LINDEN &8212; Interim Superintendent Scott Collier presided over his first Linden Board of Education meeting Monday night, where the board discussed new equipment, employees and policies for the upcoming school year, beginning on August 8.

Collier discussed recent capital funds purchases of laptops and new technologies for use by 11th and 12th grade advanced placement students. These funds were also used to implement

training for faculty to learn to use the equipment and integrate it into their classrooms.

In addition to new technology, the board discussed the appropriation of funds for the upcoming school year. Funds from the federal bond issue for this year are slated for use to repair the Linden High School gym, but Collier said they might be looking into more options for a gymnasium facility.

He said he had begun talking with some city council members to explore the possibility of combining some funds with the city to build a new civic complex that could house city hall operations in addition to having a large gymnasium area for the school&8217;s use.

Collier has also been meeting with teachers, principals and athletic directors in the Linden City School System to discuss what things they would like to see improved upon. One item that may be up for discussion in the future is the implementation of a drug testing policy for any student wishing to participate in extra-curricular athletics.

Collier has also been looking into getting the defunct band program back and running. He is still talking with individuals that may be able to find funds for the program and an instructor to run the program, but Collier said he is hopeful that it will come to fruition.

Other business discussed by the board included new regulations for the school system. According to new state legislation, certain qualifying school systems must also employ a Licensed Practical Nurse in addition to a Registered Nurse for their school. In light of this, the board approved advertising for this position and hiring an LPN for Linden High School with recommendations from the school nurse and the principal.

In other business, the board:

Approved the employment of Marquita Washington as language arts teacher at George P. Austin Junior High School.

Approved the re-employment of Tiffany Stephens as mathematics teacher at Linden High School.

Approved the Interim Superintendent to employ a Pre-K aide at Linden Elementary School upon completion of interviews and evaluation of transcripts.

Approved the 2007-2008 parent/student handbook.

Approved the 2007-2008 employee handbook.

Authorized the Interim Superintendent, Chief Financial Officer and Federal Programs Coordinator to apply for all federal funds.

Approved the purchase of 40 new HVAC units from Marlowe Electric Heating and Cooling to be installed at Linden High School and George P. Austin Junior High School.