The meeting’s most contentious issue involved a public safety concern raised by Hackensack resident Sean Danny, who criticized the school district’s handling of a tree clearing operation on Parker Avenue. Danny described the incident as resulting in significant damage to private property, specifically noting the loss of a 100-year-old tree. He accused the district of negligence and called for greater accountability, expressing dissatisfaction with the communication regarding such operations. Danny’s concerns were echoed by his wife, Sandy Wramm, who emphasized the emotional and environmental impact of the tree loss, highlighting a perceived lack of transparency from the district. This incident brought to light broader concerns about the district’s communication practices and oversight of operational projects.

The board also devoted attention to the performance of multilingual learners within the district. In a detailed presentation, Marcela Monloa, Director of Multilingual and World Language Education, reported on the 2024-2025 ACCESS for ELLs state test results. The presentation revealed that multilingual students make up 20% of Hackensack’s student body. Monloa emphasized the importance of the district’s language instruction educational programs, noting the high participation rate in ACCESS testing and the improvement in students transitioning from developing to expanding proficiency levels. Monloa highlighted the need for continued support for multilingual learners, particularly those with disabilities, who showed positive progress at the developing level.

Fairmont School aligned with district performance, while Jackson Avenue School outperformed in the expanding level, reflecting effective strategies in place. Nelly K. Parker School was recognized for exceeding district performance in various proficiency levels, with significant student exits from multilingual status due to ACCESS testing. However, challenges remained at the high school level, where many students were categorized at the entering level.

In addition to educational assessments and public safety concerns, the meeting addressed various operational updates from the acting superintendent. The superintendent reported on district enrollment figures, preparations for the upcoming sports season, and the successful onboarding of new teachers. She also announced a fixed graduation date and an upcoming board retreat to finalize district goals.

During the public comment session, residents raised additional concerns about the district’s management and communication strategies. Donna West, a district employee, questioned the enrollment figures and the potential impact of losing an ESL teacher on students. Other residents inquired about programs for students with IEPs and faced challenges with school registration forms, prompting the board to assure them of available resources and support.