Concerns about school transportation dominated the public comments segment. Several parents voiced frustration over the lack of communication about the busing issues, which they had only learned about a week and a half prior. One parent emphasized the urgency by stating, “I have a week and a half to find out how my six-year-old is going to get to school.” Another parent highlighted the potential safety hazards of having young children walk to school without sidewalks, remarking, “I cannot see her walking that way every day and coming home especially in the bad weather.”

Public commenters also questioned the timing of the transportation proposal, noting it was presented just weeks before the school year began. Safety concerns were a recurring theme, with speakers pointing out the inadequacy of pedestrian walkways, the absence of crosswalks, and the lack of crossing guards. One individual remarked, “The sidewalks disappear near the daycare center near Perkins Lane,” emphasizing the hazardous conditions that children would face if required to walk to school.

They stated, “It’s critical that this board and the district starts communicating with the public,” highlighting that silence could lead to misinformation and speculation.

The superintendent’s report touched on efforts to address the transportation issues, mentioning ongoing attempts to secure a contractor and drivers. The discussion included the potential use of two electric buses that the district is entitled to receive, with a focus on the environmental impact of transportation. There was optimism about finding drivers, with collaboration efforts underway with the Department of Energy to identify potential driving academies for electric vehicles.

The meeting also addressed infrastructure issues, particularly concerning leaky roofs and malfunctioning air conditioning systems. Proper ventilation was deemed critical for maintaining a healthy environment for students and staff. The board assured that these matters would be addressed to ensure the well-being of all children in the district.

Staffing changes were another significant topic. The board discussed the appointment of an interim principal due to delays in the arrival of the newly appointed principal. A motion was brought forward to hire a retired principal on a temporary basis at a rate of $450 per day, emphasizing the necessity of having a fully staffed school at the beginning of the academic year.

Concerns were also raised about the termination of a librarian, with calls for clarification regarding the circumstances surrounding the decision. One individual highlighted the emotional toll of receiving such news without prior notice, stating, “to find out at 3:00 on a Monday that not only do you not have a job…it was really rough.”

The official closure of a school was confirmed, with assurances that sacred items within the building would remain undisturbed. Discussions revolved around the logistics for the upcoming school year, including entry points for students and the lack of a staggered schedule. It was clarified that all students would enter school at the same time, with designated entry points based on grade levels.

Budgetary concerns were addressed, particularly a reported deficit of over $8,000 from the previous year, despite receiving a $7,000 donation. The necessity for increasing lunch prices due to this deficit was mandated by state regulations. Questions arose regarding the collection of unpaid lunch charges and the need for better participation in free lunch applications. An online application process was introduced to facilitate access for parents.

There was also a discussion regarding the need for improved communication and transparency within the Delanco School Board. One board member expressed frustration over the current frequency of meetings, advocating for a return to two meetings per month. This sentiment was echoed by another member who stressed that the work sessions held an hour before the regular meetings were insufficient for thorough preparation and communication.

In closing remarks, an attendee voiced strong emotional reactions regarding the mention of a long-serving teacher in the agenda. The overall sentiment underscored the need for improved engagement and communication between the school board, the administration, and the community to foster a more collaborative environment.