A key point of contention during the meeting was the discussion surrounding the effectiveness of restorative justice practices in the district. One speaker raised sharp concerns about the spike in school violence over the past two years, coinciding with the implementation of these practices. The speaker cited statistics indicating an “81% increase in violence” in the first year and a “184% increase” in the following year, questioning the rationale behind approving further training for additional personnel. The speaker argued that the program was wasting “thousands of hours” of academic time and drew a comparison to the Parkland tragedy.

Superintendent Dr. Kwame Morton responded to these claims by asserting that the figures presented were “grossly inaccurate.” He clarified that an “alleged HIB” (harassment, intimidation, and bullying) does not equate to a founded case and emphasized the importance of understanding this distinction. Dr. Morton expressed frustration over the spread of misinformation and reiterated that the numbers discussed did not reflect actual incidents.

In addition to the debate on restorative justice, the board heard impassioned comments from multiple parents regarding the educational environment for 4th and 5th graders, focusing particularly on the impact of large class sizes and the presence of unqualified substitute teachers. One parent stressed that “Our students are being left behind,” noting the difficulty in effectively teaching the new curriculum without properly trained substitutes. Proposed solutions included improving communication with substitutes, reallocating district coaches to classrooms, offering emergency compensation to qualified educators, and considering student transfers to schools with available space.

Another parent, Leah Silverman, argued for capping 4th and 5th-grade class sizes at 22 students instead of the current 26, citing research that supports smaller class sizes for improved student engagement and individual attention. She emphasized that the current class size policy was leading to chaotic classroom environments that hinder effective teaching.

Parents also expressed frustrations over the inconsistency and qualifications of substitute teachers. Marissa, a parent of a fourth-grader at Bret Hart Elementary, detailed the substitute’s lack of proper teaching credentials and previous roles as a hula hoop instructor and a romance consultant, which she felt were inadequate for the educational needs of her child. She urged the board to take immediate action to provide a stable and qualified educational experience.

Dr. Morton acknowledged these issues, explaining that the district faced unexpected challenges in securing a long-term substitute for Mrs. Wilson’s class. He assured parents that measures were being implemented to support the students, including the involvement of literacy and math coaches in the classroom. Dr. Morton also committed to improving communication, stating that the administration was working on ensuring parents were kept informed about changes affecting their children’s education.

The meeting also saw a discussion about the new cell phone policy, which has garnered strong support from parents, students, and staff. One parent shared a positive experience, noting that her child initially felt anxious without their phone but later found the absence “calming,” which improved focus and academic performance. This sentiment was echoed by conversations with other parents.

Further discussions touched on the district’s role in potentially becoming a hub for South Jersey, with the LMC Steering Committee addressing the importance of not overburdening teachers with additional responsibilities. Conversations focused on optimizing committees to allow teachers to concentrate on curricular and student-focused activities.

The meeting’s public comment section revealed community concerns about staffing issues at Bret Hart Elementary and the district’s contract with ESS, a staffing agency providing substitute teachers. A parent expressed concerns about the qualifications of the substitutes provided by ESS, questioning the professionalism and proper vetting of these individuals. Another speaker urged the board to vote against an authorizing waiver for preschool programs, citing concerns about compliance with state and federal laws.

Dr. Morton also took time to celebrate the successful start to the school year, thanking administrators and support staff for their efforts. He recognized the positive reception of the new cell phone policy and expressed gratitude to students for their cooperation.