public cannot attend the meeting. Members of the public

BOARD MEMBERS Michael Lembo, President Hyunju Kwak, Vice President Sheila Brogan Saurabh Dani Cristopher Kaufman

ADMINISTRATION Daniel Fishbein Ed.D.

Superintendent Stacie Poelstra

Asst. Superintendent Antoinette Kelly

Business Administrator/Board Secretary

EDUCATION CENTER 49 COTTAGE PLACE RIDGEWOOD, NJ 07450

www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us

Pursuant to the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6, et. seq., notice is hereby given

that the Ridgewood Board of Education will hold an Executive Session at 6:00 pm on Monday November 16,

2020 to discuss Personnel and a contract discussion. No action will be taken at this meeting. The Regular Public

Meeting will begin at 7:00 pm on Monday, November 16, 2020. Due to health concerns related to COVID-19 the

public cannot attend the meeting. Members of the public can find the BOE Webcast link to the meeting on our

website homepage. Members of the public can call in comments during the public comment period of the meeting

by dialing Phone Number 646-558-8656 and entering the Meeting ID 880 0168 0214 and Password: 374691 or

they can write-in their comments on-line during the public comment period by using the link on the BOE Webcast

page. Action will be taken at this meeting.

Antoinette Kelly

Board Secretary

http://www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us/

BOARD OF EDUCATION Ridgewood, New Jersey

November 16, 2020

EXECUTIVE SESSION

6:00 p.m.

AGENDA

* * * * * I. Personnel Dr. Fishbein

II. Contract Discussion Dr. Fishbein

BOARD OF EDUCATION Ridgewood, New Jersey

November 16, 2020 Education Center

Executive Session

6:00 p.m.

Regular Public Meeting 7:00 p.m.

AGENDA

* * * * * Due to the health concerns related to COVID-19, the public cannot attend this meeting.

Public comments can be made during the public comment period of the meeting through the phone number listed below.

(646-558-8656 then enter Meeting ID 880 0168 0214 and Password 374691)

Or

Comments can be submitted online during the public comment period of the meeting through the link below.

Submit Comments for the Public Comment Period

View the live BOE Meeting Webcast MEETING REGULATIONS

At all regular meetings, two opportunities are provided for citizens to make comments. The first public comment period will be scheduled after student presentations. The second comment period will be at approximately 9:00 p.m. or just prior to the end of the meeting, whichever occurs first. The first opportunity may be limited by the presiding officer to conclude at about 8:00 p.m. in order for the Board to continue with its scheduled agenda. The second opportunity will occur at about 9:00 p.m. at the discretion of the presiding officer taking into consideration a break in the agenda. At every opportunity for public comment, citizens are invited to comment on subjects on the agenda or general topics. At the discretion of the presiding officer, public comments may be permitted at other times. Please remember this is a public meeting. Anything you say will be a public record. As a result, pursuant to law, the Board of Education cannot respond to you publicly concerning certain matters, such as those regarding an individual student or personnel. If there is a matter that you wish to remain private concerning personnel or students, please contact the Superintendent’s Office. Public comment periods shall also be governed by the following rules: 1. Persons wishing to speak must, upon being recognized, rise, sign in, and state their names and

addresses. 2. Each speaker shall be limited to four minutes. The Board Recorder will note the time. A speaker who

has not finished in the allotted time will be directed by the presiding officer to summarize quickly and relinquish the floor within 30 seconds (Ref: Bylaw 0167)

3. Comments shall be limited to issues. If personal remarks or discourteous statements are made, the presiding officer shall require the speaker to stop.

4. All statements shall be directed to the presiding officer, no participant may address or question Board members individually.

5. No participants may speak more than once on the same topic until all others who wish to speak on that topic have been heard.

6. Questions requiring investigation shall be referred by the Board to the Superintendent’s Office for consideration and later response. A participant may be asked to submit such questions in written format.

1

https://www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us/our_district/board_of_education/b_o_e_webcast

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevXQpueY9uTEuVQdP1ez_bb-poGHp4GCCHZBKcnpxCU5pgfA/closedform

REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING November 16, 2020

I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Mr. Lembo

II. FLAG SALUTE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mr. Lembo

III. OPENING STATEMENT BY PRESIDING OFFICER Mr. Lembo

V. PRESENTATIONS Mr. Lembo

A. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE REPORT Dr. Fishbein

VI. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Dr. Fishbein

VI. PRESENTATIONS Dr. Fishbein

A. MENTAL HEALTH PRESENTATION ➢ Mr. Basil Pizzuto and Ms. Lauren DePinto

Dr. Fishbein

B. SSDS 2019/2020 ANNUAL REPORT ➢ Mr. Basil Pizzuto

Dr. Fishbein

C. SCHOOL REOPENING PLAN UPDATE ➢ Ms. Stacie Poelstra

Dr. Fishbein

VI. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Dr. Fishbein

A. None at this time. Dr. Fishbein

VII. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE REPORTS ➢ Finance

○ October Financial Reports ○ 2020/21 Budget Overview

Dr. Fishbein and Ms.

Kelly

VIII. CONSENT ITEMS: REGULAR AND ROUTINE ISSUES Dr. Fishbein

A. ATTENDANCE AT CONFERENCES The Ridgewood Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, approves Attendance at Conferences, as listed on Attachment A.

Dr. Fishbein

B. ADMINISTRATION Dr. Fishbein

i. Approval: Receipt of Suspension and Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) Reports The Ridgewood Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, acknowledges it has received confidential information regarding suspensions and

Dr. Fishbein

2


investigations of HIB that have occurred since the last Board meeting.

ii. Approval: Reading & Adoption of New Policy, to be approved in one reading as per Bylaw 0131 ➢ Bylaw 0164.6 - Remote Public Board Meeting During A

Declared Emergency (Attachment B) new

Dr. Fishbein

iii. Approval: School Safety and Security Plan Annual Review Statement of Assurance The Ridgewood Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, approves the New Jersey High School Voter Registration Law Annual Statement of Assurance. The Board has received background information.

Dr. Fishbein

iv. Approval:Contract for District Administrator The Ridgewood Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, approves the contract listed below, effective December 19, 2020 through June 30, 2021. This contract has been approved by the Interim Executive County Superintendent as required by law.

● Scott Bisig, Business Administrator/Board Secretary

Dr. Fishbein

v. Appointment of General Board Counsel The Ridgewood Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, approves the following resolution: WHEREAS, the Ridgewood Board of Education requires the professional services of Board Counsel, and WHEREAS, the nature of the services to be performed meet the definition of “professional services” set forth in the Public School Contract Law, and WHEREAS, funds are available to obtain such professional services, and ACCORDINGLY, the Ridgewood Board of Education, at the public meeting held on November 16, 2020, authorizes the award of the following professional services appointment and contract: Cleary, Giacobbe, Alfieri, & Jacobs LLC, Oakland, NJ, be appointed Board Counsel for the period January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021, at the rate of $165 per hour.

Dr. Fishbein

3


This professional services contract is made and awarded without competitive bidding as the services will be rendered by the persons experienced in the practice of a process requiring specialized knowledge and resources. Board Counsel to assist with negotiations between the Ridgewood Board of Education and the Ridgewood Education Association, effective November 17, 2020.

vi. Adoption: Current Board Policy Manual The Ridgewood Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, approves the adoption of the current Board Policy Manual

Dr. Fishbein

C. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION Dr. Fishbein

i. Approval: Field Trips The Ridgewood Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, approves field trips as listed on Attachment C.

Dr. Fishbein

D. HUMAN RESOURCES Dr. Fishbein

i. Appointments Dr. Fishbein

The Ridgewood Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, approves the appointments listed below, subject to receipt of appropriate documentation and the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) certificate, if required.

Administrator

KHOURY-FRIAS, Joann - Acting Business Administrator/Board Secretary, effective December 1, 2020 on or about December 18, 2020, at a stipend of $250 per day. Account # 11-000-251-104-00-40-019-000

Field Placement

CALDERONE, Erica - Montclair State University, Practicum placement with Jeffrey Nyhuis, Assistant Principal, Ridgewood High School, effective January 19, 2021 through May 14, 2021.

Classroom Aides

Revision: BEDNARSKI, Patricia - Resource Room Special Education Classroom Aide, Orchard School, from effective September 2, 2020 through November 2, 2020, approved by the Board at its meeting on August 31, 2020, to effective September 2, 2020 through December 23, 2020, 5.75 hours per day, 5 days per

4


week, at an hourly rate of $17.50. Account # 11-213-100-106-00-03-024-001

RUSSO, Nicole - Resource Room Special Education Classroom Aide, Ridge School, effective November 17, 2020, or as soon after as possible, through June 22, 2021, pending verification of employment as outlined by Chapter 5, 5.5 hours per day, 5 days per week, at an hourly rate of $17.50. Account # 11-213-100-106-00-04-024-001

Administrative Support for Board Meetings, effective November 16, 2020 through June 30, 2021

● Julie Yohana , at an hourly rate of $41.25, as needed. Account # 11-000-230-104-00-45-045-001

Revision: Winter 2020 Coaching Assignment, approved by the Board at its meeting on November 2, 2020

Assistant Ice Hockey

Remove: TBD Replace: Peter McGinley Account # 11-402-100-101-00-10-034-001

ii. Revision: Ridgewood Public Schools Salary List for the 2020-2021 School Year, approved by the Board at its meeting on May 4, 2020

Dr. Fishbein

The Ridgewood Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, approves the Ridgewood Public Schools Salary List for all known positions and staffing as of May 4, 2020 for the 2020-2021 school year.

PRICE, Karen - Speech Language Therapist, Glen School, effective August 31, 2020 through June 23, 2021. Account # 11-000-216-104-00-01-019-000 (60%) Account # 11-000-219-104-00-01-019-000 (40%)

From: $123,433

($113,582 + $300 CP +

$1,600 longevity +

$7,951 ratio) Cl. MA+45 , St.

18 To: $115,482

($113,582 + $300 CP +

$1,600 longevity)

Cl. MA+45, St. 18

5


iii. Change of Assignments Dr. Fishbein

The Ridgewood Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, approves the following change of assignments, as listed below.

CUCCO-CAMPBELL, Erica - Librarian/Media Specialist, Hawes School, from effective September 8, 2020 through January 4, 2021, approved by the Board at its meeting on September 14, 2020, to Leave of Absence Replacement Librarian/Media Specialist (non-tenure track), Hawes School, effective September 1, 2020 through June 1, 2021. Account # 11-000-222-104-00-02-019-000

From: $125 daily rate per

day To: $60,518 Cl. BA, St. 1

pro-rated

DAIDONE, Brittany - from 1.0 FTE Special Education Teacher, George Washington Middle School, to 1.20 FTE Special Education Teacher, George Washington Middle School, effective November 17, 2020 through June 23, 2021. Account # 11-213-100-101-00-09-019-000

From: $82,459 ($82,159 +

$300 CP) Cl. MA+45, St.

8 To: $98,891

($98,591 + $300 CP)

Cl. MA+45, St. 8

GORMAN, Thomas - from Principal, Ridgewood High School, to Acting Superintendent of Schools, effective December 11, 2020 through TBD. Account # 11-000-230-104-00-20-019-000

Board approved

salary, plus $2,000

stipend/month

Revision: MANNION, Erin - from Resource Room Special Education Classroom Aide, George Washington Middle School, 5.75 hours per day, 5 days per week, to Permanent Substitute, from Benjamin Franklin Middle School, approved by the Board at its meeting on November 2, 2020, to George Washington Middle School, effective November 4, 2020 through June 22, 2021, 5.75 hours per day, 5 days per week. Account # 11-130-100-101-00-00-019-002

From: $17.50 per hour

To: $21.50 per hour

NYHUIS, Jeffrey - from Assistant Principal, Ridgewood High School, to Assist the Acting Superintendent in the daily operations and management of Ridgewood High School, effective December 11, 2020 through TBD, as needed. Account # 11-000-240-103-00-10-019-000

Board approved salary, plus

$2,500 stipend/month

PIZZUTO, Basil - from Assistant Principal, Ridgewood High School, to Assist the Acting Superintendent in the daily operations and management of Ridgewood High School, effective December 11,

Board approved salary, plus

$2,500

6


2020 through TBD, as needed. Account # 11-000-240-103-00-10-019-000

stipend/month

vi. Resignations Dr. Fishbein

The Ridgewood Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, approves the resignations listed below.

Teacher

BINGHAM, Christine - Second Grade Teacher, Orchard School, effective January 1, 2021.

Classroom Aide

KIM, Elena - Resource Room Special Education Classroom Aide, Willard School, effective November 11, 2020.

v. Leave of Absences Dr. Fishbein

The Ridgewood Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, approves the leave of absences listed below.

Revision: GOLDBERG, Linda - School Nurse, Hawes School, from effective September 2, 2020 through November 25, 2020, with a reinstatement date of November 30, 2020, approved by the Board at its meeting on October 5, 2020, to effective September 2, 2020 through November 13, 2020, with a reinstatement date of November 16, 2020, using sick days in accordance with the REA/Board Agreement and utilizing the FMLA and/or NJFLA leave entitlement.

HEIDER, Erin – Fourth Grade Teacher, Orchard School, effective February 17, 2021 through June 23, 2021, with a reinstatement date of August 31, 2021, using sick days in accordance with the REA/Board Agreement and utilizing the FMLA and/or NJFLA leave entitlement.

Revision: THORNTON, Jennifer – Librarian/Media Specialist, Hawes School, from effective April 29, 2020 through June 19, 2020; and September 1, 2020 through December 23, 2020, with a reinstatement date of January 4, 2021, approved by the Board at its meeting on June 29, 2020, to effective April 29, 2020 through June 19, 2020; and September 1, 2020 through June 23, 2021, with a reinstatement date of August 31, 2021, using sick days in accordance with the REA/Board Agreement and utilizing the FMLA and/or NJFLA leave entitlement.

vi. Unpaid Leave of Absence Dr. Fishbein

7


The Ridgewood Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, approves the unpaid leave of absence listed below.

Revision: WITHAM, Lynne – Second Grade Teacher, Somerville School, from effective August 31, 2020 through November 25, 2020 with a reinstatement date of November 30, 2020, approved by the Board at its meeting on October 19, 2020, to effective August 31, 2020 through June 23, 2021, with a reinstatement date of August 31, 2021.

vii. Supplemental Pay Beyond Contract Dr. Fishbein

The Ridgewood Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, approves supplemental pay beyond contract, as listed below.

Benjamin Franklin Middle School

Student Club Activity Advisors for the 2020-2021 School Year

BF Cares ● Gregory Wu , no stipend.

Drone Club

● Gregory Wu , no stipend.

Green Club


Motorhead Club


Pokemon Club

● Gregory Wu , no stipend. Account # 11-401-100-101-00-08-008-001

George Washington Middle School

Additional: Co-Curricular Activity Advisors and Stipends for the 2020-2021

Brain Busters

● Lisa Alfuso , Category 3, total stipend of $2,591, paid in June.

Fishing Club

● Robert Ransom, Category 1, total stipend of $740, paid in

8


June. Account # 11-401-100-101-00-09-009-001

Ridgewood High School

PSAT Proctors

Proctors and Administrators for October 17, 2020, Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) , approved by the Board at its meeting on October 5, 2020

Administrators – Each at the Hourly Salary Rate – Each not to Exceed 3 Hours

Donna Antonellis Andrea Watson* Account # 11-000-218-104-00-10-010-001

Supervision for Picture Day

● Margaret Schaefer, not to exceed 3 hours, at an hourly rate of $40.17 ($120).

● Meredith Yannone , not to exceed 2 hours, at an hourly rate of $40.17 ($80.34).

Account # 11-401-100-101-00-10-010-001

Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

Extended-day Program to work with Title I Students Before/After School - Funded by ESEA/ESSA Title I Grant Funds

Orchard School, total not to exceed $6,542

● Katherine Fischer , at an hourly rate of $50.04 ● Megan Galanti , at an hourly rate of $69.49 ● Hailey Gribben, at an hourly rate of $47.68 ● Michelle Jones, at an hourly rate of $76.92 ● Maureen LaBarr, at an hourly rate of $76.99 ● Judith Meany , at an hourly rate of $46.38 ● Megan Price , at an hourly rate of $70.29 ● Amy Schaffer, at an hourly rate of $70.29 ● Ellen Wolff , at an hourly rate of $64.67

Account # 20-231-100-101-00-03-022-001

___________________ *Related to staff member

viii. Substitutes for the 2020-2021 School Year Dr. Fishbein

The Ridgewood Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, approves substitutes for the

9


2020-2021 school year, as listed below.

Teachers: Christine Doyle, Julie Greaney, Shannon Karch, Patrick Meyer, and Jason Wejnert

E. FINANCE Dr. Fishbein

i. Acceptance of Restricted Donations: The Ridgewood Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, accepts the following restricted gifts for the 2020-2021 school year, to be used as indicated.

Dr. Fishbein

Acceptance of a gift in kind from the Korean Parents Association for Face Masks valued at $1,000.00.

ii. Approval: Authorization of the Cancellation of Outstanding Columbia Bank Checks Drawn on the General Account The Ridgewood Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, approves the authorization of the cancellation of outstanding Columbia Bank checks drawn on the General Account as listed below.

Whereas, the Business Office has reviewed the disbursement activity of these accounts and found that these outstanding checks are approximately six months or more old and should be cancelled; now therefore,

Be it Resolved, that the Ridgewood Board of Education authorizes the cancellation of the Columbia Bank check as listed below:

Dr. Fishbein

iii. Approval: Budget Appropriation Transfers The Ridgewood Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, approves transfers for October 2020 as shown in the Journal Entry listing pursuant to Policy 6422.

The Board has received background information.

Dr. Fishbein

General Fund Account

Date Check # Amount

4/16/20 097704 $40.50

10


iv. Approval: Secretary’s Line Item Certification

The Ridgewood Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, approves the following resolution:

Whereas, the Board of Education has received the Report of the Secretary for the month of October 2020,

Whereas, in compliance with N.J.A.C. 6:20-2A.10(d), the secretary has certified that, as of the date of the report(s), no budgetary line item account has obligations and payments (contractual orders) which in total exceed the amount appropriated by the district board of education, now, therefore, be it,

Resolved, the Board of Education accepts the above referenced reports and certifications and orders that they be attached to and made part of the record of this meeting, and Be it Further Resolved, in compliance with N.J.A.C. 6:20-A10(e), the Board of Education certifies that, after review of the secretary’s monthly financial reports (appropriate section) and upon consultation with the appropriate district officials, to the best of its knowledge, no major account or fund has been over expended in violation of N.J.A.C. 6:20-2A.10(a)(1), and that sufficient funds are available to meet the district’s financial obligations for the remainder of the school year.

The Board has received background information.

Dr. Fishbein

v. Approval: Acceptance of the Board Secretary and Treasurer Report

The Ridgewood Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, approves the following resolution: Whereas, the Board of Education has received the report of the Secretary and Treasurer for the month of October 2020 ; now, therefore, Be it Resolved, the Board of Education accepts the above referenced reports and orders that it be attached to and made part of the official record of this meeting.

Dr. Fishbein

IX. RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS NOT INCLUDED IN CONSENT AGENDA

Dr. Fishbein

11


A. None at this time. Dr. Fishbein

X. APPROVAL OF BILLS The Ridgewood Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, approves the payment of bills as listed below.

Dr. Fishbein

DATES DESCRIPTION CHECK NUMBER

AMOUNTS REVIEWED BY

Nov 3 Columbia Bank On-Line 099899-099972 810,540.83 S. Brogan

Nov 10 Columbia Bank On-Line 099973-100038 360,604.58 S. Brogan

Oct 30 Payroll Transfer P32865-P32865 3,221,694.44 S. Brogan

Oct 5 Electronic Transfer C32869 21.45 S. Brogan

Oct 8 Electronic Transfer C32868 116.59 S. Brogan

Oct 30 Electronic Transfer L32871 22,260.00 S. Brogan

Oct 30 Electronic Transfer F32872 9,339.18 S. Brogan

Nov 3 Electronic Transfer L32873 4,587.00 S. Brogan

Nov 10 Electronic Transfer B32948 637,050.00 S. Brogan

Nov 10 Food Service 620221-620223 32,268.84 S. Brogan

Oct 30 Colombia Bank Void Check 099509 (216.00) S. Brogan

Nov 3 Colombia Bank Void Check 099935 (4,296.25) S. Brogan

TOTAL 5,093,970.66

X. BOARD MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Lembo

XI. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS Mr. Lembo

XII. DISCUSSION ITEMS Mr. Lembo

XIII. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES ● October 19, 2020 Executive Session Minutes

Mr. Lembo

12


Coming Meetings

XIV. OTHER BUSINESS

Mr. Lembo

XV. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Mr. Lembo

XVI. MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION Mr. Lembo

XVII. RECONVENED PUBLIC MEETING Mr. Lembo

XVIII. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Lembo

Monday December 7, 2020

Regular Public Meeting 7:00 p.m. Education Center

Monday December 21, 2020

Regular Public Meeting 7:00 p.m.Education Center

13

November 16, 2020 ATTACHMENT A 2020-2021 CONFERENCES FOR APPROVAL

Staff Member Name of Conference

Location & Dates Rationale Estimated Cost

for Approval # of Sub

Days required

Laura Polk Stepping Stones: Curriculum Launchpad Virtual Stepping Stones World Language Proficiency Project Self-Paced

Professional Development

$156.84 0

The total cost for these conferences is $156.84. Upon Board approval of these conferences, the total expenditure for travel and conferences for 2020-2021 will be $23,340.40 leaving a balance of $176,659.60.

The total cost of substitutes for these conferences is $0.00. Upon Board approval of these conferences, the total expenditure for substitutes for travel and conferences for 2020-2021 will be $1200.00.

14

RIDGEWOOD

BYLAW BOARD OF EDUCATION

BYLAWS

0164.6/Page 1 of 10

Remote Public Board Meetings

During a Declared Emergency

M

0164.6 REMOTE PUBLIC BOARD MEETINGS DURING

A DECLARED EMERGENCY

A. Purpose – N.J.A.C. 5:39-1.1

1. The purpose of N.J.A.C. 5:39-1.1 et seq. and Bylaw 0164.6 is to ensure a Board of

Education or Board of Trustees of a charter school can conduct official public

business in an open and transparent manner whenever a declared emergency

requires a local public body to conduct a public meeting without physical

attendance by members of the public.

2. Nothing in N.J.A.C. 5:39-1.1 et seq. prevents a local public body from holding a

remote public meeting under such other circumstances as may be permitted by the

Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-1 et seq.

B. Definitions – N.J.A.C. 5:39-1.2

For the purpose of this Bylaw and in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:39-1.2, the following

words and terms have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates

otherwise: "Adequate notice" shall have the same definition as at N.J.S.A. 10:4-8; however, for the

purpose of N.J.A.C. 5:39-1.1 et seq., and to the extent not otherwise set forth at N.J.S.A.

10:4-8, the notice transmitted to at least two newspapers for publication may occur through

electronic mail or other electronic means that is accepted or requested by the newspaper.

"Annual notice" means a schedule of regular meetings of the public body to be held in the

succeeding year noticed pursuant to N.J.S.A. 10:4-8 and 10:4-18. For the purpose of

N.J.A.C. 5:39-1.1 et seq., the annual notice may be transmitted through electronic mail to

newspapers and persons requesting an annual notice pursuant to N.J.S.A. 10:4-18. If the

declared emergency prevents the local public body from mailing an annual notice to

individuals requesting notice pursuant to N.J.S.A. 10:4-18, it shall be mailed to individuals

for whom the local public body does not have an electronic mail account as soon as

practicable.

“Board” or “Board of Education” means a Board of Education or a Board of Trustees of a

charter school as defined as a “local public body” or “public body” as per N.J.A.C. 5:39-

1.2.

"Declared emergency" means a public health emergency, pursuant to the Emergency

Health Powers Act, P.L. 2005, c. 222 (N.J.S.A. 26:13-1 et seq.), or a state of

emergency, pursuant to P.L. 1942, c. 251 (N.J.S.A. App.A.9-33 et seq.), or both, or a state

of local disaster emergency that has been declared by the Governor and is in effect.

November 16, 2020 Attachment B

15

RIDGEWOOD


BYLAWS

0164.6/Page 2 of 10



"Electronic notice" means advance notice available to the public via electronic

transmission of at least forty eight hours, giving the time, date, location and, to the extent

known, the agenda of any regular, special, or rescheduled meeting, which shall accurately

state whether formal action may or may not be taken at such meeting.

"Internet" means the international computer network of both Federal and non-Federal

interoperable packet switched data networks.

"Live streaming" means the live audio and video transmission of a remote public meeting

over the Internet.

"Local public body" means any "public body," as that term is defined in N.J.S.A. 10:4-8,

with territorial jurisdiction equal to or less than a county. This term shall include Boards

of Education, counties, municipalities, boards and commissions created by one or more

counties or municipalities, and any authorities subject to N.J.S.A. 40A:5A-1 et seq.,

including fire districts and other special districts, along with joint meetings or regional

service agencies as defined in N.J.S.A. 40A:65-3.

"Public business" means and includes all matters which relate in any way, directly or

indirectly, to the performance of the public body’s functions or the conduct of its business.

"Public meeting" means and includes any gathering whether corporeal or by means of

communication equipment which is attended by, or open to, all of the members of a public

body, held with the intent, on the part of the members of the body present, to discuss or act

as a unit upon the specific public business of that body. Meeting does not mean or include

any such gathering (1) attended by less than an effective majority of the members of a

public body, or (2) attended by or open to all the members of three or more similar public

bodies at a convention or similar gathering.

"Remote public meeting" means a public meeting that is conducted by any means of

electronic communication equipment permitted pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:39-1.1 et seq.

C. Circumstances Under Which a Board of Education May Hold a Remote Public Meeting

During a Declared Emergency for Conducting Public Business – N.J.A.C. 5:39-1.3

1. In addition to any circumstances under which public meetings held by means of

communication equipment may be authorized pursuant to the Open Public

Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-1 et seq., the Board may hold a remote public meeting

to conduct public business during a declared emergency if the emergency

reasonably prevents the Board from safely conducting public business at a physical

location with members of the public present. 2. If, during a declared emergency, the Board holds a physical meeting in a location

where, pursuant to State and/or Federal guidelines meant to mitigate the risk of a


16

RIDGEWOOD


BYLAWS

0164.6/Page 3 of 10



contagious infection, the declared emergency necessitates capacity restrictions

reducing the number of individuals that can be present in the meeting room to an

amount below that reasonably expected for the public meeting by the Board, the

Board must either hold the public meeting at another location with adequate

capacity for the reasonably expected attendance by the public or hold the public

meeting as both an in-person meeting and a remote public meeting.

a. As set forth at N.J.A.C. 5:39-1.4(c), no in-person meeting shall proceed if

the room capacity does not permit any member of the public to attend.

3. Nothing in N.J.A.C. 5:39-1.3 shall be interpreted to prevent the Board from

broadcasting the audio and/or video of, or taking remote public comment during, a

public meeting that the public can physically attend without being subject to public

health-related capacity restrictions.

D. Minimum Technological and Procedural Requirements for Remote Public Meetings

Necessitated by a Declared Emergency – N.J.A.C. 5:39-1.4

1. If a declared emergency requires the Board to hold a remote public meeting to

conduct public business, the Board shall use an electronic communications

technology that is routinely used in academic, business, and professional settings,

and can be accessed by the public at no cost.

a. Participant capacity on the selected platform should be consistent with the

reasonable expectation of the public body for public meetings of the type

being held and shall not be limited to fewer than fifty public participants

(beyond those persons required to conduct business at the meeting).

2. Remote public meetings may be held by means including, but not limited to, audio-

only teleconferencing, electronic communications platforms with video and audio,

and Internet-accessible technology, such as live-streaming.

a. If an electronic communications platform or Internet-accessible

technology is being utilized for a remote public meeting, a telephonic

conference line shall also be provided to allow members of the public to

dial-in by telephone to listen and provide public comment as otherwise

required by law.

b. The Board shall require members of the public to state, prior to providing

public comment, whether they wish to speak and to identify themselves

prior to speaking.


17

RIDGEWOOD


BYLAWS

0164.6/Page 4 of 10



3. The Board shall provide the public with similar access to a remote public

meeting as members of the Board, staff of the Board, and any individuals seeking

one or more approvals from the Board.

a. If a remote public meeting is held by audio and video, the public shall also

have the opportunity to participate in the meeting in both audio and video

capacities.

b. The Board meeting held in-person shall not prohibit members of the public

from attending in-person.

4. Any remote public meeting where sworn testimony is being taken shall be

broadcast by video, as well as by audio.

a. All individuals giving sworn testimony at a remote public meeting shall

appear by video in addition to audio.

5. Any presentations or documents that would otherwise be viewed or made available

to members of the public physically attending the Board meeting shall be made

visible on a video broadcast of the remote public meeting or made available on the

Internet website or webpage of the entity governed by the Board, or the Internet

website or webpage of the entity responsible for appointing the members of the

Board.

a. If a document would be made available to individual members of the public

in hard copy while physically attending the meeting, the document shall be

made available in advance of the meeting for download through an internet

link appearing either on the meeting notice, or near the posting of the

meeting notice, both on the website and at the building where the meeting

would otherwise be held.

b. If the Board does not have its own website, such documents shall be available upon

request ahead of the meeting and provided through an official social media account if one

6. The Board holding a remote public meeting shall allow members of the public to

make public comment by audio, or by audio and video, if the remote public meeting

is held over both audio and video, during the meeting.

a. In advance of the remote public meeting, the Board shall allow public

comments to be submitted to the Business Administrator/Board Secretary

by electronic mail and in written letter form by a reasonable deadline.


18

RIDGEWOOD


BYLAWS

0164.6/Page 5 of 10



b. The Board shall accept text-based public comment received during a remote

public meeting held through an electronic communications platform or

Internet-accessible technology. Public comments submitted before the

remote public meeting through electronic mail or by written letter shall be

read aloud and addressed during the remote public meeting in a manner

audible to all meeting participants and the public.

c. The Board shall impose a reasonable time limit, where permitted by law, of

four minutes on individual public comments and the same limits shall be

placed on the reading of written comments. Each comment shall be read

from the beginning, until the time limit is reached. The Board may pass

over duplicate written comments; however, each duplicate comment shall

be noted for the record with the content summarized. If the Board elects to

summarize duplicative comments, the Board must not summarize certain

duplicative comments while reading other duplicative comments

individually.

7. The electronic communications technology used for a remote public meeting must

have a function that allows the Board to mute the audio of all members of the public,

as well as allow members of the public to mute themselves.

a. Any electronic communications platform or Internet-accessible

technology used for a remote public meeting shall also allow the Board to

regulate participation by individual members of the public.

b. A telephonic audio conference call line must have a queueing or similar

function for regulating public comment.

8. Subject to D.5. and D.6. above, the Board shall adopt, by resolution, standard

procedures and requirements for public comment made during a remote public

meeting, as well as for public comments submitted in writing ahead of the remote

public meeting.

a. Such procedures and requirements shall include standards of conduct to be

followed by members of the public when making comment.

b. The procedures and requirements for making public comment, along with

an explanation of the audio muting function of the electronic

communications platform being used, shall be announced at the beginning

of the remote public meeting.


19

RIDGEWOOD


BYLAWS

0164.6/Page 6 of 10



c. Regulation of conduct by members of the public on a remote public meeting

shall be consistent with law and practices followed if a member of the public

disrupts an in-person meeting. The following procedures shall be

incorporated:

(1) The Board shall facilitate a dialogue with the commenter to the

extent permitted by the electronic communications technology;

(2) If a member of the public becomes disruptive during a remote public

meeting, including during any period for public comment, the

member of the Board charged with running the remote public

meeting shall mute or continue muting, or direct appropriate staff to

mute or continue muting, the disruptive member of the public and

warn that continued disruption may result in being prevented from

speaking during the remote public meeting or removed from the

remote public meeting.

(a) Disruptive conduct includes sustained inappropriate

behaviors, such as, but not necessarily limited to, shouting,

interruption, and use of profanity.

(3) A member of the public who continues to act in a disruptive manner

after receiving an initial warning may be muted while other

members of the public are allowed to proceed with their questions

or comments.

(a) If time permits, the disruptive individual shall be allowed to

speak after all other members of the public have been given

the opportunity to make their comment. Should the person

remain disruptive, the individual may be muted or kept on

mute for the remainder of the remote public meeting, or

removed from the remote public meeting.

9. Electronic communications platforms and Internet-accessible technologies used for

remote public meetings shall be hosted on FedRAMP Moderate Impact Level

Authorized dedicated servers or in a FedRAMP Moderate Impact Level Authorized

Cloud, unless the host of the dedicated servers or cloud provides annual evidence

of satisfactory cybersecurity internal controls through a SOC2 audit report.

a. When using cloud services, the technology vendor shall check provider

credentials and contracts to ensure FedRAMP Moderate Impact compliance

unless annual evidence of satisfactory internal controls is provided through

a SOC2 audit report.


20

RIDGEWOOD


BYLAWS

0164.6/Page 7 of 10



E. Notice of Remote Public Meetings; Statement in Minutes – N.J.A.C. 5:39-1.5

1. Adequate notice of a remote public meeting must include, in addition to the content

required pursuant to N.J.S.A. 10:4-8, clear and concise instructions for accessing

the remote public meeting, the means for making public comment, and where

relevant documents, if any, will be made available.

2. In addition to adequate notice, the Board shall also provide electronic notice of a

remote public meeting, except as may be permitted pursuant to N.J.S.A. 10:4-9.3

and E.3. below.

a. The electronic notice shall contain the content required pursuant to N.J.S.A.

10:4-8 and 10:4-9.1 and E.1. above, and shall be posted on the Internet

website or webpage of Board and/or school district, or the entity responsible

for appointing the members of the Board.

(1) If the Board does not have a website, electronic notice shall be

provided on an official social media platform of the Board; however,

electronic notice is not required if the Board does not have an

internet presence. (2) Unless otherwise prohibited by the declared emergency, the content

of the electronic notice shall also be posted on the main access door

of the building where the public would routinely attend public

meetings of the Board in-person. The notice must be viewable from

the outside.

3. If during a declared emergency the Board elects to issue electronic notice of a

remote public meeting in lieu of, rather than in addition to, adequate public notice,

as permitted pursuant to N.J.S.A. 10:4-9.3, the Board shall limit public business

discussed or effectuated at the meeting to matters:

a. Necessary for the continuing operation of government and which relate to

the emergency declaration connected with the declared emergency; or

b. Requiring decision during the remote public meeting due to imminent time

constraints.

4. Nothing in N.J.A.C. 5:39-1.5 prohibits the Board from holding a remote public

meeting, notwithstanding the failure to provide adequate notice and electronic

notice where permitted pursuant to N.J.S.A. 10:4-9.

5. If the Board expects to conduct remote public meetings for a series of regularly

scheduled meetings advertised in its annual notice, the annual notice shall be


21

RIDGEWOOD


BYLAWS

0164.6/Page 8 of 10



revised at least seven days prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting, indicating

which meeting(s) will be held as a remote public meeting and shall contain clear

and concise instructions for accessing those remote public meetings, the means for

making public comment, and where relevant documents, if any, will be made

available.

a. In addition to the means of notice transmission required pursuant to

N.J.S.A. 10:4-18, the revised annual notice shall be posted on the Internet

website or webpage of the Board and/or school district, or the entity

responsible for appointing the members of the Board.

b. If the Board does not have its own website, the revised notice shall be

provided on an official social media platform unless the Board does not

have an Internet presence.

c. Unless otherwise prohibited by the declared emergency, the content of the

electronic notice shall also be posted on the door of the main public entrance

to the building where the public would routinely attend public meetings held

by the Board.

(1) Notice must also be posted on the door for any designated and

clearly delineated handicap accessible entrance. These notices must

be viewable from the outside.

6. If a previously scheduled Board meeting was to allow public attendance without a

public health-related restriction as to capacity, but the Board intends to hold the

same meeting as a remote public meeting due to a declared emergency and the

change is not reflected in a revised annual notice issued pursuant to E.5. above, the

Board shall issue adequate and electronic notice for said meeting pursuant to E.1.

and E.2. above as if the meeting were not included in the annual notice.

7. At the commencement of every remote public meeting of the Board, the person

presiding shall announce publicly, and shall cause to be entered in the minutes of

the meeting, an accurate statement to the effect that:

a. Both adequate and electronic notice of the meeting has been provided,

specifying the time, place, and manner in which such notice was provided;

b. Only electronic notice of the meeting has been provided, specifying the

time, place, and manner in which such notice was provided, and that

discussion and effectuation of public business shall be limited to only those

matters:


22

RIDGEWOOD


BYLAWS

0164.6/Page 9 of 10



(1) Necessary for the continuing operation of government and that

relate to the applicable emergency declaration; or

(2) Requiring decision during the remote public meeting due to

imminent time constraints; or

c. That adequate notice and electronic notice was not provided, in which case

such announcement shall state:

(1) The reason(s) why the matter(s) discussed are of such urgency and

importance, as contemplated pursuant to N.J.S.A. 10:4-9(b)(1), and

the nature of the substantial harm to the public interest likely to

result from a delay in the holding of the meeting;

(2) That the remote public meeting will be limited to discussion of, and

acting with respect to, such matters of urgency and importance;

(3) The time, place, and manner in which notice of the meeting was

provided; and

(4) Either that the need for such meeting could not reasonably have been

foreseen at a time when adequate notice and/or electronic notice

could have been provided, in which event, such announcement shall

specify the reason why such need could not reasonably have been

foreseen; or that such need could reasonably have been foreseen at

a time when adequate notice and/or electronic notice could have

been provided, but such notice was not provided, in which event the

announcement shall specify the reason why adequate notice and/or

electronic notice was not provided.

8. Where the Board is required by law to provide a meeting agenda, or otherwise

provides a meeting agenda by practice at its regularly scheduled meetings, prior to

the commencement of the remote public meeting, the Board shall also make a copy

of the agenda available to the public for download through an Internet link

appearing either on the meeting notice, or near the posting of the meeting notice on

the website.

a. The notice shall also be posted at the building where the meeting would

otherwise be held prior to the commencement of the remote public meeting.

F. Executive or Closed Session During Remote Public Meetings

1. A Board entering into an executive or closed session shall ensure that audio or video

of the session cannot be accessed, except by those individuals that are participating

in the session.


23

RIDGEWOOD


BYLAWS

0164.6/Page 10 of 10



a. A separate non-public conference line or e-platform session may be

employed for this purpose.

2. The secretary of the Board should take roll call with each individual affirmatively

identifying themselves prior to commencing the closed session.

3. If a closed session is held through a telephonic conference call a separate call-in

line should be made available to ensure confidentiality.

4. For closed sessions during remote public meetings held through video

conferencing, audio recording should be muted and video recording blocked by a

graphic labeled “Executive Session”.

5. As with in-person meetings, the Board shall have read into the record the reason(s)

for entering into executive session.

N.J.A.C. 5:39-1.1 et seq.

Adopted:


24

FIELD TRIPS FOR APPROVAL

November 16, 2020ONE DAY TRIPS ATTACHMENT C

Anticipated Est.Approx. # Cost of Subs Total# and Substitutes @ $100 per day for Cost

Group of # of and dates teachers and $150 To Annual MeetsDate School Location Students Chaperones for each per day for Nurse District Event Requirements

11/12/20 RHS Veteran's Field 250 10 0 $0 $0 No YesRidgewood, NJ Senior Slide Show & Dinner

11/17/20 RHS Stop and Shop, Renatos 5 4 0 $0 $0 No YesRidgewood, NJ STEPPS

11/19/20 RHS Jersey Mike's, Walgreens 5 4 0 $0 $0 No YesRidgewood, NJ STEPPS

11/21 or 11/22/20 RHS Silas Condict Park 20 2 0 $0 $0 No Yes*Depending on weather Kinnelon, NJ RHS Alps Club

11/24/20 RHS Stop and Shop, Tito's Burritos 5 4 0 $0 $0 No YesRidgewood, NJ STEPPS

12/1/20 RHS Columbia Bank, Starbucks 5 4 0 $0 $0 No YesRidgewood, NJ STEPPS

12/5 or 12/6/20 RHS Harriman State Park 20 2 0 $0 $0 No Yes*Depending on weather Harriman, NY RHS Alps Club

12/12 or 12/13/20 RHS Ringwood State Forest 20 2 0 $0 $0 No Yes*Depending on weather Ringwood, NJ RHS Alps Club

12/24/20 RHS Stop and Shop, The Daily Treat 5 4 0 $0 $0 No YesRidgewood, NJ STEPPS

25

Documents

public cannot attend the meeting. Members of the public