A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to discussing the district’s academic performance, particularly in mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA). Superintendent Damian Kennedy presented the results of the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) and the Dynamic Learning Map (DLM) assessments. The district’s ELA scores were noteworthy, with seventh-grade proficiency surpassing the state average by 14 percentage points and ninth-grade scores nearly 20 points higher. Mathematics scores showed improvement, with the district’s average finally exceeding the state average after several years. Eighth-grade Algebra 1 honors students achieved a 100% pass rate, with three students earning perfect scores, and geometry scores increased from 26% to 47%.

However, areas for growth remain, particularly in lower-grade math proficiency. Superintendent Kennedy acknowledged the need to strengthen algebra skills in grades five and six, focusing on fractions and arithmetic. Plans to explore scheduling adjustments for additional geometry support were discussed, alongside the proposal of a summer math acceleration program aimed at expediting students’ progression to calculus. The district also aims to better accommodate students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and English language learners through more explicit instruction.

The district’s science proficiency, standing at 19.4%, remains a challenge, approximately 6% below the state average. Efforts are underway to expand STEM opportunities. Middle school students participate in Bergen Academy’s engineering enrichment program, and high school students have access to Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Saturday STEM class. Plans to integrate more NJSLA-style questions and science-based interdisciplinary units into the curriculum were proposed to enhance proficiency.

In the public comment section, a resident, Raina Mariano, raised concerns regarding harassment by a staff member, Miss Molina. Mariano detailed disruptive incidents allegedly caused by Molina and described troubling experiences involving her child at school. She expressed concerns over demographic disparities between the predominantly white staff and the largely Hispanic student body, questioning cultural understanding and communication in classrooms. Mariano stated, “How can the teachers understand the students if there’s more American white teachers than the students who are Hispanic?”

She highlighted the importance of her child’s experiences and urged the board to act on these issues. The board reiterated their commitment to taking all concerns seriously but emphasized the legal limitations on discussing individual personnel matters publicly. The conversation underscored a divide between the resident’s urgent need for resolution and the procedural constraints faced by the board.

The meeting also celebrated athletic achievements, with the student representative, Amena Vargas, reporting on the boys’ and girls’ cross-country teams winning the Bergen County Group D Championships. Superintendent Kennedy praised the community’s collaborative efforts during a successful homecoming weekend and a well-attended 5K run. A college fair featuring over 30 colleges and universities was announced, providing high school students with valuable opportunities to explore their futures.