Glen Rock School Board Highlights Student Achievements and District Initiatives
-
Meeting Type:
School Board
-
Meeting Date:
04/08/2024
-
Recording Published:
04/08/2024
-
Duration:
158 Minutes
-
State:
New Jersey
-
County:
Bergen County
-
Towns:
Glen Rock
- Meeting Overview:
During a recent Glen Rock School Board meeting, a range of topics were discussed, including the recognition of student achievements in academics and athletics, the Middle School Reimagine Plan, security enhancements, and updates on various capital projects. The board also reaffirmed activity fees and student assignment policies, discussed the implementation of a tiered support system for students, and approved budget allocations for upcoming construction and renovation projects.
The meeting commenced with commendations for outstanding student accomplishments. Jake Rickett, a senior wrestler, was celebrated for winning the NJSIAA District 2 wrestling tournament and reaching the region finals. His achievements brought attention not only to his personal dedication but also to the strength of the wrestling program. Additionally, the robotics team was lauded for their state championship victory and their extensive commitment of over 400 hours to their robotics work. The team and their coach, who was honored as the robotics coach of the year, provided a demonstration of their robots.
The board then focused on the Middle School Reimagine Plan, a comprehensive approach to enhancing the educational environment through improvements in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and school policies. The advisory program was a highlight of this initiative. Changes to the middle school structure, such as the implementation of subject-specific teaching and new elective options for sixth and seventh graders, were also part of the plan.
Security within the school district was another topic. Following a security audit conducted by the contracted company Porio, the board reviewed recommendations to improve safety measures such as increasing perimeter signage, adding more surveillance cameras, and upgrading the electronic visitor management system to include elementary schools. These enhancements align with the board’s ongoing efforts to ensure a secure learning environment for students and staff.
In addition to safety and educational programs, the board discussed the management of activity fees for middle and high school sports and clubs. While some members debated the fairness and impact of the fee structure, the board ultimately decided to maintain the current policy, with a plan to revisit the co-curricular club fee collection process.
The board also addressed the policy of assigning students to schools based on classroom sizes instead of proximity to their homes. This policy has led to challenges and concerns from families about fairness and the impact on their children’s education. Discussions included the potential for outreach to real estate agents to educate families on this policy and the consideration of adjustments to better balance fairness and practicality.
A substantial part of the meeting was dedicated to discussing construction and renovation projects, with a budget approved for the pre-K expansion at the high school and updates on the Energy Savings Improvement Program (ESIP) bond issuance. The board also contemplated the financial health of capital projects, such as the Coleman roof replacement, and reassured concerns regarding the impact of cost increases on the capital reserve account.
The meeting concluded with updates on the district’s special services, including workshops for parents and the function of the Child Study Teams. The district’s communication plan and the upcoming public hearing on the budget were also noted, along with a review of the phonics pilot program and the selection of new math textbooks.
Brett Charleston
School Board Officials:
Damali Robinson, Sinead Rundell, Elizabeth Calvez, Stephanie Carosella, Elizabeth Carr, Daniel Corey, Edmund Hayward, Sharon Scarpelli, Karyn Stephenson, James Canellas (Board Secretary/Business Administrator), Gregory Van Nest (Assistant Superintendent)
-
Meeting Type:
School Board
-
Meeting Date:
04/08/2024
-
Recording Published:
04/08/2024
-
Duration:
158 Minutes
-
Notability Score:
Routine
Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:
-
State:
New Jersey
-
County:
Bergen County
-
Towns:
Glen Rock
Recent Meetings Nearby:
- 09/17/2024
- 09/18/2024
- 79 Minutes
- 09/17/2024
- 09/18/2024
- 11 Minutes
- 09/17/2024
- 09/17/2024
- 174 Minutes