The meeting began with an atmosphere of celebration as the Board acknowledged the outstanding performances of 19 students on the previous year’s NJSLA state assessments. Superintendent Dr. Mark Hayes, along with various school principals, introduced the high-achieving students and commended their efforts. From School 3, students Sed Mensori, Mustafa Kandar, and Wilfred Chok were honored, with glowing remarks from their teachers and Principal Mrs. Barbara Braco. Mrs. Braco emphasized the importance of dedication and perseverance, quoting a teacher who said, “Regardless of the score, if you tried your best, then that’s a great job.”

From School 4, students Krisha Jessa and Su Jang were acknowledged, with Principal Mrs. Russo highlighting the integral role of family and teacher support in their success. She stated, “These achievements are a reflection of your hard work as well.” School 5’s Justin Munoz and School 6’s Safhir Bash also received recognition, with their principals praising them for their academic dedication and contributions to class discussions.

High school students Hannah Jung and Thomas Vivas received special mention for their extraordinary performances. Their principal detailed their academic and extracurricular achievements, noting Hannah’s artistic talents and Thomas’s athletic involvement and future college aspirations. After the student recognitions, parents and students were invited to take photos and enjoy refreshments, allowing the celebratory mood to resonate throughout the meeting.

Following the student recognitions, the meeting transitioned into updates from district administration and educational supervisors. The high school English supervisor spoke about the department’s collaborative efforts to enhance student success on standardized tests and support seniors with college essays. The special education supervisor focused on managing teacher aides and co-teaching initiatives, emphasizing the positive progress in these areas.

The ESL department supervisor discussed her work with over 500 multilingual learners, highlighting the expansion of co-teaching initiatives and efforts to strengthen general education practices. Additional updates included the introduction of a new K-8 supervisor and insights from supervisors overseeing middle school ELA, business education, and career technology education.

One of the challenges discussed was by the mathematics and computer science supervisor, who highlighted concerns about multilingual learners with interrupted education struggling in algebra. He shared plans to implement a new intensive mathematics course covering fourth through eighth-grade math within a year to better prepare these students for algebra.

Attention was also given to the district’s STEM initiatives, with the K-12 science, visual, and performing arts supervisor discussing equipment management and efforts to increase participation in the STEM academy. He also shared plans to focus more on arts this year, following successful previous art performances.

Further discussions included the preschool expansion at School 5, with mention of a new preschool instructional coach and early interventionist role aimed at enhancing early education. The finance update outlined the closure of the 2425 school year and preparations for the 2627 budget, with an emphasis on critical reports essential for state aid.

Security enhancements were also addressed, with plans for security vestibules in schools four and six, and resolutions for bus evacuation drills. The meeting concluded with unanimous approval of the agenda.