During the Livingston Board of Education’s September 24 meeting, it was announced that interim superintendent Dr. Daniel Fishbein has agreed to extendhis contract with Livingston Public Schools through June 30, 2026.
The interim executive county superintendent has reviewed and approved Fishbein’s revised contract. A public hearing on the matter will be held at the beginning of the Board’s October 29 meeting.
Stipends Approved
Anumber of athletic stipends were approved by the Board, including funds for the girls’ softball and volleyball teams and the boys ’ basketball team. These stipends are reserved for coaching staff within the district.
Additionally, a number of cocurricular stipends were approved for Livingston High School’s Envirothon, the Gay-Straight Alliance, and class advisors.
Stipends were also approved for Heritage Middle School’s Classic Literature Book Club; Student Equity staff members at Mt. Pleasant Middle School; and assistants to the principals across the district’s elementary schools. The Board also approved the $222,300 purchase of Acer Chromebooks for the class of 2037.
Attendance Policy
The district’s attendance policy was also discussed. At the recommendation of the district’s attorney, Isabel Machado, it was resolved that, as stated in the revised policy, “students who will be on vacation or family trips of ten or more consecutive school days may be disenrolled from school. The parents will assume (Continued on Page A-6) educational responsibility through parental instruction or enrollment of student in school at their destination. Disenrolled students who return to the district will be required to complete the registration process again.”
Chess Team and Club
Representatives from the LHS chess team and Chess Club addressed the Board during the public comment portion of the meeting.
Eric Guo, founding member of the chess team, requested a $5,000 stipend that would be used to cover required chaperone expenses and to purchase chess sets, clocks, and team uniforms.
Chess team captain Roger Zhang highlighted the team’s accomplishments, including winning the state championship for the past two years and placing at national tournaments. Zhang pointed out that many of the top national chess teams have dedicated “immense” resources to their chess programs, including coaches and grandmasters, but that their request is “just for necessities.”
The Board will meet next on Tuesday, October 8.
