November 2001

	Glen Ridge Public Schools Superintendent Highlights – November 2001 Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D., Superintendent
G R P S F Y I	Message from the Superintendent: This is the season of Thanksgiving, my favorite time of year. Yet, we as a community and a nation, have been forced to face fear and tragedy that has never been felt by the generation of students we educate. My heart goes out to the families who have lost loved ones and to those whose workplace has been destroyed by the disaster of September 11^th. I find comfort in how the Glen Ridge community came together during this time of crisis. The student groups and community groups that worked together to raise money for disaster relief, as well as the good will of neighbors who comforted those who suffered loss impressed me. This year, I am thankful for family and friends, for community and for our faculty and staff who continue to teach and comfort children in a time of uncertainty. Enjoy! SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT HIGHLIGHTS: Board of Education Opening Th Board accepted with regret John P. Lacey’s resignation from the Board due to personal and professional reasons. *Special Education Self-Assessment Focus Group* This fall our Special Education Department is conducting a self-assessment of the program and services we provide. There will be a public focus group meeting on December 6^th at 7:30 pm in the High School LGI. Parents of special education students are asked to attend. *Home and School Scholarship* This fall everyone received district calendars. Enclosed in the calendar was an envelope for Home & School Scholarship donations. If you have not contributed already, you can still do so by sending a tax-deductible contribution to Mrs. Julie Mason, c/o The Glen Ridge Public Schools Home and School Association Scholarships, 346 Maolis Avenue, Glen Ridge, NJ 07028. *Job Descriptions* The Board approved updates and additions to the district’s job descriptions. *Technology Policy* The Board approved a technology, information systems and telecommunication systems appropriate use policy. *Contracts* The Board of Education approved: RK Environmental Turner Construction – construction management for the renovations and building expansion project. Professional Planning and Engineering Corp. - for the renovations and building expansion project. School Alliance Insurance Fund – for student accidents Chapin Value Engineering - for the renovations and building expansion project. Eagle Rock Bus Co. – for athletic transportation. *Financial Reports* The Board approved: Financial Reports ending September 30, 2001 and October 31, 2001 Bills list through September 30, 2001 and November 21, 2001 Certification of the Fund Balance as of September 30, 2001 Capital Project Bill List through November 26, 2001 and the Board Secretary’s Reports Treasurer of School Moneys Reports for September 2001 *Three Year Maintenance Plan* The Board approved the district’s three-year maintenance plan as required by statute. *Home Instruction* The Board approved home instruction for two students and approved Glen Ridge teachers to provide the instruction. *Out-of-District Placement* The Board approved the out-of-district placement for a student with special needs. *2000/2001 District Financial Audit* The Board accepted the District Financial Audit Report and Corrective Action Plan that was certified by the firm of Nisivoccia and Company LLP. *Local Finance Board* The Board approved our application to the Local Finance Board, which gives us approval for our level debt amortization schedule. We will be selling bonds to fund our construction projects in January. *Gifts and Donation* The Board accepted the generous gift of dictionaries for the entire third grade from the Glen Ridge Rotary. The Board accepted four solid oak chairs from Ms. Diane Lloyd for Linden Avenue. *Speech and Language & Blind and Visually Impaired Services* The Board approved speech and language services for an out-of-district placed student. The Board approved educational services provided by the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. PERSONNEL *New Appointments:* The Board approved the various aides for After Care, a Program Leader for Special Education at the High School, substitutes, accepted a resignation of a custodian and transfers of custodians. The Board also accepted the resignation of Charles Linnell, Vocal/Music Teacher. KEY DATES December 3^rd - BOE Meeting – Community input on High School construction project. December 6^th – Special Education Self- Assessment Focus Group Meeting December 17^th - BOE Meeting December 21^st - Half-Day of School December 22^nd-January 1^st - Schools Closed January 2^nd - Schools Re-Open

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