The strategic plan presentation by the TLE Group highlighted a multi-phased approach to understanding the district’s strengths, challenges, and aspirations. Community input identified diversity, community support, and strong faculty collaboration as significant strengths, which enrich the educational experience. However, challenges such as facilities management, staff recruitment, and retention were noted as areas of concern. Safety emerged as a top priority in the strategic plan, with a commitment to creating a supportive and secure learning environment for students.

To address these priorities, the board outlined four main goals: enhancing communication among stakeholders, ensuring school safety, fostering a supportive culture, and improving teacher recruitment and development. Objectives for improving communication included strengthening relationships and creating digital feedback channels. Safety objectives involved bolstering protocols and personnel, with potential infrastructure improvements like security cameras. The board emphasized the importance of a nurturing environment, proposing comprehensive social and emotional learning programs to support student achievement.

Adjustmentsttention was given to student performance, particularly the results from the Spring 2025 ACCESS assessments and the NJGPA. The ACCESS results showed that a majority of multilingual learners were performing at developing and expanding levels, with notable progress in grades seven and eight. However, there was concern about increasing students’ proficiency to the bridging and reaching levels in various grades. The NJGPA results were promising, with Fort Lee students surpassing state averages in English and mathematics. Eleventh graders demonstrated a graduation readiness rate of nearly 90% in English and 70% in mathematics. Subgroups, including students with disabilities, showed remarkable improvement in readiness.

The board discussed the timing and implementation of targeted interventions for students not meeting proficiency standards. While waiting for federal funding, the board plans to use immediate benchmark assessments to address student needs. Comparisons between NJGPA and other standardized assessments highlighted the challenge of aligning different evaluation metrics. The board stressed the importance of using multiple data sources to guide instructional planning.

Public comments brought additional community concerns to light, particularly regarding student safety. A young student named Anastasia expressed concerns about walking safety and the impact on her schoolwork. The board acknowledged her comments and promised forthcoming communication on busing plans. The discussion also covered bus tracking information and the need for clear instructions for parents.

Special education was another topic of focus. Tom, a community member, raised questions about the costs of out-of-district placements for special education students. The board clarified that these costs are fixed and discussed efforts to bring services back into the district. Privacy laws were emphasized, restricting the discussion of individual students in public forums.