Frank Corley, Vice Principal and District Harassment and Intimidation Coordinator, presented a report on the district’s efforts in handling Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) initiatives. Corley emphasized the necessity of presenting a detailed report on the district’s activities related to HIB for the past school year. He identified the Anti-Bullying Specialists appointed in each school and acknowledged the roles of counselors and teachers in executing HIB-related programs. Corley noted that each school conducts multiple safety team meetings annually and performs end-of-year reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of these initiatives. State mandates, including mandatory training for school personnel and timely investigations of HIB incidents, are critical aspects of the district’s operations.

The report highlighted the district’s strengths, such as the continuation of student recognition programs aimed at fostering a positive school climate and an increased emphasis on counseling for students involved in HIB incidents. Specific data was provided: last year, there were 1,870 individual lessons focusing on respect and tolerance at the high school level. Various character-building themes were discussed during morning announcements, and initiatives such as the Wave Newsletter disseminated information about HIB efforts.

Corley detailed the programs employed at different schools to promote positive behavior and address social-emotional learning. The Mansion Avenue School used an anti-bullying pledge and launched the WAR program focusing on respect, ownership, achievement, and responsibility. Special lessons and activities were conducted during significant months like Autism Awareness and Black History Month. At Havin School, monthly character education sessions emphasized values such as respect, responsibility, kindness, and citizenship, reinforced through school-wide assemblies.

The high school’s performance metrics improved significantly, with its state report score rising from 39 to 72 over two years. Corley attributed this growth to the collective efforts of principals, teachers, and students and expressed a desire for all district schools to achieve similar scores. However, he acknowledged areas needing improvement, especially in ongoing training for all staff members, including substitutes and teachers, to ensure consistent application of HIB protocols across the district.

In another development, the board discussed creating a policy regarding artificial intelligence in educational settings. The board expressed a desire to explore the positive applications of AI while being mindful of potential risks. A plan was proposed for board members and faculty to attend upcoming workshops on AI at the New Jersey School Boards Association conference. The intention is to return to the governance meeting in December with insights and recommendations for a comprehensive policy. This topic prompted a broader discussion about the integration of technology in classrooms and the necessity of crafting informed policies that recognize both the benefits and challenges of new technologies.

Community engagement and communication strategies were another focal point. A representative highlighted the importance of educating parents about the influence of social media on students, noting that many issues originate online before manifesting in schools. There was an emphasis on the need for parents to be vigilant regarding the apps and platforms their children use, especially those that may conceal harmful content. The board is working to enhance communication, especially with families who do not speak English, through initiatives like the Wave Newsletter, which can be translated into 150 languages to ensure all parents are informed about school activities.

The board acknowledged efforts to distribute monthly newsletters to high school families, which have received positive feedback, particularly from elementary teachers. This ongoing communication aims to maintain transparency within the community. The recognition of staff achievements was also discussed, particularly those who have pursued further education. A list of educators who have advanced their degrees or completed significant coursework was presented, with an acknowledgment of their hard work and commitment to professional development.

The meeting also covered the approval of the production of the spring musical “The Prom,” which was well-received due to its progressive message. The curriculum for the 2024-25 academic year was discussed, covering subjects such as Performing Arts, health and physical education, English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Technology, World Language, 21st Century Life and Careers, and ESL. A notable change to the school calendar was introduced, with midterms now being full days rather than half days.

In the Human Resources segment, open positions within the district were reviewed, along with discussions on anticipated positions related to special education needs that were not initially budgeted. The board reported a positive reduction in the number of overloads, decreasing from 42 to 35 compared to the previous year, with a goal to further reduce this number through proactive scheduling for the following year. An increase of 14% in healthcare costs for the upcoming year was noted, surpassing the budgeted 10%, prompting the administration to consider alternative insurance plans.