Califon Board approves $338,683.76 in bills, adopts 2026–27 budget calendar and OKs MOA allowing police access to surveillance

The Califon Board of Education met Nov. 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the school library and approved a consent agenda that included a $338,683.76 bill list, adoption of the 2026–27 budget calendar and acceptance of a $1,828 Capital Maintenance and Emergent Project grant from the Schools Development Authority. The meeting was called to order with an Open Public Meetings Act notice read by Vice President Michael Reaves.

Board President Christopher Keiser and Vice President Michael Reaves led unanimous roll call approvals on routine business. The Board accepted the Treasurer’s and Board Secretary’s October 2025 reports, approved October transfers and moved the district’s budget calendar forward for 2026–27 preparations.

Superintendent Dr. Michele Cone reported enrollment at 84 students, zero HIB incidents for the reporting period and one suspension totaling 1.5 days out-of-school. Cone said a QSAC walk-through inspection “went well,” and that remaining QSAC components will be reviewed in January. The Board voted to accept the HIB and suspension report.

Under curriculum items, the Board approved field trips including Columbia Trail Poet Walks for grades 3–5 at no cost and a Voorhees High School trip for the 5th–8th chorus at a cost of $275. The Board also approved a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Washington Township Police Department allowing police access to video surveillance for the 2025–2026 school year, as listed in the consent agenda.

On personnel motions, the Board approved hiring Jacquelynn Coughlan as a part-time kindergarten 1:1 aide at $20.00 per hour pending criminal-history clearance; approved paid leave for employee #202403 for Oct. 24–27, 2025; and approved Benjamin Hemberger as a substitute teacher for the 2025–26 school year pending clearance.

Facilities actions included formal documentation of mandated fire/security drills conducted on Oct. 31, 2025, and approval of recurring facility use by a community group identified as “Hoop Daddies” for basketball practices and games on specified dates, subject to custodial availability. During public comment, a resident identified as Ms. Smith asked who the Hoop Daddies are; resident Mr. Pinto replied they are “a group of dads in the community that play basketball as an extension of the community.” Another resident, Mr. Vreeland, asked the Board for its opinion about a consolidation grant; the minutes record the question but show no Board response.

The Board approved visits by therapy dog Remi and handler Mrs. Handy during the 2025–2026 school year and conducted first and second readings of district policies (the minutes do not list specific policy numbers). There was no executive session and the meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

Votes at a glance: the consent agenda and the items listed above were approved on unanimous roll call votes; specific motions were made and seconded on the record (for example, the October 15 minutes were approved on a motion by Ms. Rita Lemley, seconded by Mr. Michael Reaves).