The presentations for the awardees were conducted with an emphasis on their contributions and the impact they have had on the school community. The Harding School Executive Student Council Board also presented, detailing their roles and involvement in activities such as event organization, fundraising, and community projects. Their report included the successful execution of a food drive and spirit wear sale, illustrating student engagement within the school community.

Superintendent Kyle Arlington’s report highlighted several initiatives and events taking place within the schools, including a Women’s Day celebration, a March Madness basketball tournament, and the upcoming Spring Spirit Week. The report also touched upon academic preparations for AP tests, college admissions, and post-secondary planning.

The meeting also delved into the district’s infrastructure and financial planning. Updates on construction projects were a point of discussion, with information provided on the progress of HVAC installations, Harding School renovations, field upgrades, and the additions project. The receipt of a $70,000 insurance check for soil testing pertaining to these projects was noted, signaling ongoing advancements in the district’s capital improvements.

Further, the Residency Committee’s recommendation for implementing a trial of randomly generated residency checks was reported. The committee discussed the process, parental notifications, and support mechanisms for families that would be subject to these checks. This initiative aims to ensure compliance with district residency requirements and maintain the integrity of school resources.

In financial matters, the Finance, Facilities, and Negotiations committee reported that the preliminary budget had been approved for advertisement, with the definitive budget awaiting approval during a public hearing on April 29th. The committee also discussed resolutions related to the procurement of athletic equipment, the purchase of a new truck, and approvals for facilities use for various borough activities. Concerns regarding the impact of an upcoming street fair and carnival on the newly constructed fields, particularly the location of the fireworks display, were also addressed.

During the public comment segment, a community member brought up questions about the status of a waiver request for K Tri basketball and the budget for the following year. The board was also invited to participate in a Celebrate Trails Day event on April 27th, highlighting the efforts of Union County Connects, a nonprofit organization focused on building trails in the county. The discussion pointed to the potential for promoting walkability and bikeability, with an eye on enhancing student involvement in healthy lifestyle choices and reducing traffic congestion. The board expressed its support for the initiative and decided to promote the event in the school’s Friday folder.

The meeting concluded with the board voting on 25 resolutions before entering a closed executive session. Matters discussed in the closed session pertained to special education due process litigation, negotiations, school business, the administrator annual contract, and personnel.