February 10, 2026 - Board Brief
February 10, 2026 - Board of Education Meeting
On Tuesday night, the Board of Education met to share key updates on district programs, facilities, and the 2026–27 budget, while celebrating student and staff achievements across the district. 🏫
Alex DalPiaz, Board President, Dr. William McKersie, Superintendent of Schools, and Maureen Caraballo, Business Official, provided an update on the Synthetic Turf Criteria for Public Bid. The update outlined the technical and performance specifications guiding the competitive bidding process, emphasizing safety, durability, environmental considerations, and manufacturer qualifications informed by Board, student, staff, and community input. ⚽
📊 Maureen Caraballo, Business Official, presented the 2026–27 Budget Overview & Non-Instructional Budget, outlining major cost drivers, contractual and benefit-related increases, tax cap considerations, and the strategic use of reserves. The discussion also highlighted ongoing investments in facilities, transportation, and operational needs supporting the district’s programs and services. 💡
In his Superintendent Report, Dr. McKersie highlighted exciting moments from across the district, from Hillside students’ virtual visit with author Ben Clanton, to FMS journalists’ collaboration with the Rivertowns Dispatch, the latest on the Exploring Equity program, HHS Robotics’ upcoming competitions 🤖, and the varsity wrestling team’s impressive tournament performance. 🏆
📚 Dr. Melissa Szymanski, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, shared an update on middle school math initiatives, highlighting progress in intervention supports, enrichment programming, Algebra I placement criteria, and professional learning. Key enhancements and instructional alignment efforts across grades 6–8 continue to move forward. ✨
📅 The next Board of Education meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Hillside Multi-Purpose Room. Dr. McKersie will share an update on the Wrestling Team Restorative Support Program. 🤼
🎥 Missed the meeting? Watch the full recording, including all presentations and discussions HERE.