One item at the meeting was the recognition of the Pequannock Township High School Marching Band. The band, under the leadership of Mr. Strier, was praised for its dedication, professionalism, and outstanding performance. The band achieved first place in every competition they entered and secured third place at Nationals, which is particularly impressive given the size of the school. The students were acknowledged not only for their musical talent but also for their ability to balance schoolwork and social life. Mr. Strier took a moment to express gratitude towards the Board of Education, emphasizing the support from staff, parents, and particularly the group known as “the amps,” who have been pivotal to the band’s success.

The meeting also marked the end of Megan Dempsey’s tenure on the Board of Education. Dempsey received accolades from her peers for her unwavering dedication, integrity, and contributions, particularly in policy matters. Her ability to engage in meaningful dialogue and ask challenging questions was noted as a catalyst for reflection and improvement among administrators. Dempsey was commended for her focus on the best interests of the students, and her departure was recognized as a loss to the board. Dr. Portas, in particular, highlighted her balance of professionalism and humor. Dempsey received a plaque and flowers as a token of appreciation and expressed gratitude to the community for their support during her service.

A substantial portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing special education programs within the district. Presentations focused on the communication protocol and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), emphasizing the importance of parental involvement and understanding in navigating special education services. The district highlighted the various in-class and out-class resource classes available, including self-contained programs for students with Emotional Regulation Impairment (ER) and Multiple Disabilities (MD). The meeting also outlined the support services provided by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs), and Occupational and Physical Therapists, structured under a 3:1 service model that blends direct and indirect support.

The Special Education Parent Advisory Council (CPAC) was introduced as a key element in fostering communication between parents and school staff. CPAC’s role in organizing community meetings for parents to discuss their experiences with special education services was emphasized, with the next meeting scheduled for January 14th.

The board reviewed the results of a survey examining the impact of new school start times. Data revealed that 77.4% of students felt better rested this year, although responses varied across different groups. The survey also addressed mental health, with positive feedback from 88.3% of students on their overall well-being. The survey’s findings prompted discussions about the effectiveness of the “panther period,” a dedicated time for extra help, with students reporting higher satisfaction compared to parents and staff. The board recognized the need for better communication regarding the panther period and acknowledged the ongoing staffing challenges within the district, including difficulties in filling key roles such as speech language pathologists and school psychologists.

Staffing updates included the upcoming appointment of Mr. David Rafo as the new assistant principal starting January 2, 2024. The board expressed optimism about his contributions to the school community.

In policy discussions, the meeting addressed the proposal for football players to wear protective gear during non-contact summer practices. Emphasizing player safety and acclimation to equipment, the board recognized the necessity of adhering to New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) guidelines. The conversation also touched on the challenges surrounding school van drivers and the need for clear regulations regarding CDL requirements.

The board also explored the introduction of cyber security and data science courses. The transition to a Google site format for the program of studies was noted as a method to enhance student engagement with multimedia elements.