During the public comment section of the meeting, the board was confronted by community members with concerns about school safety and the district’s communication practices. Incidents ranging from altercations and fights to a lockdown at the high school were brought to the forefront. A parent criticized the lack of information provided to the community during the lockdown, while another community member commended the board for the approval of the transition collaboration program for special education students. The issue of communication was further stressed by a request from a student representative for the weekly bulletin, normally sent to parents, to be directly distributed to students as well.

Dr. James McLaughlin addressed the lockdown incident by stating that the district is revisiting procedures for inviting visitors to school events. The board also discussed the implementation of hallway passes designed to keep students in their respective classrooms and reduce loitering in the hallways. The student representative to the board reported on student concerns about the new rule and suggested that better communication and perception of the implemented policy were needed.

The board’s approval of the 2024-25 budget, which included a 2% tax levy increase, was a financial decision. During the meeting, the board deliberated on the consequences of not using their banked cap, such as the inability to purchase a maintenance truck or provide supplies for summer school. The potential addition of two modular classrooms was also discussed but ultimately not included in the budget for the upcoming school year due to budget constraints.

The auditor, Ms. K Manel, presented the financial highlights of the district’s 2022-2023 audit, discussed fund balances, revenue increases, and expenses, and addressed the need for a forensic audit. Ms. Manel clarified that a forensic audit is triggered by suspicion of fraud, and no such suspicion existed within the district. She also highlighted management suggestions concerning the reconciling of food service management reports and federal grants receivable, emphasizing the importance of maintaining detailed records for COVID-19 funds.

The meeting also included an educational presentation by Miss Hardenberg, who provided a video explaining the need for the transitional skills work-based learning program for students with multiple disabilities. The video detailed the roles of the transition coordinator in coordinating planning, job exploration, job placement, and training, and the required transitional planning process for special education students.

In terms of policy discussions, the governance committee debated the merits of moving the Board of Education elections to April, considering potential impacts on voter turnout and cost implications. However, the board ultimately decided not to move forward with any changes for the current year. The community relations committee reported plans to meet with the Citizens Advisory Committee and provided updates on their activities.

Other noteworthy items on the agenda included a resolution for the approval of superintendent search services, upcoming events at local schools, and the approval of three projects: the Academic Street Elementary School roof hatch, high school walking freezer, and Eastover Elementary School boiler controls and building management system. The Morris County Education Services Commission meeting was also reported on, touching on the 2024-25 budget, alternative school programs, and special education student involvement in an event.