The appointment of Kim Phry as the new superintendent was a significant highlight of the meeting. Phry’s tenure will begin at the start of the new year, and she will engage in preparatory activities, including individual meetings with board members, to ensure a smooth transition. The board expressed optimism about Phry’s leadership and the direction she will take the district.

In financial matters, the audit presented at the meeting revealed that the district passed with no recommendations for improvement, underscoring strong financial management. The auditor praised the district’s compliance with various New Jersey Department of Education directives, especially in light of federal and state audits prompted by the pandemic. A notable point was the $50,000 increase in food service revenue, attributed to higher operating and non-operating revenues, expenditures, and interest. The Business Administrator further clarified the financial picture, noting a slight decrease in the overall fund balance due to strategic use of tuition and capital reserves, yet emphasized the importance of maintaining these reserves to manage financial fluctuations effectively.

Deerfield Elementary School’s recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2024 was a celebrated achievement. The Superintendent, who attended the awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., reported on the honor and the plaque and flag that will be displayed at the school. The community was encouraged to commemorate this prestigious award, with suggestions to enhance local visibility through banners or flags.

The meeting also covered several administrative and educational topics. The board approved items related to after-school reading and math program staff positions, as well as a proposal to expand mental health support services from Care Plus from one day a week to two. The Superintendent highlighted the positive impact of community support, as evidenced by a recent public question approval, which will enable the reinstatement of several programs.

Updates from the Berkeley Heights district included achievements by the Highlander marching band and the girls’ volleyball team, as well as student activities for Deaf Awareness Month and hurricane relief fundraising. A new athletic director, CJ Hendrick, was appointed, and a successful Challenge Day for sophomores was noted for its high turnout. The board also reviewed ongoing initiatives in special education and anti-bullying, with a focus on upcoming presentations about Advanced Placement courses.

Facility upgrades were another topic of interest, with discussions about potential wiring for field lighting, a long-standing community concern. The board noted that previous opposition had been resolved, though financial constraints continue to be addressed. Improvements to gym facilities, including new flooring, painting, and LED lighting installation, were also reported.

Public participation was invited, but no attendees stepped forward to comment. The meeting concluded with the approval of the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights annual self-assessment, in which Beachwood and Deerfield schools scored 72 and 71, respectively, out of 78. The board also deliberated on potential reorganization dates, with January 6 as a tentative choice, and scheduled a strategic planning committee meeting to finalize drafts for board review by December.