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Stanhope Board approves $5.6 million levy, new therapy and food‑service contracts and multiple personnel actions
Summary
At its May 13 meeting the Stanhope Board of Education approved the 2026‑27 tax levy totaling $5,596,191, renewed and authorized several shared‑services and therapy contracts, approved an out‑of‑district placement, and ratified personnel appointments including an interim business administrator; votes were 6–0 with one member absent.
The Stanhope Board of Education on May 13 approved the district’s 2026‑27 tax levy and a slate of contracts and personnel actions, including an interim business administrator and new therapy agreements.
The board voted to require $5,426,600 for the General Fund and $169,591 for Debt Service, for a total levy of $5,596,191 for the 2026‑27 school year, and set a monthly payment schedule for the Borough of Stanhope. The motion carried by roll call with six Yes votes and one member absent.
Why it matters: the levy sets the district’s operating revenue target for the year and underpins contracts and staffing the district needs for special education, maintenance and food services.
The meeting included approvals of multiple purchased‑services agreements intended to secure specialized staff the district says it needs. The board approved a Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds services agreement with Byram Township (Byram to pay $94,019.01, representing 60% of salary and benefits), a speech‑services agreement with Lenape Valley Regional High School (Lenape to pay $54,038.73, 50% of salary and benefits), and a Learning Disabilities Teacher‑Consultant (LDTC) agreement with Washington Township (Washington to pay $77,520.94, 50% of salary and benefits).
The board also approved a one‑year contract renewal with Maschio’s Food Service, Inc. for the 2026‑27 school year (contract cost $163,379.05; management fee $13,187.50) and a services agreement with J & B Therapy, LLC covering occupational therapy ($109,910 invoiced in 20 equal installments) and as‑needed physical therapy, speech services and evaluations at specified hourly and per‑evaluation rates.
The board approved an out‑of‑district placement for one student at P.G. Chambers School (Cedar Knolls) for 210 billable days at $532.71 per day, totaling $111,869.10; the transcript notes tuition is subject to State audit.
Personnel actions included approval of staffing lists for the 2026‑27 school year, appointment of Ryan Henry as a part‑time (.625 FTE) custodian at an annual salary of $21,600, acceptance of the resignation of speech therapist Kaitlyn McManus effective Aug. 28, 2026, and renewal of substitute staff. The board also approved the appointment of Daniel Borgo (DAB, LLC) as interim School Business Administrator/Board Secretary effective July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 at $125 per hour, not to exceed 780 hours, pending Executive County Superintendent contract approval. The board delegated authority to the superintendent to appoint personnel and issue contracts between May 14, 2026 and the next meeting.
Board process and votes: many agenda items were approved by unanimous voice vote or roll call (6‑0 with one absence). The meeting included a brief executive session held for personnel matters; the board stated any actions taken that could be disclosed would be released later if not prejudicial to privacy rights.
Board members and officials who spoke on record included Board President Mattia Scharfstein; Superintendent Steven Hagemann; Personnel Committee Chair Jennifer Herold; Business Services Committee Chair Avery Quayle Badolato; and board member Carmen Pico, who noted the district’s purchase of protective “fuzzy feet” for chairs to prevent floor damage.
What’s next: the board expects regionalization data and a report in early June and targeted completion of the superintendent evaluation process about two weeks after the superintendent completes Part I. The board’s next meeting date was noted as likely to shift from June 17 to June 24, 2026.
Votes at a glance
- Executive session (personnel): motion by Avery Quayle Badolato; second Jennifer Herold; voice vote 6 Yes, 0 No, 0 Abstain, 1 Absent — carried. - Affirmation of N.J. Anti‑Bullying report and suspensions (0/0): roll call — carried (six Yes, one Absent). - Minutes (April 29 regular and executive): motion by Carmen Pico; second Avery Badolato; voice vote 6–0 — carried. - Personnel action items (multiple hires, renewals, leaves, resignation acceptance, delegation of appointment authority): mover Avery Badolato; second Erin Monaco; roll call recorded six Yes votes — carried. - Business services resolutions (financial reports, transfers, delegation to BA; purchased services agreements with Byram, Lenape, Washington): motions carried by voice/roll call per agenda (six Yes, one Absent where recorded). - Tax levy and payment schedule for 2026‑27: roll call approval — carried (six Yes, one Absent). - Maschio’s Food Service contract, P.G. Chambers out‑of‑district placement, J & B Therapy contracts: motions carried by roll call/voice vote per agenda. - Addendum appointment of Michelle Anderson, PT, DPT, MTC (Physical Therapist, as‑needed): motion carried (six Yes, one Absent).
The board adjourned at 7:56 p.m.
