The policy 5756 debate was the focal point of the meeting, with multiple community members expressing their support or opposition. Advocates for the policy emphasized the need for a supportive environment where students can freely explore their identities. Some speakers, including a proud transgender man and a retired Fort Lee Public Schools teacher, expressed the importance of parental rights and the role of educators in supporting children’s well-being. A junior at Fort Lee High School voiced concerns over the proposed policy changes, focusing on the safety and care of vulnerable students.

On the other hand, opponents raised concerns about the policy’s potential to marginalize certain beliefs and lifestyles, as well as the implications on parental rights and the privacy and safety of students. A speaker warned the board of potential litigation should they prevent children from coming out as they wish, referencing ongoing cases in the appellate division and the office of administrative law.

The budget for the 2024-2025 school year was another significant topic addressed at the meeting. The school business administrator presented an overview, pointing out a 4.41% increase in the general fund tax levy and the utilization of surplus funds to balance the budget. The tentative property tax increase was projected at $133 for an average house assessed at $478,000. Attention was given to the need to reduce reliance on surplus in future budgets and to the appropriation from the capital reserve for the high school shop and training program. The budget also highlighted ongoing projects such as air conditioning the academic wing of the Middle School.

Other discussions focused on the comparison of Fort Lee’s per pupil costs with other districts and the plan to potentially expand transportation services. Questions from board members led to a detailed explanation of the assessment of bus routes, the fleet of buses, and the process of considering population projections in the budget planning. The possibility of implementing transfinder to analyze bus routes and determine cost effectiveness was also discussed.

The meeting also tackled concerns about student enrollment and class size disparities among different schools. The policy committee reported on the operation of policy 5756 under various scenarios and proposed the formation of an ad hoc committee to revise the policy and seek common ground. Public comments reflected opposition to the repeal or amendment of the policy, with appeals for further discussion and expert input before any decision is made.

In addition to policy 5756 and budgetary discussions, the board recognized student achievements, including the accomplishment of an eighth-grade student who became the eighth grade North champ and will represent the district in Washington D.C. High school students were acknowledged for becoming national cyber scholar finalists, and spring sports commencement was noted. The Academy of Theater Arts’ upcoming performance and a successful junior class basketball game were also mentioned, along with logistics around NJSLA testing and SAT testing schedules.

Public comments were not limited to policy 5756; a community member suggested a review of the public speech policy to ensure that only residents could speak at meetings. Concerns were also raised about non-residents influencing board decisions. Discussions extended to proposals for a bike bus to reduce traffic and promote exercise and the funding of the summer bridge program. Questions were raised about professional development for new teachers and the condition of school facilities.