A significant portion of the meeting focused on the new mandate for enhancing early literacy instruction for grades K through 3, set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year. This initiative, signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy in 2024, aims to address declining reading proficiency rates exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The mandate requires the use of a universal screening tool, Dibbles 8, to identify students needing additional support or enrichment in literacy. The tool will assess phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, and comprehension, with screenings conducted three times annually. The Board emphasized the importance of aligning with best practices for literacy instruction and ensuring all students receive a quality education, particularly those who need intervention.

Educators are urged to differentiate instruction and collaborate to maximize the benefits of this initiative. The Board discussed the need for targeted interventions, professional development, and structured support for teachers to enhance instructional practices. A comprehensive plan was outlined to address identified gaps in literacy instruction, with ongoing professional development for educators emphasized as vital.

Parental communication was identified as crucial, with plans to share individual assessment results and hold a parent academy to educate families about the screening process and support strategies. A coaching plan for reading specialists and interventionists was proposed to ensure effective data collection and instructional support. The Board acknowledged the challenges of implementing new assessments and anticipated pushback from staff, but feedback has been largely positive, highlighting the assessment’s effectiveness in identifying student needs.

Turning to the budget for the 2025-2026 school year, the Board faced challenges involving declining enrollment and reduced tuition revenue from partnerships with nearby districts. The proposed budget includes a 2.53% increase in the local tax levy, equating to approximately $1.7 million, to cover rising labor costs and investments in special education. The budget presentation stressed the necessity of balancing revenues and expenses, with a focus on maintaining educational programs and class sizes amid financial constraints.

The Board discussed significant drops in tuition revenue, linked to competition from other districts offering similar programs. A conservative budgeting approach was taken, adjusting projections to account for potential enrollment declines. The capital reserve and maintenance reserve accounts were scrutinized, with projects like playground upgrades and school security enhancements earmarked for funding. The Board emphasized the need for cost-effective solutions, particularly in transportation for out-of-district placements, which currently cost over $835,000.

A discussion arose about utilizing bank caps to exceed the 2% tax levy limit in the future, depending on circumstances like healthcare cost increases and student enrollment changes. The Board expressed concerns about tuition costs for private schools for students with disabilities, which have risen significantly, and called for state assistance to manage these costs.

The Board also considered relocating district administration and staff to a new office to free up space for pre-kindergarten classes. The meeting concluded with motions to approve various agenda items, including staff appointments and transportation logistics, before entering an executive session to discuss personnel matters.