The meeting commenced with a celebration of the Ridgewood High School marching band, recently crowned the 2024 State and National Championship marching band. This victory marked the band’s first national title in 27 years, a momentous occasion acknowledged by the school board and the community. Mr. John Luckenbill, the band director, expressed pride in the hard work and dedication of both current members and alumni. Alumni and current students alike shared a sense of pride and connection to the band, underscoring its long-standing role in fostering community spirit.

Danielle Hos, the band’s drum major, shared her personal experiences, highlighting the friendships and leadership skills she developed through the band. The band performed selections from their show, “Teenage Wasteland,” and concluded with a festive rendition of “Jingle Bells,” encapsulating the celebratory mood of the evening.

Retirement recognition was also a key part of the meeting, with Mr. Roman Litvak, a mathematics teacher retiring after over two decades of service, being honored for his impact on students and the school community. Litvak was lauded for his ability to engage students beyond the subject of mathematics, contributing to a culturally inclusive learning environment.

A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to discussions on special education, led by Dr. Michelle Fenwick. The board addressed the findings from a previous audit report and outlined ongoing improvements in the district’s special education programs. Key focus areas included enhancing the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process, improving teacher training, and expanding mental health support services. The district’s efforts to retain students within district boundaries and foster inclusivity were highlighted, alongside the introduction of new programs such as Unified Sports and the Steps program to aid students transitioning to adulthood.

Concerns from the public centered on the adequacy of the district’s special education services, with residents expressing the need for more transparency and better communication between parents and educators. Comments highlighted issues such as the classification of students, the need for improved teacher training, and the desire for more detailed data on student performance. The district was urged to address these concerns while maintaining a focus on fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

Additional topics discussed included the district’s budget allocation for special education, which accounts for a portion of the overall budget. The board reviewed expenditures and revenue generation from various programs, noting challenges such as staffing issues and the need for ongoing funding to support special education services. The importance of aligning instructional practices with the needs of students was emphasized, particularly in relation to standardized testing accommodations and the achievement gap between students with and without IEPs.

The meeting also touched on administrative changes, with the anticipated appointment of Mr. Brian Ross as the new Director of Curriculum and Instruction. The board expressed confidence in his leadership capabilities and outlined plans for a smooth transition in the district’s administrative team.

As the meeting wrapped up, board members acknowledged the contributions of departing members and highlighted upcoming strategic planning initiatives involving community engagement. Discussions on future events, such as a strategic planning presentation and a gala fundraising event, were noted.