The Montclair Board of Education meeting started with a presentation by Peter Coyl, director of the Montclair Public Library. Coyl spoke about a partnership with Toni’s Kitchen and Partners for Health that helps produce meals for students during the summer, to fill the gap when the free and reduced school lunch program isn’t available during summer break. Coyl said the program is open to anyone under the age of 18 and there’s no need to prove residency or income. Kids can come and get a free lunch and so far, during the eight weeks that the program has been running this summer, the library has served over 2000 lunches.
Montclair Library director Peter Coyl details special programs for students.
Coyl also highlighted other supports the library offers students, including databases for students to get homework help after school, where they can log in and get help from a certified teacher on tutor.com in real time, Coyl says.
New Hires And Recall of Paraprofessionals
Following Coyl’s presentation was a report from interim superintendent Barbara Pinsak, who began by mentioning that administrative retreats were underway this week, with staff reviewing goals and looking at next steps for the district’s Undoing Racism program.
Pinsak then listed numerous repairs and upgrades to various school, including floor repairs at Bradford School; carpeting and painting at Hillside School; and replacing of toilets and lockers at Montclair High School, as well as renovations to the high school parking lot.
In addition to sprucing up schools, the district has been busy with staffing, from before end of school year through to September. Pinsak introduced Mr. D’Andrea as business administrator and board secretary and a new district director of special services, Tom Santagato.
“This summer to date, we’ve employed approximately 20 new staff members and we were able to recall nine teachers and one secretary, not because we are adding positions, but primarily due to retirement or resignation,” Pinsak said, pointing out that Montclair has stayed within budget. Pinsak said the district did add some positions — two full time and one half time special education teachers based on student’s IEP needs. A social work position was added for the Academy at Glenfield pilot and one math teacher at Renaissance based on new algebra initiative at the middle school.
“The other good news,” Pinsak added, “is that I’m pleased to report we were able to recall over 30 of our full time and four half time paraprofessionals for the district.” Pinsak said five additional para positions were also added based on new student needs. Continue Reading
