Dr. Dorothy Carcamo was the centerpiece of the meeting as she was honored for her extensive career in education. Attendees, including Mayor Marie Lawrence of Winslow Township, gathered to acknowledge Dr. Carcamo’s remarkable service. The board presented a proclamation detailing her accomplishments, such as implementing the district’s first curriculum aligned with New Jersey and national standards, enhancing technology resources, and fostering a student-centered approach to learning. Dr. Carcamo expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I believe this has been the most rewarding… I personally thank you very very much.” Mayor Lawrence also recognized Dr. Carcamo’s contributions, presenting her with a proclamation and encouraging citizens to acknowledge her achievements as she begins her retirement.

The board also focused on setting goals for the upcoming academic year, as presented by a board member. The primary objectives include enhancing student achievement, creating a safe and positive environment for students and staff, and increasing parent, caregiver, and community engagement in education. Strategies to achieve these goals involve conducting weekly administrative walkthroughs to monitor instruction, enforcing the district’s student code of conduct, and refining communication methods to engage stakeholders effectively.

In the realm of student and community recognition, the board acknowledged Giana Gilliam, an incoming freshman, for her volunteer work at the Winslow Township Family Day. She was commended for her dedication with a certificate of appreciation for completing eight hours of service. The meeting also addressed student-athlete achievements, with a report highlighting the academic performance of various athletic teams. Notably, the boys basketball and girls indoor track teams achieved GPAs of 3.0 and 3.9, respectively, contributing to a cumulative GPA of 3.44 for the athletic program. The board emphasized the importance of maintaining academic excellence alongside athletic pursuits.

Discussions further included operational and policy matters, such as the positive feedback received from the community regarding improvements in the graduation ceremony’s crowd control and accessibility. A touching tribute for a deceased student was noted, where the student’s mother received the diploma, an act appreciated by the community. The board also reviewed recommendations for an academic and arts hall of fame, which was forwarded to the policy committee for consideration. Other topics involved the principals’ commitment to publicizing Home and School Association events to boost community engagement through their website and social media.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing educational programs and policies. The board reviewed the effectiveness of the I Ready program, with suggestions to utilize before and after school time for targeted tutoring. There was a proposal to involve college students in tutoring programs to gain observation hours, and the board recommended exploring reading assistance programs available in Delaware. Special education concerns were highlighted, particularly the timely classification of students requiring services. There was a suggestion that child neglect could be considered if parents refused evaluations and services for their children. The need for improved communication was emphasized, with a proposal to use text messaging for parent communications and to enhance awareness of available tutoring services.

The board also addressed various formal recommendations, including revisiting the volunteer policy to engage community members and parents more effectively. There was a call for a status report on the tutoring program’s effectiveness and a follow-up on the academic and arts hall of fame proposal. The board also sought clarity on the completion and communication of the technology audit results to the community.

Economic developments within Winslow Township were also discussed, with an emphasis on the potential impacts of new housing projects on school enrollment. The installation of a roundabout on Cichlerville Road was noted, which could potentially cause bus delays. The board acknowledged the importance of staying engaged with local economic initiatives to ensure the continued quality of education.

The superintendent’s report included the approval of district goals for the 2025-2026 school year, with questions raised about the scheduling of community day events. The personnel report was also approved, confirming the hiring of two secretarial positions as replacements.

Public comments included expressions of gratitude for the board’s efforts and a request regarding salary considerations for a tenured employee whose salary was perceived to be reduced with a new position. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter an executive session to discuss employment matters related to the interim superintendent and a confidential student matter, which was unanimously approved by the board.