitute teachers, approved a change increasing playground/lunch aide daily hours from 2.5 to 3 hours, and approved several playground/lunch aide appointments at $19.00 per hour.

Other items approved included an Emergency Virtual or Remote Instruction Programs Plan for 2024–2025 and an Independent Evaluation maximum allowable cost sheet consistent with District Policy #2468 for Independent Educational Evaluations.

The meeting concluded with the board recessing into a private work session to discuss exempt matters and adjourning at 7:22 p.m.