The Cherry Hill Board of Education approved a slate of personnel actions, including employment terminations, at its Tuesday, Oct. 27, meeting.
All eight board members voted to approve the human resources consent block, which covered certificated and non-certificated terminations, new appointments, leaves of absence, salary changes and a new job description. During executive session earlier that evening, Diane Leber discussed a recommendation to terminate maintenance worker Justin McLaughlin, according to the meeting minutes.
The minutes do not state a reason for the recommended termination.
The board also approved a policy and legislation package on a 7-1 vote. That package included approval of harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) investigation decisions, HIB hearing decisions and the district's HIB self-assessments. Board member Dean Drizin cast the lone no vote. The minutes do not record a stated reason for his dissent.
Dr. Scott Goldthorp presented a staff HIB matter and the monthly board HIB report during executive session. Rick Short commented on the HIB self-assessments during the first public comment period.
Budget calendar and business items
The board unanimously approved the business and facilities consent block, which included the budget preparation calendar for the 2027/28 school year, financial reports, a transportation award and approval of McKinney-Vento/DCP&P student placements.
Hearing date draws Passover concern
During the second public comment period, Ilana Yares raised a concern about a public hearing scheduled for April 27 falling on a Jewish holiday. The New Jersey Department of Education's religious holiday list for 2026-27 designates April 22 through April 29 as Passover. The Cherry Hill Public Schools 2026-27 calendar lists spring break for Passover on April 22-23 but does not show April 27 as a school holiday.
The minutes do not specify which public hearing Yares was referencing. The board approved the 2027/28 budget preparation calendar at the same meeting, though the record does not confirm whether that calendar sets an April 27 hearing date.
Yares also raised concerns about personal email addresses being shared with photo companies, spending on professional development, open enrollment at the middle school level and signage on building facades.
Other actions
The board approved curriculum items unanimously, including conference attendance, out-of-district student placements and a professional service agreement with the Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative for the 2026/27 school year. Board member Renee Cherfane mentioned a community forum at Rosa during new business.
The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
