Emphasizing the district’s strategic plan, the meeting explored the allocation of funds across several categories, with a particular focus on rising labor costs, special education tuition, professional services, transportation, and facility improvements. Discussions highlighted the necessity of maintaining attention to individual student success in the realm of special education, coupled with a call for data to evaluate the effectiveness of current programs.

Moreover, the board addressed the creation of a supervisor of support services position, which will oversee crucial areas such as mental health, non-special education interventions, and the tiered assistance of supports program.

Beyond the budget, the board approved 13 items including donations that will benefit the district’s schools, such as the installation of a maple tree at Lake View and 20 softball jerseys for Valley View. A safety grant for the year 2024 from the New Jersey School Insurance Group was accepted, and a local artist was commissioned to conduct an artist-in-residency program, resulting in a mural at Riverview with the involvement of fourth and fifth graders.

In the realm of educational enrichment, the board sanctioned an Author’s Day presentation for fourth and fifth graders and the Express Yourself program for Valley View students, the latter funded by a donation from the Denville Municipal Alliance. The board also approved a joint transportation agreement for the 2024-2025 school year and a grant from the Morris County Utilities Authority, as well as agreements with legal and security services for particular matters.

The meeting additionally set the stage for the implementation of the national school lunch program in one of the elementary schools, a move that has led to a funding shortfall for the PTA. This prompted discussions on devising alternative fundraising strategies. Future committee meetings and a potential retreat to evaluate the superintendent’s performance were also among the topics discussed.