The strategic plan, titled “Rooted in Purpose, Growing Together,” was presented by Dr. Zerpolley and Mr. Uluro. This plan outlines the district’s vision for the next five years, focusing on ten key themes encapsulated by the acronym “FOUNDATION.” These themes, derived from extensive feedback through surveys and listening sessions, aim to address future readiness, operational efficiency, equity and access, mental resilience, leadership development, innovation, teaching and workforce development, community engagement, safety and well-being, and fiscal sustainability. Seven overarching strategic goals were established, including integrating technology to enhance student-driven learning, improving data-driven instructional practices, and developing a comprehensive social-emotional learning framework. These goals are designed to align with specific themes to ensure continuous progress in advancing the district’s educational mission.

Alongside the strategic plan, the board introduced an in-district program designed to support students with behavioral disabilities, particularly those in kindergarten through fourth grade. The program addresses the increasing number of students requiring specialized services, offering an immersive environment with individual behavior plans, a token economy for motivation, and structured progress monitoring. Collaboration with Newark, a state-approved private school with extensive experience in behavioral disabilities, will provide training and consultation to ensure effective implementation. The program aims to equip students with essential regulation skills, enabling reintegration into mainstream classrooms and promoting social decision-making and emotional regulation.

Additionally, the board addressed the necessity of a communications audit protocol to enhance the clarity and consistency of both internal and external communications. This initiative seeks to strengthen community relationships. A multi-year financial plan is also in development to align financial investments with instructional priorities, prioritizing transparency in resource allocation to ensure every dollar contributes meaningfully to student learning and well-being.

In response to the needs of the district, the strategic plan also emphasizes enhancing school safety and student well-being. Improvements to physical and digital security infrastructure and expanded access to mental health resources are planned. Clear protocols for crisis response and responsible technology use will be implemented to ensure a safe and supportive environment for effective learning.

The school board meeting further highlighted goals for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, focusing on implementing the strategic plan, completing the budget process timely, supporting professional growth within district leadership and staff, and monitoring housing developments for potential impacts on student enrollment. Specific goals from the curriculum instruction and technology committee target technology integration guidelines, digital wellness initiatives, and middle school interventions aimed at reducing discipline referrals among special education and at-risk students.

The board also recognized Jennifer Klay for her five years of service, noting her contributions to various committees and her dedication to the welfare of children in the borough. A resolution was approved to acknowledge her service, with a brief mention of Rebecca Kiglio’s contributions, whose formal recognition is planned for a future date.

In other board business, the acceptance of numerous donations was acknowledged, including a generous contribution from the Landry family to Salt Brook Elementary School and a $25,000 donation from the high school PTSA for digital graphics installations. A local recreation improvement grant of $70,000 was also accepted for replacing the Salt Brook playground. Personnel matters were addressed, with the introduction of new hires and the recognition of retiring staff member Mr. McGeein for his 25 years of service. The board approved several new policies, including those related to sports-related concussions and head injuries, aligning district practices with recent guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.