During the public comment section, a student from Cherry Hill East, Matt Berkery, initiated a notable conversation on the fairness and pressure associated with the class rank system. He highlighted disparities in course difficulty and the potential unfairness that results from variations in grading by different teachers. This was further echoed by another student who pointed to the negative consequences of the class rank system on student well-being and suggested alternative methods of recognition.

Superintendent Kwame Morton and the board members acknowledged the students’ concerns, and Morton praised their courage in speaking out. The board discussed the possibility of transitioning to a 5.0 scale or eliminating class rank altogether.

The meeting also delved into the financial aspects of the school district. The budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year was dissected, revealing that the majority of the budget is dedicated to salaries and benefits, with significant portions also allocated to capital reserves and other operational costs. The board discussed the urgency of finalizing the budget and the need for an additional meeting to ensure a review of the budget before the submission deadline.

One community member, Jeff Potter, raised issues regarding the transparency of the grant application process for the AP/IB courses expansion grant and its impact on students with disabilities. Harvey Vasquez, representing the Cherry Hill Special Education PTA, echoed these concerns, questioning how the district would support students with disabilities in light of staff vacancies in special education positions.

The debate over the district’s policies also took center stage as Mr. Greenbaum defended policies related to affirmative action, equity, and protections for transgender students, emphasizing their compliance with state and federal laws.

Public comments addressed various concerns, including the curriculum’s approach to climate change education, the lack of shop classes at Cherry Hill West High School, and the importance of civil rights education. Notably, a speaker questioned the policy allowing transgender students to participate in sports, based on potential risks to female athletes, while another promoted the retention of class ranking due to its relevance in professional settings.

In addition to policy discussions, the board focused on the district’s strategic planning, including a demographics study and a communications audit aimed at improving district and community interactions. The sustainability committee’s work on developing a plan was also highlighted.

Furthermore, the board provided updates on construction projects, emphasizing the importance of not disrupting the school environment during summer construction.