The meeting began with an extensive discussion about the district’s growing student population. The surge in enrollment has implications for the district’s special education needs, which are closely tied to these numbers. The board discussed how the increase necessitates improvements in educational infrastructure, which the proposed $30 million referendum seeks to address. This funding is intended for construction projects to improve and expand facilities.

Attention then turned to the district’s early education programs. A presentation provided insights into the structure and flow of learning activities for younger students. It was emphasized that the environment is designed to support engagement and collaboration among students. As children transition into kindergarten, there is a strong focus on communication between preschool and kindergarten educators to ensure a seamless transition. The importance of understanding each child’s individual needs was emphasized, with educators aiming to provide tailored instruction and activities based on developmental stages.

A teacher elaborated on the classroom dynamics, highlighting the significance of play-based learning. They stated, “If we have a kid say that really doesn’t want to do an activity, I’m going to meet them where they’re at,” illustrating the adaptive teaching methods used to foster engagement. Informal assessments through playful activities allow educators to gauge student progress without formal examinations, promoting a fun and interactive learning atmosphere where children learn through exploration and peer interaction.

The topic of preschool logistics and wrap-around care for children before and after school hours also received attention. The wrap-around program is designed to support social skills development through various activities such as crafts and outdoor play, operating from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m. for before care and until 6:00 p.m. for after care. The supervisor clarified that before care is not considered a full care program, which could lead to misunderstandings. The need for children to be potty trained for preschool enrollment was also discussed, acknowledging accidents may occur but stressing general independence in this regard.

Registration logistics were another focal point, with the process termed “preschool round up” scheduled for February 28. Parents were reminded to check social media and the district website for updates on signing up for appointments. A $500 registration fee was noted, with a refund policy if circumstances change, emphasizing the importance of timely registration. The logistical aspects of drop-in options for before and after school care, which accommodate parents needing flexible childcare arrangements, were also highlighted.

The board addressed concerns about the limitations of the preschool program regarding expansion. Although state grants are available for preschool expansion, the district currently lacks the facilities to meet the 90% capacity requirement outlined by New Jersey regulations. Efforts to explore facility options, including purchasing additional spaces or collaborating with local churches or private schools for additional preschool settings, have not yielded results. Despite these challenges, there was a sentiment of pride in the existing program’s success.

Monthly tuition payments were confirmed to be structured over a 10-month period, with parents having the option to pay monthly. The need for ongoing registration as children progress through the preschool years was highlighted, as enrollment does not roll over automatically from one year to the next. Parents were encouraged to maintain communication with school staff regarding placement requests and concerns about their children’s transition into school.