Board of Education member Isaac Zlatkin proposed that the Board hire additional two employees to assist in the grant department for non-public schools.

The proposal, presented last week, would add two employees to assist with processing grants such as 191, 192, professional development, technology grants and more. Currently, there is only one person handling the work for approximately 90 schools.

Being understaffed, and as a result not processing the paperwork on time, can affect the education of the children, Zlatkin said.

Avi Schnall, the Director of Agudath Israel New Jersey, addressed the Board regarding the issue, and made the following statement:

“The school year 2014/15 began with much turmoil and tumult, something that no one here wants to repeat. During a meeting of the Board of education on September 3, members of the board asked Ms. Winters what caused such a blunder to occur the response was that the district office is under staffed.

“I strongly believe that all the employees in the administrative office have only the best intentions and they really do try to service all the school children in the best possible manner. However, there is a limit how much a person can do.

“If the administrative office was understaffed last year and the community has only grown, it is very concerning what will be when it comes September 1, 2015. Therefore, we strongly encourage the board to advance this proposal and increase the BOE administrative staff.”

Under the proposal, the schools would be split into three tiers, Zlatkin said.

The Board approved the proposal, and will seek to fill the positions shortly, pending the proper funding.

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