The meeting’s primary focus was on recognizing Mr. Stachi’s extensive contributions to the district. With a tenure beginning in 1991, he was celebrated for his dedication to the community and his role in pivotal initiatives such as full-day kindergarten, the establishment of maker spaces, and robotics programs. Stachi’s reflections highlighted the district’s evolution from a small K-8 system to a comprehensive pre-K through 12 system serving over 4,700 students. He credited this growth to the collaborative efforts of board members, staff, and the community. In his remarks, Stachi emphasized the profound impact of education, stating, “Education molds character,” and discussed the board’s responsibility in making decisions that affect the broader community.

Expressions of gratitude flowed from various attendees, including students and fellow board members. One described Stachi as an “Elder Statesman,” commending his ability to prioritize the students’ interests and prudent taxpayer decisions. Another praised his transformation of the arts program from a modest initiative to a celebrated entity. Stachi’s mentorship was also a recurring theme, with acknowledgments of his calming presence during challenging times.

Beyond personal accolades, Stachi emphasized the importance of transparency and community engagement. He urged the board to improve its relationship with the community by listening and fostering support. He highlighted the need for visible acknowledgment of past achievements, referencing a plaque commemorating a 2003 referendum that he wished to be more prominently displayed.

Transitioning from personal tributes, the meeting addressed student safety data, a concern for the district. A report mandated by the New Jersey Department of Education covered incidents of violence, vandalism, weapons, and substance abuse from January to June. The data, categorized under the School Safety Data System (SSDS), revealed an increase in reported violence, particularly in the middle school. The presenter suggested that some incidents might have been over-reported due to definitions. The introduction of vape detectors was noted as a potential factor influencing the increased reports of drug paraphernalia possession, with expectations of a downward trend in future incidents.

The harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) report also highlighted middle school students’ heightened susceptibility to behavioral challenges, exacerbated by increased access to social media and smartphones. Efforts to combat bullying included diverse programs across schools, integrating social-emotional learning and promoting positive behavior.

The meeting further delved into various committee reports. The Curriculum and Instruction Committee celebrated a 91% match rate for the academic and elective course schedule and successful programs like the I-Ready pilot for grades K-3 and the Mo Mosa tutoring initiative. Technology updates included interactive boards and a virtual reality pilot, with an AI policy under review. The Finance and Operations Committee discussed a new bus safety program, while the Policy and Governance Committee proposed educational requirements for violators and reviewed policies on electronic communication devices and concussion prevention.

Public comments included inquiries about district expenditures and fundraising initiatives. A resident questioned a $50,437 bill for telephone equipment, seeking clarity on whether it covered previous months. The Snap Raise program, which raised over $11,000 for the soccer program, was also discussed, with suggestions for reducing fees to benefit other school groups.