The meeting began with a discussion about the flood mitigation efforts at Leonia Middle School (LMS), aimed at addressing recurring flooding issues through the installation of proper drainage systems. This project, funded partially by FEMA, has a total estimated cost of $205,000, with $177,000 covered by FEMA. The remaining amount, along with architectural fees, will be financed by the district. The board emphasized the necessity of such measures due to the increasing frequency and severity of storms, which have caused significant damage to school properties, including the high school gym floor.

Further details were shared about the district’s response to recent heavy rainfall, including collaboration with an insurance adjuster and efforts spearheaded by Kevin Woods, Director of Buildings and Grounds, and Mr. Thomasevich to mitigate damage. The LMS mitigation project has seen progress with infrastructure installations, while the high school’s mitigation project is working on retaining walls and paving, both expected to be completed before the school year begins. Some delays were noted for the ACS pitch roof replacement due to weather conditions, but completion is anticipated shortly.

The board then delved into the success of the ESL program. The district reported that ESL students are now exiting the program after an average of 1.9 years, a reduction from previous averages and lower than neighboring districts. This improvement is seen as a positive indicator of growth in English language proficiency among students. Listening skills were identified as the strongest area, while speaking showed the least growth. Various interventions have been implemented to support students’ improvement in these areas, with a greater awareness of the needs of the ESL population.

A notable aspect of the ESL discussion was the criteria for students exiting the program at the 4.5 level, which is an average across four language domains: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. It was clarified that while the score is an average, teachers also consider individual domain scores to determine if a student is truly ready to exit the program. The district has ensured that no students have reverted to needing ESL support after exiting the program in the past five years.

The meeting also highlighted the introduction of a 25-minute Flex period at the high school, designed to provide students with personalized academic support based on data analysis and teacher input. This new block of time aims to offer differentiated instruction tailored to individual student needs. Additionally, the high school has developed alternative learning pathways for students who are not meeting academic or credit expectations.

In his presentation, Dr. Kofs discussed student participation in the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJ GPA) and noted discrepancies in class sizes from year to year. Leonia High School (LHS) students scored above the state average, but areas for improvement were identified, particularly in English Language Arts (ELA) and math. Graduation readiness statistics revealed that 87.7% of the class of 2025 was deemed proficient, with 67.1% meeting math standards. Some students who did not meet the criteria had already satisfied requirements through alternative pathways such as PSAT or SAT scores.

The implementation of the DNA platform for standardizing common assessments was also highlighted. This initiative aims to uncover trends across various departments, allowing for a more unified approach to assessments. The introduction of department common planning time enables teachers to collaborate across disciplines, aligning their instructional strategies and expectations.

Attention was given to the Advanced Placement (AP) exams, with the number of subjects available at the high school increasing and a 96% success rate reported for Calculus BC students. The district is also promoting dual enrollment programs, which allow students to take courses at the high school level that count for college credit. Participation in these programs has slightly increased, with significant benefits highlighted, including affordability compared to traditional college tuition.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs were discussed, particularly the marketing and hospitality programs, which have seen increased participation and successful outcomes for students. The district plans to expand AP, dual enrollment, and CTE offerings to provide more opportunities for students.

Public comments included appreciation for the ESL program report, concerns about audio quality during meetings, and questions about the impact of affordable housing developments on student enrollment. There were also discussions about the long-range facility plan and the potential need for a consultant to assist with future planning.