Plainfield Public Schools public meetings in 2024
20 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a business meeting on December 17, 2024, to take action on several items including approval of the treasurer's report, a professional development trip to New Orleans for the superintendent and executive leadership team costing up to $24,252.16, and the recognition of three student commissioners for the 2024-2025 school year. The board will also consider contractual appointments for seven positions and review committee reports. An executive session is scheduled to discuss a legal update and HIB matters.
- Approval of $24,252.16 for Superintendent Rashon K. Hasan and ELT to attend AASA National Superintendent Certification Program and Conference in New Orleans, LA (March 2-9, 2025)
- Recognition and appointment of three Student Commissioners: Wendy Nkellefack (PHS), Cailin Mersola (PAAAS), and Jazzlin Colon (Pinnacle Academy HS) for term Dec 17, 2024 – June 26, 2025
- Contractual appointments: Rocio Brito (Admin Asst V, $57,489), Jordan Hakeem-Ali (Teacher/Locker Room Asst, $49,742), Shanice Johnson (Security Officer PT, $35,578.51), Lissette Jones-Auty (School Social Worker, $68,843), Michelle Murray (Instructional Support Coach ELA, $101,809), Mona Sokkar (ESL Teacher, $73,843), Gregory Thomas (Purchasing Specialist, $68,842)
- Treasurer's report to be submitted and approved
- Executive session for legal update and HIB discussion
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will vote on a resolution to participate as a statutory partner in an Environmental Protection Agency grant with the United Way of Greater Union County for the Queen City Green Regeneration and Employment Success Program, which includes HVAC upgrades in school buildings and workforce development. The board will also receive interim NJQSAC placement scores and review Corrective Action Plans for chronic absenteeism at multiple district schools. The meeting includes adoption of previous minutes and contractual appointments.
- Resolution to partner with United Way on EPA grant for HVAC upgrades and green jobs training (no district fiscal impact)
- Interim NJQSAC placement update: Personnel score improved from 67% to 86%
- Corrective Action Plans for chronic absenteeism across 13 schools
- Treasurer's Report for June 30, 2024
- Contractual appointments under Human Resources
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will consider approving 12 new staff appointments, including security officers, teachers, and a social worker, with salaries ranging from $49,742 to $101,809. The board will also vote on side agreements with the Plainfield Education Association regarding longevity and administrative terms, and on a partnership with Kean University for the RAPID II literacy grant at no cost to the district. Other agenda items include the treasurer's report, a NJSLA presentation, and committee reports.
- PEA sidebar agreements on longevity and administrative terms
- Kean University RAPID II literacy grant for PreK-2 teachers (no cost)
- 12 contractual appointments: security officers, teachers, social worker, psychologist (salaries $49,742–$101,809)
- Administrative appointment of Carlton Bynoe as Accounting Manager at $100,829
- Treasurer report and 2024 NJSLA presentation
Special Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education held a special meeting to advance five resolutions to the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) Delegate Assembly. The board discussed proposals on student data collection, charter-school transportation funding, free NJ Transit access for students, PILOT agreements, and neuro-developmental evaluations. No local decisions were made; all items were forwarded for consideration at the NJSBA Delegate Assembly on December 7, 2024.
- Delegate Assembly Resolution #1: Add intake points to identify Students with Interrupted Formal Education (SIFE) in policy 5111
- Delegate Assembly Resolution #2: Require charter schools to operate their own transportation systems and cap district payments at the Aid in Lieu maximum
- Delegate Assembly Resolution #3: Seek free NJ Transit access for all public school students via shared-services agreements
- Delegate Assembly Resolution #4: Require municipalities to include school boards in PILOT agreement negotiations and consider educational space or payments
- Delegate Assembly Resolution #5: Propose state policy to mandate neuro-developmental evaluations for students with suspected disabilities
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a business meeting on September 24, 2024, with action items including a resolution to commence litigation against major social media companies over student harm. The board will also vote on a $21,388.46 professional development trip for administrators to a national conference in New Orleans, and receive the annual HIB report for 2023-2024. A public hearing is scheduled on refunding bonds for an Energy Savings Improvement Plan. Committee reports and public comments are also on the agenda.
- Resolution authorizing commencement of social media litigation against Meta, Snap, TikTok, and Alphabet
- Approval of $21,388.46 for AASA National Superintendent Certification Program conference in New Orleans (March 2-9, 2025)
- Approval of treasurer's report for June 30, 2024
- Annual presentation of HIB report for 2023-2024 school year
- District vehicle assignments approval
Business Meeting
The Board of Education is meeting to approve district goals and action plans for the 2024-25 school year. The body will also acknowledge a New Jersey Legislative Audit and its corresponding corrective action plan.
- Approval of SY2024-25 District Goals and KPIs
- Acknowledgment of NJ Legislative Audit and corrective action plan
- Review of the district treasurer report
- Contractual appointments for numerous staff positions, including a School Counselor at $122,171.00 and an Instructional Coach at $104,059.00
- Adoption of minutes from June 18, June 25, and July 9, 2024 meetings
Special Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education met to review facility upgrades and staff appointments. Key items included contracts for painting various school buildings and installing a new greenhouse. The board also discussed a potential STEM grant partnership with Ramapo College.
- Painting contract for Plainfield High School 1916 Building ($521,003.00)
- Painting of cafeterias at Plainfield High School and Washington Community School ($105,200.00)
- Cook ReImagined Greenhouse installation (not to exceed $61,225.00)
- Partnership with Ramapo College for STEM/CTE grant funding
- Appointment of Francielly Alvarez as Secretary Level V ($63,489.00)
Special Meeting
The Board met to approve new leadership appointments and salary adjustments for security staff. The meeting also included authorizations for various cooperative purchasing programs for district goods and services.
- Appointment of Darahn Worilds as Director of School Safety and Security at $129,000
- Appointment of Dr. Elizabeth Omegna as Director of Instruction and Programs at $137,862 plus a $3,000 stipend
- Appointment of Marianne Tankard as Supervisor of ELA/Literacy at $154,336 plus a $2,000 stipend
- Authorization of a 2.8% salary raise for the Superintendent
- Promotion of three security officers to Lead Security Officer positions
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education met to review the district's Treasurer's Report and approve various personnel appointments. The agenda includes the appointment of several new principals and directors, as well as contractual staff for the upcoming term. The board also addressed employee leaves of absence, resignations, and retirements.
- Appointment of Darahn Worilds as Director of School Safety and Security at $129,000
- Appointment of Myrone Denise Shipman as Executive Director of Student Services at $176,000
- Appointment of April Morgan as Principal of Maxson Middle School at $148,114 plus stipend
- Approval of the Treasurer's Report for April 30, 2024
- Acceptance of staff resignations and upcoming retirements
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a business meeting with action items including approval of the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 academic calendars, a revised 2023-2024 calendar (adding an emergency day on May 28, 2024), and acceptance of donations. The board will also consider personnel actions such as appointments, leaves, retirements, resignations, and salary adjustments. Public comments are scheduled for thirty minutes.
- Approval of 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 10-month and 12-month academic calendars
- Revised 2023-2024 10-month calendar with emergency day on May 28, 2024
- Donations to Superintendent's Scholarship Fund: $1,000 (Reliance Insurance Group), $2,500 (Sal Electric), $2,500 (Maschio's Food Services)
- Contractual appointments including 10 positions with salaries from $32,884 to $108,671
- Intramural units addition with $1,496 fiscal impact
Special Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education is holding a special meeting to take action on the School Business Administrator's contract, invoking the doctrine of necessity due to conflicts of interest among five board members. The board will also consider approving new job descriptions and appointing district personnel for the 2024-2025 school year. Public comments are limited to 30 minutes, with each speaker allowed three minutes.
- Doctrine of necessity resolution for School Business Administrator contract
- Approval of job descriptions: Director of School Safety & Security, Lead Safety & Security Officer, Executive Director of School Management, Intervention Tech TA
- Appointment of 2024-2025 district personnel with salaries per union agreements
- Public comments: 30 minutes total, 3 minutes per speaker
Public Hearing and Final Adoption of the 2024-2025 Budget
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a public hearing and vote on the final 2024-2025 budget, totaling $346,061,391, with $27,146,236 to be raised through taxes. The board will also consider several related finance actions, including appropriating reserves, approving a preschool budget, and purchasing properties. Public comments are limited to 30 minutes total, with each speaker allowed three minutes.
- Adoption of final 2024-2025 budget: $346,061,391 total, $27,146,236 in taxes
- Appropriation of $14,500,000 capital reserve, $4,762,526 surplus, $2,500,000 maintenance reserve
- Early childhood preschool budget of $27,481,076 for 1,565 preschoolers
- Purchase of properties: 508-14 Grant Avenue ($6,100,000), 403 W. 7th Street ($5,200,000), 420 Grant Avenue ($100,000)
- Approval of $91,181.19 for 2024 graduation at Kean University stadium
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a business meeting on April 16, 2024, to take action on several items, including the treasurer's report, staff travel to conferences, personnel appointments, and leaves of absence. The board will also discuss reports from the superintendent, student commissioners, and board committees, and hear public comments.
- Approve treasurer's reports for Dec 2023, Jan 2024, and Feb 2024
- Authorize $1,507.02 for 3 staff to attend NJASA/NJAPSA Spring Leadership Conference in Atlantic City, May 15-17, 2024
- Authorize $1,781.71 for Superintendent Rashon K. Hasan to attend AASA National Superintendent Certification Program in Buckeye, AZ, Sept 18-20, 2024
- Approve contractual appointments: Moustafa M. Amer (Health & PE Teacher, $62,346), Xiomara Armogan (Math Teacher, $101,809), Tahjire D. Trawick (Transportation Assistant, $36,335)
- Approve appointment of Assistant Principal for Hubbard Middle School (TBD)
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a business meeting on March 26, 2024, to take action on personnel matters, including contractual appointments, leaves of absence, retirements, resignations, and salary adjustments. The board will also consider approvals for athletic coaching stipends, intramural and extra-curricular activities, and extra class coverage. Public comments will be accepted for 30 minutes before committee reports.
- Approval of 15 contractual appointments, including teachers, counselors, and transportation assistants, with salaries ranging from $36,335 to $94,376.
- Acceptance of 5 retirements, including teachers with 10-25 years of service, effective July 1, 2024.
- Approval of 4 resignations, including an assistant principal at Hubbard.
- Approval of athletic coaching stipends totaling $22,039 for spring 2023-24 and fall 2024-25 seasons.
- Approval of intramural and extra-curricular additions totaling $2,992 and $11,409 respectively.
Board Retreat
The Plainfield Board of Education is holding a retreat focused on board governance training with NJSBA representatives, including discussions on the CSA evaluation process, the doctrine of necessity, and aligning board goals to the district's five-year strategic plan. The board will also review its TTI assessment and strategies with Dr. Shawn Joseph of HYA. Public comments are scheduled for up to 30 minutes, with each speaker limited to three minutes.
- Board governance training with NJSBA on CSA evaluation, doctrine of necessity, and board certification
- Discussion on aligning board goals to the Five Year Strategic Plan
- Review of Board TTI Assessment and Strategies with Shawn Joseph, Ed. D., HYA
- Public comments: 30 minutes total, 3 minutes per speaker
- Meeting held at Charles & Anna Booker Elementary School Cafe, 730 Central Street
Proposed Preliminary 2024-2025 Budget Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education is meeting to take action on the proposed preliminary 2024-2025 school year budget. The board will consider adopting a $346,061,391 total budget, which includes appropriations from reserves and surplus, a travel expense limit, and the preschool budget submission. Public comments will be heard before the votes.
- Adoption of the proposed preliminary 2024-2025 budget totaling $346,061,391
- Appropriation of $14,500,000 from surplus and $4,752,526 from maintenance reserve
- Approval of $278,021.90 maximum travel expenditure for 2024-2025
- Submission of $37,017,334 early childhood education budget for 2024-2025
- Public hearing scheduled for March 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Special Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education is holding a special meeting to take action on five resolutions to be proposed to the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) Delegate Assembly. These resolutions address virtual learning flexibility, a 2% tuition cap for special education, flexible dual language program implementation, an appeals process for rejected resolutions, and establishing AI guidelines. The meeting also includes an executive session and remarks from the board president and superintendent.
- Resolution to allow up to 10% virtual days for weather, COVID-19, or other emergencies
- Resolution to cap annual tuition increases at 2% for special education programs
- Resolution to give local boards flexibility in dual language program implementation
- Resolution to create an appeals process for resolutions rejected by the NJSBA Resolutions Subcommittee
- Resolution to establish standards and guidelines for AI use in public schools
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a business meeting on February 20, 2024, to take action on a range of items including the 2022-2023 audit, a Girl Scout proclamation, the treasurer's report, and numerous personnel actions. The board will also hear reports from the superintendent and student commissioners, and take public comments.
- 2022-2023 audit discussion
- Girl Scout Day/Week proclamation for March 12-18, 2024
- Treasurer's report for October 31, 2023
- Contractual appointments including teachers and assistants with salaries up to $98,026
- Administrative appointments: Natasha DeJesus as Acting Principal at Washington School ($137,861), Christian Valentin as Acting Principal at Hubbard School ($137,861 + $3,500 stipend)
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a business meeting with action items including a new collective bargaining agreement with the Plainfield Education Association, a real estate letter of intent with Black United Fund, and two legal settlements. The board will also discuss the superintendent's report, committee reports, and public comments.
- Approval of Memorandum of Understanding and salary guides for PEA collective bargaining agreement (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2029)
- Letter of Intent for real estate purchase with Black United Fund
- Legal settlement in Juanita Toledo-Hall case (UNN-L-2877-20)
- Legal settlement with Salazar & Associates for $172,000 (project No. 0174-66 68)
- Approval of $4,862.05 for superintendent to attend AASA conference in San Diego
Organization Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education holds its annual organization meeting to certify election results, administer oaths to new members, elect a president and vice president, and adopt routine resolutions for the coming year. The agenda includes standard administrative items such as designating bank depositories, official publications, and appointing officers. No major policy changes or financial contracts are on the agenda.
- Certified election results: Terence J. Johnson (1,820 votes), Eric J. Andrews Jr. (1,707), Sincere Malone (1,577), Gabriala Garcia (1,443), Anita Cright Harvey (1,425), Daniel Williamson (1,403), Chevonese Wilson (1,360), Josely Castro (1,351)
- Oath of office for newly elected board members Eric J. Andrews Jr., Terence J. Johnson, and Sincere Malone (three-year terms to 2026)
- Nomination and election of Board President and Vice President
- Designation of Citizens Bank, Valley National Bank, and Industrial Bank as official depositories
- Appointment of Yvonne Breauxsaus as lead Affirmative Action Officer and Dr. Elizabeth Filippatos as secondary for 2023-2024