The meeting began with a tribute to Dr. LaSusa, who has been with the district since 2001 and served as superintendent since 2012. His tenure was highlighted by numerous achievements, including the introduction of project-based assessments, expansion of the curriculum with courses like AP African-American history, and advancements in the arts and special education. Dr. LaSusa was praised for his forward-thinking approach and student-centered leadership, particularly during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Board members emphasized his ability to resist political pressures and focus on what was best for the Chatham community.

Dr. LaSusa expressed gratitude towards the board, acknowledging that a superintendent’s success is heavily reliant on the board’s support. A ceremonial presentation was held in his honor, with a plaque commemorating his contributions. The atmosphere was filled with sentiments of gratitude and recognition of his legacy.

Another topic was the presentation of the annual discipline report, a requirement by the state to analyze disciplinary trends within the district. Connor Henderson, assistant principal at Chatham High School, reported a decrease in incidents of harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) and suspensions from the previous year. However, tardiness remained prevalent, alongside concerns regarding cheating and unauthorized use of artificial intelligence (AI) in assignments. Measures to monitor student work included Google revision history and cell phone policies, which reportedly improved focus and discipline.

A breakdown of infractions showed that tardiness and procedural violations accounted for most incidents, with 263 out of 458 infractions involving tardiness. Gender disparities were noted, with males representing 92% of infractions, and ninth graders historically committing the majority of infractions. However, improvements were seen as this year’s ninth graders had fewer infractions compared to previous years.

The report on school safety data revealed a decrease in confirmed HIB incidents, with only two confirmed cases. The proactive measures taken to foster a positive school culture included a peer mentoring program and various school spirit initiatives. Danielle Dunas, assistant principal at Chatham Middle School, noted an increase in suspensionable infractions but emphasized efforts to redesign student experiences to foster a sense of belonging.

Public concerns were voiced prominently during the meeting. Emily Smith addressed the board on behalf of the ISL program, highlighting sexual harassment as a significant threat. She urged for background checks on employees and educational initiatives for students regarding sexual harassment, noting the lack of formal education on the subject in health classes. Smith expressed hope for changes in the 2025-2026 school year.

In lighter topics, the board heard from Summer, the student liaison, who provided end-of-year announcements, including a physics field trip to Six Flags and a Lynx retreat to support incoming freshmen. The district art show and the upcoming senior picnic were also highlighted as important events for fostering school spirit.

Committee reports included personnel matters, with discussions on open positions and potential restructuring due to upcoming retirements. A curriculum update mentioned the implementation of a new four-day rotation schedule for middle school students and the introduction of study skills courses. The universal dyslexia screener for grades K to three was also discussed, following the approval of a grant for its implementation.

The finance and facilities section highlighted significant donations, including $58,000 from the Chatham Education Foundation for the CMS media center and $95,000 from the Milton Avenue PTO for new playground equipment. These contributions were acknowledged with gratitude for their impact on enhancing the educational environment.

As the meeting concluded, public commentary continued with reflections on Dr. LaSusa’s tenure. Justin Strickland and Mayor Carolyn Dempsey from the Chatham Borough Council presented a mayor’s commendation to Dr. LaSusa, recognizing his contributions and leadership qualities. Bill Heap, a resident, also expressed gratitude for Dr. LaSusa’s leadership, acknowledging some disagreements but commending his efforts to keep schools open during the pandemic.