Monroe Township Board of Education Meeting: Key Highlights and Updates

The Monroe Township Board of Education meetings serve as a crucial platform for discussing and deciding on matters concerning the township's educational landscape. These meetings bring together board members, school administrators, and community members to address various topics, from budget approvals and policy updates to curriculum enhancements and facility improvements. The minutes of these meetings provide a detailed record of the discussions, decisions, and actions taken by the Board, offering valuable insights into the direction and priorities of the Monroe Township School District.

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

The meeting commenced with a review of the minutes from the June 20, 2023, Library Board of Trustees meeting. Anne Corey pointed out an incomplete sentence on page 3, paragraph 2. Prena Shah moved to accept the minutes as corrected, and Anne Corey seconded the motion. Bob Isaacs abstained, while the remaining Board members present voted in favor of the motion.

Library Director's Report

Assistant Director Karen Klapperstuck presented the written report from Director Leah Wagner, who was absent.

Circulation Desk Renovation

Karen Klapperstuck reported on the progress of the Circulation Desk renovation project. The Department of Public Works will carry out the construction work to move the existing wall and prepare the area for new furniture and shelving. Construction is scheduled to begin on October 2 and conclude by November 6. New flooring will be installed the week of November 6.

Library Closure for Flooring Installation

Leah Wagner requested the Board to close the Library to the public on Wednesday, November 8, and Thursday, November 9, for the flooring installation. Library staff will still report to work and provide limited services to the public, including materials pick-up in the drive-thru, phone reference, and assistance. The furniture installation is scheduled for the following week.

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Farmers Market Success

The Farmers Market was successful in 2023, with Ruth Santulli, the Library’s Event Coordinator, praised for her work in organizing the market and coordinating vendors.

Staff Updates

Patcy Drake was hired as the Technology Support and Training Specialist in August. She previously worked part-time at the Welcome Desk and as a Reference Librarian.
Jaime Mendelsohn, part-time Reference Librarian, has left the Library.
Tania Schiavone's title was changed to Library Administrative Assistant in August.

2024 Budget

Leah Wagner and Karen Klapperstuck have started working on the 2024 Budget.

Donation of UNICEF Cards

Leah Wagner met with Iris Ivers, the wife of artist George Ivers, to receive a framed set of three UNICEF cards designed by George to be placed in the Library.

Department Updates

Karen Klapperstuck provided printed updates from Library departments:

The Circulation staff opened over 250 new cards each month in June, July, and August.
The Bookmobile added two new stops this summer: Monroe Parke and Monroe Place.
Adult Services continues to add programs to the Library’s calendar.

New Member Reception and Outreach Conference

Karen Klapperstuck informed the Board that the Library staff would host a new member reception on September 30 to welcome new members and provide an overview of services. The Outreach Department will attend the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services (ABOS) Conference in early October.

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Financial Reports

Karen Klapperstuck reported that the financial reports for July, August, and September were as expected.

Friends of the Library Report

Francine Kitts reported on the Friends of the Library activities:

The Friends had a table of books at the Farmers Market each Thursday, accepting donations for the books.
National Friends of the Library Week is in October, and the Friends will be showcased in the lobby display case.
Vinnie Bruno, a Beatles scholar and storyteller, will be the entertainer.
Membership renewal for the Friends is from September 1 through August 31.
The Friends have changed the term "patron" to "benefactor."
Two new levels of membership have been added: Elite Benefactors and Lifetime Benefactors.

Educational Initiatives

Emily Mazzoni from MTPL has been working with the Middle School Media Specialist to facilitate 6th Grade Media Center orientations during the school day.
The district media specialists will attend a collaboration meeting with MTPL youth staff on Wednesday, September 20th.
Jannat Zaanoun reported that students are getting back into the routine of school.

Foundation Updates

Marilyn Gonyo reported on the plans for the Library’s 35th Anniversary inaugural Golf Outing scheduled for Monday, June 10, 2024, at the Greenbriar Golf Course. The event will include 9 holes, an upscale indoor barbecue luncheon, and an awards ceremony. Bob Isaacs reported that the Foundation has moved money to receive a better return. Anne Corey asked when the 2022 Audit would be available. Karen Klapperstuck replied that Jennifer Slavicek, Library Bookkeeper, has sent all the requested documents.

Financial Resolutions

The Board addressed several financial matters:

A resolution to increase the Township Reimbursement line by $60,691.00 was approved, with Bob Isaacs making the motion and Anne Corey seconding it.
Lisa Chen made a motion to approve closing the Library to the public on Wednesday, November 8, and Thursday, November 9, for the installation of new flooring in the circulation area. Prena Shah seconded the motion.
Bernadette Yannacci moved the payment of the July bills (checks #18483 to #18525), totaling $467,643.38. Anne Corey seconded. Marilyn Gonyo abstained; all other attending Board members were in favor.
Prena Shah moved the payment of the August bills (checks #18523 to #18559), totaling $17,249.86. Anne Corey seconded. Marilyn Gonyo abstained; all other attending Board members were in favor.
Anne Corey moved the payment of the September bills (checks #18560 to #18596), totaling $538,501.66. Bernadette Yannacci seconded. Marilyn Gonyo abstained; all other attending Board members were in favor.

Adjournment

With no further business to discuss, Bob Isaacs moved to adjourn the meeting.

Additional Information

The Monroe Township School District provides various resources and information through its website, including:

Business Office: Budget information, OPRA form, audit-related documents, and more.
Board of Education: Meeting information, presentations, agendas, minutes, and policies.
Academics: Curriculum information, Title I resources, gifted and talented program details, and login portals for students.
District Services: Student registration information, community partnerships, and Falcon Care programs.
Fire Safety: Information on smoke detector and carbon monoxide testing, as well as fire safety education.

The district also provides contact information for fire stations and other important services.

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