MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

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The Board of Education conducts regular monthly business meetings. Board meetings operate under Robert's Rule of Order.

Board meetings are held as scheduled on Monday evenings at 7:00pm at the locations listed next to each meeting date expect as noted below. All meetings are announced in the The Record, Villadom Times, Suburban News & The Ridgewood News at least 48 hours in advance.

Open Meetings / Executive Sessions

The Board must hold all meetings in accordance with the New Jersey Open Public Meeting Act, the Sunshine Law, which states that all discussions and official actions of a public body must take place in public, except for specific exceptions.

Topics exempt from open discussion and which take place in closed or executive session include matters where the public interest would be endangered or personal privacy or guaranteed rights of an individual would be invaded.  The board may discuss personnel, litigation or contract negotiations in executive session; however, no board action may be taken at that time.

Public Comments at Meetings

Board meeting agendas are always available to the public at each board meeting and on the district website.  The agenda highlights the order of the proceedings and the topics to be discussed.  The Board seeks comments from the public twice at each meeting. The first opportunity is under the agenda item, “Oral Communication on Agenda Items.” The public may address the board on any topic listed on the agenda at this time.  The second time is towards the end of the agenda during “Oral Communication—Non-Action Items.”  At this time any other comments or questions related to the Board’s conduct of the schools may be addressed.  Sometimes there may also be an opportunity provided during the meeting for public input on a specific discussion topic.  Speakers are asked to stand and state their name and address for the record before beginning their comments.

The Board may not always be prepared to discuss an issue when presented; however the President or Superintendent will advise what action will be taken, if necessary, to address the concern.

Chain of Command

The Board values public input but we strongly support proper use of the “chain of command” as a positive way of solving problems or misunderstandings.  The chain runs from classroom teacher, to the principal, to the superintendent, and finally to the Board.  Our goal is for a solution to come from the person closest to the situation.  The Board encourages open communication between the public and our schools.

Regular Meeting Dates

Please check the Board Agendas & Minutes link found in the drop down menu for any changes, updates, or addition of special meetings. Copies of agendas and minutes of past meetings can also be found there.

2011 - 2012 Regular Meeting Dates	Location
May 2, 2011 (Reorganization/Regular Meeting)	Eisenhower School
June 6, 2011 (Awards Night) - Begins at 6:30pm	Eisenhower School
June 20, 2011	Coolidge School
August 15, 2011	Board Office
September 12, 2011	Eisenhower School
October 10, 2011	Eisenhower School
November 14, 2011	Eisenhower School
December 19, 2011	Eisenhower School
January 16, 2012	Eisenhower School
February 13, 2012	Eisenhower School
March 12, 2012	Eisenhower School
March 26, 2012 (Budget Hearing)	Eisenhower School
April 2, 2012	Eisenhower School
April 23, 2012 (Reorganization/Regular Meeting)	Eisenhower School