The board placed a emphasis on the need for a comprehensive arts education plan within the district. Results from a New Jersey Department of Education survey revealed that Montville Public Schools, while having annual goals, lack a specific written plan for the Performing Arts. In response, the district has formed an Arts Education Program Evaluation Committee tasked with assessing the current program, analyzing data, and gathering feedback from parents and students. The committee’s findings highlighted a notable increase in student enrollment in performing arts programs, with participation rising across elementary, middle, and high school levels since the 2018-2019 school year.

The demographic diversity of students participating in these programs was also examined. The data showed participation from 12% of special education students and 22% of those receiving free or reduced lunch at the high school level. Recommendations included maintaining or increasing staffing levels in elementary schools due to rising class sizes, addressing high student-to-teacher ratios in middle school music classes, and exploring renovations to performance spaces, particularly at Lazar Middle School and Mt. Stafford Theater.

The board expressed collective support for the performing arts programs and agreed on the importance of enhancing staffing and facilities. However, the discussion also highlighted the need for immediate improvements in rehearsal spaces, which were prioritized over performance areas.

Cell phone usage policies within the district emerged as another topic. The meeting revealed contrasting approaches between the high school’s lenient policy and the stricter regulations at Lazar School. Participants debated whether a tiered policy might be more effective, allowing teachers to manage cell phone use at the classroom level while maintaining overarching guidelines. Concerns were raised about the impact of cell phones on learning environments and student well-being, prompting suggestions for designated cell phone-free zones during lunch.

The conversation recognized the integral role of cell phones in students’ lives, emphasizing the importance of teaching responsible usage rather than enforcing strict bans. Feedback from teachers was deemed essential to understanding cell phone dynamics in classrooms, with proposals to conduct surveys to gather insights from various stakeholders, including parents and students.

Meanwhile, the board addressed the issue of growing student enrollment and the strain it places on district resources. Notably, all schools except Lazar are currently over capacity, with new developments like Mil Creek and Avalon Bay contributing to unexpected increases in student numbers. Temporary measures to alleviate the capacity crunch include relocating classes from hallways to classrooms and consolidating pre-kindergarten classes. However, these solutions were acknowledged as short-term.

The board explored bifurcating capital improvement funding from enrollment considerations for future referenda, highlighting the availability of state funds that could cover renovation costs but not new construction. This approach aims to clarify priorities and financing, making it easier to address both immediate and future needs.

In other discussions, the board reviewed district goals, including mental health initiatives, innovative learning programs, and safety protocols. Updates were provided on Youth Mental Health First Aid training, the implementation of the Gaggle tool for monitoring online behavior, and plans to hire a retired police officer as a special law enforcement officer for elementary schools. The board also discussed significant construction projects, such as HVAC system upgrades and security vestibule installations.