A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the unveiling of new AP courses designed to provide students with critical skills for both academic and professional success. The AP Seminar course, part of the two-year AP Capstone program, will be available to students in grades 10 and 11 starting in the 2026-2027 school year. This course encourages student-directed learning within an American studies framework, culminating in collaborative projects and individual research essays. The program also includes AP Research, aimed at fostering interdisciplinary understanding and enhancing academic research skills.

Additionally, the board introduced the AP Career Kickstart program, which includes courses such as AP Business with Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity. These courses, developed with input from employer boards, are intended to provide students with industry-recognized credentials and skills that are immediately marketable, catering to students who may not pursue four-year college degrees. The AP Business with Personal Finance course will cover financial literacy through case studies, and the AP Cybersecurity course will equip students with skills relevant to careers in the cybersecurity field.

The meeting also focused on the naming process for Central School, with a committee established to gather community feedback. The board expressed gratitude for the support from the booster club.

In addressing transportation needs, the board discussed the urgent replacement of a school bus following a costly incident. The superintendent detailed the decision to use the emergency reserve fund to acquire a new 54-passenger bus, replacing the older, smaller bus, to improve transportation for after-school activities. This decision followed discussions with the county superintendent and a petition to the commissioner of education.

The search for a new superintendent was another major agenda item. The board plans to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to explore interest and pricing from various firms, emphasizing the need for experience in Bergen County. The RFP will not be binding but will help the board identify potential candidates and firms capable of conducting a comprehensive search. Suggestions were made to clarify the RFP’s language, particularly the distinction between advertising and active recruitment, to ensure a fair evaluation of proposals. Discussions also touched on the option of appointing an interim superintendent, with considerations for the smaller candidate pool available for such roles.

Public comments during the meeting included concerns about the supervisory model at Glen Rock Middle and High Schools. A resident criticized the transition to department supervisors with higher salaries, questioning the effectiveness and necessity of their roles compared to the previous model of principals and assistant principals. The board was urged to consider the financial implications of these positions, with suggestions for greater accountability in spending.

The board also addressed the school calendar, with discussions on the proposed 2026-2027 academic year schedule. A parent criticized the fragmented November break schedule and advocated for a full week off, which had been beneficial in previous years. The board reviewed two calendar alternatives for the 2027-2028 year, considering the logistical challenges of holding elections in schools and the implications of starting the school year earlier. The inclusion of cultural and religious holidays, such as Lunar New Year and Eid, was also discussed, with the board seeking to balance diverse community needs while maintaining the integrity of the school calendar.

Community engagement initiatives were highlighted, with suggestions for improving interactions between the board and the community. The idea of a structured podcast format was proposed, involving local high school media students in production, to enhance transparency and engagement. The board also discussed creating a shared drive for new member orientation materials, emphasizing the importance of thorough onboarding to facilitate effective participation in board activities.