A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the announcement of the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJ GPA), which will serve as a critical measure for high school graduation. A board member shared that the announcement of this new assessment was unexpected and came on the heels of a lawsuit settlement involving Pearson, the testing company. The NJ GPA is set to be a high-stakes test, with field testing for grades 11 and 12 scheduled for late October to mid-November. Concerns were raised about the necessity and rationale for testing 12th graders, as there are no stakes involved for them. The board discussed potential adjustments to the testing schedule, particularly in relation to an existing two-hour delay on Wednesdays during the March testing week.

Parallel to educational assessments, the board reviewed updates on ongoing construction projects within the district. A representative from Land Associates reported that several projects are progressing favorably, including the 1890s building project, which is nearing the bidding phase with a tentative award date set for October 16, 2023. Completion is expected by July 2026. The redesign of the high school auditorium and C-Wing classrooms is also advancing, with discussions underway regarding flooring and audio-visual needs. The Hopkins Turf Field amenities and parking project are moving forward with a redesign to improve site layout while preserving parking spaces, with an award date set for January 2026 and completion projected for June 2026.

Concerns about construction disruptions were addressed, emphasizing the need for safe access to facilities and effective communication with stakeholders regarding upcoming changes. The representative highlighted the importance of strategizing to ensure effective project management, especially with historic preservation guidelines and community expectations.

Additionally, the board discussed curriculum modifications, primarily focusing on English Language Arts (ELA) courses across various grade levels. Changes included an expansion of board-approved books and an emphasis on reading volume for accelerated Grade 9 students. The curriculum maps are intended to be adaptive, with 18 maps revised or introduced for the upcoming school year. Executive functioning programs for younger students were also discussed. New science courses are slated for approval in September, informed by feedback from college professors and other stakeholders.

Budgetary considerations were another focal point, with discussions on funding for a school resource officer through a shared service agreement with local law enforcement. The board highlighted a substantial decrease in breakage funds, facilitating resource allocation for the officer’s position. Financial constraints also led to the decision not to fill two coaching positions due to declining participation and budget cuts. The board emphasized the need for careful financial planning to comply with contractual obligations, particularly concerning tuition reimbursement for staff.

Facility usage rates were also examined, with the board exploring a shift towards a more transparent hourly rate system. Current practices involve various rates depending on the event and facility, such as $100 for gym use and $400 for turf fields per day. The finance committee has been discussing potential changes for months.

Policy revisions were addressed, including substance abuse policies and a new sun protection policy allowing students to apply sunscreen themselves. The board also abolished a COVID-19-related healthcare policy.

Finally, the board noted the restoration of Title 2A funding, enabling better allocation toward professional development initiatives. Enhanced teacher evaluations were discussed, with options like leading professional development sessions and conducting peer observations available for highly effective teachers.