A special-education audit presented Feb. 19 found Vernon’s IEP classification rate near 25%—above state and national averages—and recommended stronger tiered intervention, more consistent inclusion and clearer IEP-goal alignment. District leaders said they will pursue professional development, scheduling changes and data-driven goals to reduce unnecessary pullouts.
Superintendent and business administrator told the board Feb. 19 that a 25% jump in health benefits and a delayed state aid notice (expected March 12) compress the budget calendar; the district plans reallocation, professional development funding, and contingency lists and will present a preliminary budget March 19.
During open board forum Vernon board members questioned a town council PILOT (payment-in-lieu-of-taxes) for a 27-unit development, saying developer figures (8 students at $13,000 each) may undercount district impacts and could force budget cuts under the district's capped revenue rules.
At its organization meeting the Vernon Township School District Board of Education elected Jennifer Pallett president and John Krause vice president, approved the annual calendar, financial depositories, official newspapers and designated warrant signer, and readopted bylaws. An executive session on legal matters was announced.
Glen Meadow Middle School students presented their 21st Century Community Learning Center program, describing STEAM, art and family nights; program leaders said CCLC is federally funded by the New Jersey Department of Education (year‑five cycle), serves 427 enrolled students and reported a Treps marketplace with $13,700 in sales and roughly $9,000 profit after expenses.
The technology committee reported on an adopted AI policy and tasked an internal committee with drafting an AI plan; board members discussed Chromebook replacement timelines (second‑grade devices may be 4–5 years old) and estimated replacement costs ($40,000–$70,000/year), and asked staff to explore grants and leasing before budgeting a recurring expense.
The Vernon Township Board approved routine consent items, curriculum and finance contracts, accepted special‑services placements, and voted to accept Board member Carl Contino’s resignation; business office items included contract approvals and donation acceptances.
Auditor Ray Cerinelli presented a draft single audit and said the district’s budgetary basis shows improved balance and fund‑balance volatility tied to encumbrances; he and the business administrator warned of steep health‑benefit renewal increases (cited at ~26%), which could add about $660,000 for the first half of 2026 and complicate next year’s budget.
The Vernon Township School District Board approved a package of personnel actions, policy updates, curriculum and contract items including an AIR MTSS contract, a one-month proximity-learning extension, and a special-education audit by All In for Inclusive Education.
Vinny Gagliastro, Vernon Township School District director of curriculum and instruction, presented the districts 2025 NJSLA results to the Board of Education on Oct. 16, reporting strong gains in third grade but dips in grades 45 and persistent gaps for students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students.
