The call to action was led by a parent who shared their family’s tradition of celebrating Lunar New Year and their efforts to promote understanding of the holiday within the school community. Recalling previous attempts to gain recognition, the parent emphasized the holiday’s deep-rooted importance, stating, “Lunar New Year… is not simply a cultural event but important to our soul.” Their request was not new, having been raised in a board meeting back in 2019, highlighting the ongoing nature of this appeal.

The parent’s son, Ethan Zang, now a freshman at Emory, supported the request by pointing out that the interest in recognizing Lunar New Year extended beyond parents to students. Ethan drew attention to recent discussions within Ridge High School’s student government. He stressed that school holidays should reflect equity and cultural significance, drawing a parallel to other holidays like Diwali and Yom Kippur already recognized by the district.

Further contributing to the discussion, Ethan’s sister, Claire Jang, a freshman class senator, noted that neighboring districts, including Bridgewater and Warren, already recognize Lunar New Year as a holiday. She suggested integrating the holiday into the existing mid-winter recess to avoid extending the school year. Claire maintained that their family’s intent was supportive rather than confrontational, hoping the recognition would benefit future generations.

Haing Lee, another parent, reinforced the argument by referencing a recent New Jersey law designating Lunar New Year as an official state holiday. Lee highlighted demographic statistics showing that 36% of the district’s student body identifies as Asian. Lee asserted, “Recognizing Lunar New Year is a step toward diversity, equity, and inclusion,” emphasizing the importance of educational equity for students who celebrate the holiday.

The public comment period concluded with board members acknowledging the necessity of policy discussions to address the school calendar and holiday recognition. A board member stressed the need for annual reviews of holidays by the policy committee, considering the district’s demographics and potential logistical challenges, such as extending the school year. Another member highlighted the need for a thorough evaluation, given the complexities and trade-offs involved in adding new holidays.

The meeting also addressed related concerns about excused absences for cultural holidays. The board acknowledged the need to ensure policies are followed, providing students ample time to make up work and tests, to prevent unfair academic pressure.

In other meeting highlights, the board elected Jennifer White as the new president, with David Shaw assuming the role of vice president. The board also approved the schedule of meetings for the year and discussed the importance of adhering to the code of ethics.

The student report, delivered by student representative MJ, shed light on various student activities, including athletic achievements and community service contributions. The National Honor Society’s impressive contribution of over 1,500 hours of volunteer tutoring was noted. The report also touched on efforts to improve food services, with students seeking healthier meal options and increased involvement in school decisions.

In the board forum segment, the chair discussed upcoming committee assignments, emphasizing the importance of aligning committee goals with the board’s overarching objectives. Feedback on the revised board goals was sought, with a proposal for periodic progress check-ins to ensure alignment throughout the year.