A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to updates on safety and security, underscoring its importance to the school community. The district’s Safety and Security Committee recently convened to discuss ongoing measures aimed at ensuring a secure environment for students, staff, and parents. The state’s Department of Education provides support through its Office of School Preparedness, which aids districts in establishing and maintaining safe educational settings.

Central to the discussion was physical security within the schools. Special law enforcement officers, specifically Class Three officers who are armed and sworn police officers, are present in the schools. Additionally, the district employs a full-time safety coordinator who divides their time between the two school buildings. Communication with the North Caldwell Police Department is facilitated via radios carried by school administrators. Surveillance systems, including interior and exterior cameras, have been installed, and the Raptor visitor management system requires visitors to scan their IDs for background checks. Mandatory lanyards and IDs for students, staff, and visitors are in place to enhance security awareness.

The “Say Something” anonymous reporting system, a program facilitated by the Sandy Hook Promise, was introduced as a mechanism for individuals to report concerns about potential threats. This system operates 24/7, and alerts are sent to designated teams within each building and at the district level if emergencies arise. Visitor policies now require scheduled appointments for entry into school buildings. Each school is mandated to have a threat assessment team, comprised of administrators, mental health professionals, and law enforcement liaisons, tasked with developing action plans in the event of an incident.

The state’s drill law mandates at least one fire drill and one school security drill each month, including during summer school sessions. Security drills cover lockdowns, shelter-in-place procedures, and evacuations, with actual incidents counting towards drill requirements. Principals are required to notify the community following these drills.

Cybersecurity was another focal point, though specific details were not disclosed for security reasons. The district’s technology team has implemented advanced firewalls and antivirus software to protect digital infrastructure. Multi-factor authentication is required for all staff accounts to enhance security.

Following the safety updates, the Board discussed district goals for the year, emphasizing the enhancement of school climate and culture and the use of data to improve student outcomes. Achievements in these areas included the “No Place for Hate” designation and the successful integration of data-driven decision-making in curriculum planning. New goals aim to cultivate career readiness and ensure a positive, inclusive school climate. Professional development sessions have begun, with interdisciplinary lessons being modeled for staff to enhance real-world applications within curricula. Upcoming sessions will focus on environmental topics, aligning with new climate standards.

The meeting also addressed the integration of interdisciplinary lessons and the positive feedback from teachers regarding professional development initiatives. One participant noted the enthusiasm of educators experiencing class from a student’s perspective, stating, “I think that they really enjoy just experiencing class from like a student’s perspective again.” While interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged, it is not currently mandated, and its effectiveness will be assessed through administrative observations.

The transition of seventh graders into middle school was also highlighted, with recognition given to the hard work of both teachers and support staff in ensuring a smooth start. Activities designed to help students acclimate included a welcome night event hosted by the student council and a seventh-grade trip featuring team-building activities. These outings were noted for fostering connections among students from different towns.

Additionally, changes to the lunch schedule were discussed. The previous system, which included a 30-minute lunch followed by a 30-minute study period, led to increased roaming and distractions. The new approach consists of a one-hour lunch block, allowing students to eat in designated areas and providing time for homework and collaborative work. Seventh graders will remain in the large gym, while eighth graders will split between the cafeteria and small gym. This change aims to minimize hallway congestion and improve student accountability. The lunch block includes options for academic support, such as a learning lab and assessment room, as well as club meetings to keep students engaged.