At the forefront of the meeting was an extensive discussion on the district’s communication plan. Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Hart presented a detailed overview of the six-month-long communication planning process. This effort aimed to improve district-wide communication and foster a more engaged and informed community. One of the key components was joining a Communications Consortium operated by the Haden Township School District, which includes multiple districts collaborating to enhance communication strategies.

The district engaged a PR consultant to evaluate and refine existing communication methods. Surveys and focus groups were conducted to gather feedback from parents, employees, and community members. The feedback revealed mixed responses regarding district-level communications, with many respondents expressing neutrality about the effectiveness and clarity of communications. To address these concerns, the Superintendent outlined three primary goals for the communication enhancement strategy: increasing awareness of school district activities, ensuring clear and consistent messaging, and maintaining a positive, inclusive, and supportive school culture.

Action steps included developing public relations protocols, updating communication tools, and introducing a new newsletter format to streamline communication for parents and community members. The plan also emphasized exploring additional news outlets to reach individuals without children in the schools. The implementation of these goals is projected to take one to three years, with priorities based on available resources and evolving needs. The Superintendent affirmed the ongoing relationship with the communications consultant to assist the district in achieving these goals, highlighting the strong desire for engagement and connection between the schools and the community.

Another topic was the summer capital projects. The Board prioritized these projects based on administrative needs and available funding, with plans for future considerations of any projects that could not be completed this year. Key initiatives included renovations to the Readington Middle School (RMS) main office, installation of new HVAC systems, and roof enhancements. The gymnasium, which previously lacked air conditioning, was also slated for modernization. Playground enhancements for preschool classrooms were mentioned as part of ongoing improvements.

Security measures were a critical focus, with new doors and swipe access systems being implemented following police approval. Regular checks of exterior doors by police officers ensured consistent security protocols. The Board also discussed delays in specific projects, such as the renovation of the White House art room, which had displaced the art teacher for two consecutive years. Security walkthroughs with township police were conducted to maintain a secure environment for students and staff.

The Board explored the expansion of solar energy initiatives, which could potentially lead to the district being powered entirely by solar energy at no cost to taxpayers.

Curriculum updates were another focal point of the meeting. The district’s language instruction education plan was discussed, noting that 50% of staff had undergone training in sheltered English instruction (SEI). Goals for the 2024-2027 period emphasized increased participation in the parent advisory committee and the continuation of culturally responsive practices to support non-English-speaking families. The professional development plan highlighted a buddy system for onboarding new hires, with 25 new staff members this year.

Curriculum revisions across various grades and subjects were presented. For grades K-5, the math curriculum was revised to align with the New Jersey student learning standards, including updates on data literacy and interdisciplinary connections. New courses were introduced at RMS, including yoga, mindfulness, and experimental design. The English language arts curriculum underwent a complete rewrite to align with new standards, with updated reading programs for K-2 and grades 7-8. Other subjects, such as social studies and the arts, also received updates.

Policy revisions were discussed, with notable changes to bylaw 0141, which concerns board member terms and vacancies. Revisions to policies on student attendance, firearms, and weapons were also addressed, with debates on the interpretation and implementation of these policies.

The potential abolition of bylaw 0164.6, which allowed for remote public board meetings during a declared emergency, was another discussion point. The Board reached a consensus to abolish this bylaw now that the emergency COVID regulations have expired.