Mr. O’Brien from Legacy Construction Management provided a detailed update on the ongoing summer construction projects. He reported delays in HVAC equipment delivery, but assured that fresh air and air conditioning systems were now fully operational. The installation work continues during second shifts and weekends to avoid disrupting school activities. The front office and restrooms at Bayberry are operational, though some punch list items remain.

O’Brien highlighted specific delays in the Media Center and art room due to unforeseen additional steel work required for supporting rooftop units. As a result, the Media Center’s completion was postponed but is expected to be handed over by mid-September. Temporary units have been brought in to facilitate air circulation in the art room, although noise from these units is affecting teaching. Efforts are in progress to find alternative arrangements for art classes. Photos of the construction were shown, illustrating renovations, including the Valley View gym and new bathrooms at Bayberry.

Board members expressed concerns about classroom usage and the operational status of the art room and library. It was confirmed that art classes were being held in nearby rooms, and the library’s books were temporarily relocated. The overall budget for construction projects is expected to remain under budget despite potential unforeseen costs related to HVAC unit removals. All needed classrooms are equipped with air conditioning except for the art room and Media Center, which are still awaiting unit installations.

Following the construction update, the Director of Special Services presented the 2022-23 local special education profile report. The report focused on compliance with federal and state requirements, including proficiency rates, suspension and expulsion rates, educational environments, parental involvement, and equity in special education. Several indicators lacked data due to the district’s grade structure or small sample sizes.

The least restrictive environment indicator showed that students were educated either in regular classes for 80% or more of the day or in more restrictive settings, with local results compared against state targets. However, many indicators, such as preschool child outcomes and parental involvement, lacked data due to the district not being part of the state cohort for the reported year.

Equity indicators revealed that the district had no disproportionate representation of racial and ethnic groups in special education. Child find compliance showed that 92.86% of children were evaluated within the required 90-day timeline from parental consent, falling short of the 100% state target. The district’s performance for federal fiscal year 2022 met requirements, scoring 19 out of 20 possible points.

The meeting also included a presentation on the 2024-2027 Language Instruction Educational Program three-year plan. This plan detailed the identification and support of multilingual learners using an English as a Second Language (ESL) program. The report emphasized equitable educational opportunities, access to the full curriculum, and extracurricular activities for multilingual learners, following WIDA English language development standards. Although the district did not meet the necessary student numbers for certain progress indicators, hopes were expressed for collaborating with a consortium of other districts to address funding gaps.

Updates regarding the start of the 2024-2025 school year highlighted new staff orientation, returning teacher training, and welcoming events for students and families. The robotics program received a boost with donated Vex robots, and student planners were distributed to aid organization.

The committee reports covered policy reviews, personnel appointments, and curriculum updates. Specific policies discussed included administration of medication, service animals, and suspected gang activity, all prepared for first readings. The policy on student identification cards was put on hold for further administrative feedback.

Updates from the Somerset County Educational Services Commission included details about the extended school year program and upcoming relocations to accommodate program growth. The Watchung Educational Foundation shared plans for upcoming events and support for the school’s robotics program and musical instrument expansion.