Trenton schools approve $19.3M in bills, mental health contract
The Trenton Board of Education authorized payment of more than $19.3 million in bills Monday night, including a $272,054 contract for mental health counseling and a $216,000 award for English language arts professional development, as part of a consent agenda that passed without extended debate.
The largest single item was the list of bills totaling $19,320,663.48 for the October 12 meeting, which includes roughly $8.2 million in payroll. The board also approved out-of-district placements for the 2026-27 school year with total tuition of $1,632,740.66, a significant special education expenditure for students placed outside the district.
Superintendent James Earle framed the evening around early literacy, announcing the district was awarded the STRONG-ER grant — Systems for Tiered Reading and Ongoing Growth in Early Reading — for leadership training and literacy coaching support. “It’s not money. It’s support,” Earle said, describing a year-long partnership with Rutgers University to build local capacity for New Jersey’s tiered systems of support.
The consent agenda, moved by Yolanda Marrero-Lopez and seconded by Addie Daniels-Lane, also included the DALE after-school program for grades K-6 at a cost not to exceed $89,861, and a $28,237.50 resolution for additional VOIP phone lines.
Student representatives used their time to raise a concern about school security staffing. Oscar Santos, the SGA vice president, said security quality has improved but “the quantity of security personnel remains a concern,” and asked the board to consider funding additional coverage.
The board also took a first reading of Bylaw 0167, which clarifies the five-minute maximum per person for public participation, a change prompted by a question raised during the previous meeting’s public comment period.
In committee reports, Jeannie Weakliem, presenting for the Operations committee, flagged a 34% state increase in health benefits and said the district is entering budget season, with the budget calendar to be presented in November. Larry Traylor reported the district food pantry served 279 visitors in September, and that Thanksgiving collections run through November 23.
The board adjourned shortly after 6 p.m., with the five-year strategic plan and board self-evaluation both scheduled for presentation at the November meeting
