MINUTES OF
KEY COMMUNICATORS MEETING
MONDAY, April 16, 2007

Present:      Joe Luongo, Josephine Ciocia,Connie Doheny, Lisa Hodulik,Kathy Iapelli,  Donna Wipper, Linda Condal,  Lynn Nilsson, Francine Salerno, Ana Mastropietro, Lizz Nuzzo

Joe Luongo opened the meeting at 7:33 PM.

Schools Opened -  Mr. Luongo had a survey done of Bergen County Schools to find out which schools closed on April 16th due to the weather.  There were several schools that closed however most schools remained opened.  Mr. Luongo did not receive a telephone call from the Woodridge district stating that they were going to close their schools.

There was a smell of gas at Euclid School in the morning, the fire department was called and stated that it was not a gas leak and the school was safe.

The middle school and high school lost power in some parts of the building in the morning.  The children were moved into class rooms with electricity and kept in those rooms until lunch time.  At that time, they were escorted to the cafeteria for a shortened lunch time.  The custodians and teachers did have flash lights in the stair wells to assist the children in going to and from the cafeteria.  When power was restored the students resumed their schedule.  However, the power surge blew 3 fuses and the building had to be evacuated and the fire department responded immediately.

Upon finding out that it was electrical fire and not knowing how long the students would have to remain outside, the students were walked to the municipal building. When the fire department gave the all clear to return, the students returned to the school in time to retrieve their belongings and be dismissed from school.

Student Achievement Night - The Bergen County Board of Elections advised us to cancel the election night activities due to the weather.  We are allowed to have functions at the schools on election day  under the conditions that we provide separate entrances for the election and school activities and that there is adequate parking.  With the severe weather conditions which caused Rt. 17 and most of Lodi streets to be closed traffic became an issue on our local streets.  If there was an additional evening activity at the school, it may have caused additional traffic and parking conditions whereas people may have chosen not to go out and vote.  Mr. Luongo understood parents, students and teachers disappointment however his hands were tied on this matter.

School Board Election -   Mr. Luongo placed an article in The Observer and hopefully it will encourage people to come out and vote. 

Pre School 4 year olds -   It was stated that there were a number of people interested in the program.  After the spring break, Mr. Luongo will contact them and explain the program and other details.

Non Tenure Personnel -   Mr. Luongo met on April 16th with all non tenure personnel to explain the budget cuts and how it will affect some teachers,   Also, he explained the additional cuts if the budget fails.

Honor Classes - The Board of Education is revising the criteria for all honor classes.  There was some discussion from the parents as to the requirements for these classes being a little too stringent.  The Board needs to vote on the new criteria within the next few months.

Non Resident Policy - There is a revised non resident student policy.  There will now be yearly residency checks performed during the summer for children entering grades 3, 6, and 9.  Parents attending the meeting approved of this change.

Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 21st, at 7:30 PM.
Meeting adjourned at 8:23 PM.

Minutes submitted by Donna Wipper.