The board president emphasized the need for parents to stay informed and involved as these changes could affect school assignments for students. Superintendent Nelyda Perez provided further context with an enrollment update indicating a total of 3,869 students expected for the upcoming school year. Strathmore Elementary School was highlighted as having an enrollment of 492 students, higher than other elementary schools, necessitating the opening of a new kindergarten section at Ravine Drive to address class size concerns. The superintendent stressed the importance of equitable class sizes and noted the need for transportation adjustments for students affected by the changes in school assignments.

The board also discussed the approval of a capital equipment lease program with the Monmouth County Improvement Authority, aimed at addressing transportation and facility needs while maintaining financial responsibility. This initiative will include acquiring several new vehicles, such as school buses of various sizes, a cargo van for the lunch program, a pickup truck with a plow for snow removal, and golf carts for athletic events and emergency responses.

Attention then turned to student performance, specifically the presentation of statewide assessment results focusing on the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA). The district showed a positive trend in English Language Arts (ELA), with 92% of students deemed graduation ready, up from 87% the previous year and exceeding the state average. However, mathematics scores declined slightly, with 64% of students considered graduation ready, down from 65% the prior year, while the state average improved. The board discussed the importance of ongoing dialogue regarding student performance and community engagement to ensure educational success.

Further analysis of data revealed an issue of chronic absenteeism impacting overall student learning and test scores. In response, the district developed a tutoring and mentorship program at the high school level, funded by grants received the previous year. This program, which will continue into the current academic year with increased funding, aims to provide additional support to struggling subgroups identified through internal assessments. Last year’s initiative led to improved attendance and gains in ELA test scores. This year, the program will expand to include more students and specifically target mathematics with the goal of improving test scores while enhancing overall student learning.

Curriculum updates were another focal point, particularly the sequencing of algebra and geometry courses. The board discussed plans to realign these courses to provide students with a stronger foundation in algebra skills, which could lead to better performance in geometry, a traditionally challenging subject. The updates also extend to elementary mathematics and middle school science, where a new research-based, phenomena-driven curriculum called “open science” will be implemented, emphasizing hands-on learning and critical thinking.

Additionally, the board approved the introduction of new middle school courses, including a humanities course focused on communication skills and a STEM course emphasizing engineering and math, designed to enrich students and prepare them for high school challenges.

The meeting also covered various policy changes, including those related to student support and transportation. A policy concerning the appointment of individuals to support students lacking parental figures was discussed, with concerns raised about the practicality of finding someone without prior knowledge of the student. The transportation policy was another point of discussion, influenced by a recent demographer’s report. Changes include the removal of subscription busing from the policy due to projected enrollment increases, raising safety concerns for children who may have to walk further to school due to road closures.

In the finance agenda, the board addressed several items, including payroll reports, bills for July, and the acceptance of new students into the Keys program. A partnership agreement involving therapy dogs at schools and the Monmouth University occupational therapy department was also discussed. Additionally, the board approved a donation from the Ravine Drive Parent Teacher Organization for an outdoor fitness court, with installation anticipated by the end of September, weather permitting.