The most significant portion of the meeting revolved around the recent New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJ GPA) results. The detailed presentation revealed a high graduation readiness percentage in English Language Arts (ELA) at 96%, with only about 4% of students not passing. However, the mathematics readiness percentage was notably lower at 74%.

To address these gaps, the board delved into specific strategies aimed at improving student performance. Efforts will focus on disaggregating data to identify individual student needs, particularly analyzing question types and their alignment with standards. This approach is intended to better prepare students for the upcoming fall administration of the tests in October. The board emphasized that these efforts are not just for current students but also for future groups, specifically juniors who will take the tests in March 2025. Enhancements to the mathematics curriculum will include integrating practice questions from various platforms into Algebra I and Geometry courses.

Alternative pathways for students unable to meet the graduation requirements were also discussed. One option involves retaking the NJ GPA in the fall, a strategy that has proven successful in the past. Another pathway allows students to take competency tests such as the PSAT, SAT, ACT, or ACCUPLACER, each with its own cut scores. Last year, all students who took the ACCUPLACER passed, highlighting it as a reliable alternative. A third pathway permits students to submit a portfolio to the New Jersey Department of Education, incorporating standards-based tasks across both ELA and math domains.

On the personnel front, the superintendent announced several appointments. Stephanie Podias, a new high school guidance counselor with a decade of experience, was introduced and welcomed by the board. Additionally, Dr. Eric Milu, a mathematics professor from Rowan University and co-author of the new math curriculum, was hired to support teachers by providing coaching and model lessons throughout the year.

The meeting also covered the rehire of security personnel, addressing past community concerns regarding the reduction of security guards from five to four. The board decided to maintain a force of five guards for the upcoming school year, with access to an additional guard if necessary. The superintendent assured the community that the partnership with the MSU Siege program, which provides counseling services for students and families, would continue into the next school year.

In terms of infrastructure, the Facilities committee discussed recent developments related to the district’s Rod grant for infrastructure improvements. A resolution was presented to accept bids for new HVAC systems for gymnasiums and electrical upgrades for North End and South End Elementary Schools, after initial bids were deemed overpriced. This resolution included an alternate proposal to add additional sub panels, necessary for future air conditioning capabilities, but excluded an alternate involving painting the gymnasium ceilings due to high costs. Recent renovations, such as resurfacing basketball courts and installing new basketball systems, were noted, with the expectation that they would be operational by the start of the school year. Concerns were also raised about unrepaved parking lot sections, intentionally left untouched pending electrical upgrades.

During public comments, community member Jessica Horton inquired about the continuation of the SEEDS program. She expressed concern over reports that the program had been cut by 50% compared to previous years and questioned whether there would be a possibility of restoring its former capacity. The response assured that the partnership with the SEEDS program is ongoing, although a return to full capacity is not anticipated at this time. Monthly meetings will be held to assess needs and make necessary adjustments.

The meeting concluded with announcements regarding future meetings, including a schedule change for the next meeting to August 29, which will include a closed session preceding the open meeting. The following meeting is scheduled for September 24. The session ended with a unanimous motion to close the meeting.