Soaring Heights Charter School
Board of Trustees
Minutes
February 24, 2025
Call to Order.
The Board President will call the meeting to order at 6:46 pm and read the following statement:
I submit that in compliance with Chapter 231 of the Laws of 1975, a notice for this meeting has
been sent to the Jersey Journal and the Newark Star-Ledger.
Roll Call:
Present
Lisa McConagly
Mary Golden
Jane Mercante
Stephanie Miller
Irene Roberts
Joann D’Auria
Absent
Natasha Persaud
1. Approval of Board Secretary Minutes:
Be it resolved that the Board of Trustees approves the Minutes for January 27, 2025.
Moved: M. Golden Second: J. Mercante
Motion carried by unanimous roll call.
2. Approval of Board Secretary’s and Board Treasurer’s Reports for January 31,
2025:
Be it resolved by the Board of Trustees that the Board acknowledges receipt of
certification from the Board Secretary that no line-item account has encumbrances and
expenditures which in total exceed the line-item appropriation in violation of
N.J.A.C.:6A:23-2.11(a). Further, the Board of Trustees, after review of the Board
Secretary’s and Treasurer’s monthly financial reports, certifies that no major account or
fund has been over expended in violation of N.J.A.C.:6A:23.2.11(b), and that sufficient
funds are available to meet the Board of Trustees’ financial obligations for the remainder
of the fiscal year. Therefore, it is recommended that the Secretary’s and Treasurer’s
Reports for the month ending January 31, 2025 showing a cash balance of $8,263,502.10
for the general account and $199,303.72 for the payroll account be approved.
Moved: L. McConagly Second: J. Mercante
Motion carried by unanimous roll call.
3. Approval of the Revised 2024-2025 School Year Budget:
Be it resolved that the Board of Trustees approves the revised budget for the 2024-2025
school year.
Moved: J. Mercante Second: I. Roberts
Motion carried by unanimous roll call.
4. Approval of the additional pay for Evaluation and Workload 1st half stipend as
attached.:
Be it resolved that the Board of Trustees approves the additional pay for the Evaluation
and Workload 1st half stipend as attached.
Moved: L. McConagly Second: S. Miller Recused: J. D’Auria
Motion carried by unanimous roll call.
5. Approval of the second reading of the Resolution to Designate Campuses as Safe
Zones as attached:
Be it resolved that the Board of Trustees approves the second reading of the Resolution
to Designate Campuses as Safe Zones for Students and Families Targeted for
Immigration Enforcement as attached with the changing of “Executive Director” to Lead
Person.
Moved: M. Golden Second: J. Mercante
Motion carried by unanimous roll call.
6. Approval of a Waiver to Exempt Soaring Heights from participation in the Semi
program for the 2025-2026 School year:
Be it resolved that the Board of Trustees approves applying for a waiver that will exempt
the school from participation in the SEMI program for the 2025-2026 school year.
Moved: I. Roberts Second: L. McConagly
Motion carried by unanimous roll call.
7. Approval of the 8th Grade Broadway Field Trip to see Harry Potter:
Be it resolved that the Board of Trustees approves the field trip for the 8th grade to see the Broadway play of Harry Potter on March 12th, 2025.
Moved: J. Mercante Second: S. Miller
Motion carried by unanimous roll call.
8. Approval of the Emergent Hiring of Catherine Augustin, Teacher Assistant:
Be it resolved that the Board of Trustees approves the emergent hiring of Catherine
Augustin, Teacher Assistant, at the pro-rated salary of $13,600 effective February 25th
2025, for the 2024 - 2025 school year. The Board accepts the applicant’s attestation that
she has not been convicted of any crime pursuant to New Jersey Statutes.
Moved: L. McConagly Second: S. Miller
Motion carried by unanimous roll call.
Motion to Adjourn:
There being no further business for the Board of Trustees, the meeting was adjourned at 7:15
pm.
Moved: I. Roberts Second: J. Mercante
Motion carried by unanimous roll call
Submitted by:
Irene Roberts
Irene Roberts, Recording Secretary
Angelo Vilardi
Angelo Vilardi, Board Secretary