Page 12 THE VILLADOM TIMES II, III & IV • January 9, 2013 In the wake of the defeated $15.2 million school facilities referendum last month, Midland Park’s town and school officials have agreed to meet monthly to discuss a better level of integration and communication among the two entities, Council President Nancy Peet announced during last week’s reorganization meeting of the mayor and council. Peet, who serves as the council’s liaison to the board of education, and Mayor Patrick “Bud” O’Hagan met recently with board of education President William Sullivan, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marie Cirasella and Business Administrator Stacey Garvy to talk about ways the governing body and the board can collaborate on matters affecting the community. Sullivan will serve as the Council, board of education to strengthen cooperation board’s liaison with the town council until the board’s reorganization meeting in April, and Garvy and Borough Clerk/Administrator Addie Hanna will also communicate on a regular basis, Peet said. A number of parents attended council and board of education meetings after the referendum defeat asking the two bodies to work closer together on school maintenance and safety issues. Peet said that the borough and its grants’ writing team will continue to look out for grant opportunities to improve school facilities that are used by both the school and the borough’s recreational programs. Such grants acquired in the past were used to reconstruct the high school’s baseball and soccer fields. Peet said that funding for the use of a school resource officer for educational and security enhancements in the schools would also be explored. She said that Dr. Cirasella and Police Chief Michael Marra would continue to address safety and security concerns. A police presentation on school safety is being planned for an upcoming board of education meeting, she said, and the council and the public would be invited. Calendar integration is being worked on, Peet said, and each body will include the other when planning special events. E notices will also be shared. Other discussions included recycling, cooperative purchasing and tech services. Cable vision broadcasting of council and board meetings was also discussed, Peet said. She explained that the high school cable television classes do not have the capabilities for off-site broadcasting, so special equipment would be needed. Additionally, the cable studio is not large enough to accommodate meetings with public attendance. Student citizenship programs such as allowing seniors one or two afternoons a week to work within the borough operations or assist council on special projects, and a Junior Fire Academy for students 18 years of age and over, will be discussed with the high school principal by the board’s administrative team, Peet reported.