Melissa Ruvolo’s departure from the board was a significant focal point of the meeting, where her fellow board members took time to express their gratitude for her service. Known for her transformative leadership, Melissa was praised for her passion, legal and business acumen, and dedication to improving district policies. Her ability to bring humor to meetings and mentor new members was particularly highlighted, with one board member noting, “You came to this board with such passion for your kids and wanting the district to do better.” Melissa herself reflected on her journey, mentioning initial dissatisfaction with services for children with special needs, including her own son, and the improvements achieved during her six-year tenure. She attributed these advancements to the collective efforts of the board and administration.

Superintendent George Alexis echoed the board’s appreciation for Melissa’s contributions, especially her legal and financial insights. He commended her ability to prioritize others’ needs, stating, “Your ability to put others ahead of yourself really distinguishes you.” As a token of appreciation for her service from 2019 to 2024, Melissa was presented with a commemorative gift.

Following the emotional farewell, the board shifted its attention to the preschool program’s registration process, set to begin in January. The program, designed for district residents whose children will be three years old by October 1, is tuition-based with a monthly fee of $950. The board addressed the concerns regarding the balance of general and special education students within the classes, noting that a third section is proposed to ensure a more equitable environment. Current projections suggest each class could start with approximately ten general education students and up to eight students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

The curriculum includes daily activities across various centers, such as dramatic play, art, math, and literacy, and emphasizes outdoor play. A new online platform, Marco Polo Learning, was introduced to supplement the curriculum, offering resources for both teachers and families. The board also discussed the logistics of accommodating preschool students within existing school facilities, acknowledging space constraints but committing to finding solutions.

To further enhance the preschool experience, the district plans to manage a lottery system for class placements. An interest form for registration will be available online from January 8 to January 16, with staff ready to assist families facing internet access or language barriers.

The board meeting also touched on broader educational and operational issues, including a review of the current K-8 math program. Gaps in the Big Ideas Math curriculum have prompted a search for alternatives, with an expectation that costs will remain comparable. Efforts to integrate document-based questions (DBQs) in the social studies curriculum were also discussed, aligning with best practices to improve students’ reading and writing skills with informational texts.

In addition to curriculum updates, the board addressed chronic absenteeism at Central Middle School, implementing a corrective action plan as required by New Jersey statute. The plan involves surveying families with students experiencing high absenteeism to gather feedback and inform the district’s response. The board also reviewed student attendance data, noting a 92.5% attendance rate for November and setting a year-end goal of 97%.

Technology updates included the successful launch of the new district website and the establishment of Instagram accounts to enhance communication. The board highlighted cost-saving measures, such as transitioning fax lines to an electronic solution and defaulting color printing to grayscale, saving the district thousands of dollars.

Facilities and maintenance issues were also on the agenda, with the board outlining budget planning for the upcoming year. This includes addressing plumbing repairs, structural investigations at Central, and insurance claims for roof damage at Millington. Plans for a Gaga pit at Gillette Elementary, supported by the Long Hill Foundation, are expected to be completed in the spring.