BTBOE 5.18.26

The Bernards Township Board of Education held a regular meeting on May 18, 2026, covering a wide range of topics including school updates, personnel appointments, curriculum changes, and facilities projects. Key procurement-related discussions included the renewal and negotiation of the Maschio's food service contract, which had a $226,000 annual guarantee and was projected to fall short by $47,000 this year, with ongoing negotiations for a lower guarantee next year. The board also discussed a $300,000 DEP grant awarded for electric vehicle charging stations, and updates on several capital improvement projects such as turf field drainage installation, roof replacement at Cedar Hill, and various summer maintenance projects. Additionally, the board approved multiple finance and personnel items, including the appointment of Sheryl Howarth as the new principal of Ridge High School. No new contracts or bids were explicitly awarded during the meeting, but ongoing contract management and grant-funded infrastructure improvements were highlighted. Policy discussions included sound system use at athletic facilities and curriculum updates incorporating AI literacy. Public comments addressed roles related to ADA coordination and insurance pooling options, with responses clarifying statutory designations and insurance strategies.