The superintendent addressed the board with a detailed overview of the district’s mid-year goals, with a primary focus on improving student attendance. Chronic absenteeism is a growing concern affecting schools across the state, prompting the district to implement several strategies. The superintendent explained that support teams have been established in each school, and a task force has been created specifically to tackle high absentee rates. A new tracking system has been integrated, generating letters after five and ten absences. However, these letters have proven ineffective in some cases. As a result, principals and their assistants are now taking a more personal approach, conducting attendance meetings with families and requiring them to sign attendance contracts. The superintendent reiterated the importance of attendance, stating that non-sick days should not be missed while emphasizing that ill students should remain home.

Beyond attendance, the superintendent discussed the district’s instructional goals, particularly in mathematics. Instructional rounds, a process akin to medical rounds, have been implemented to observe and improve math instruction from kindergarten through 12th grade. The focus is on enhancing student engagement and vocabulary use. Initial observations revealed that while student engagement is high, there is a tendency for students to mimic teachers rather than think independently. This issue, attributed to time constraints in classroom instruction, is being addressed in subsequent observation rounds, with the next set scheduled for April.

New resources, including Science Link and EXL science programs, have been adopted to support science instruction across various grade levels. These initiatives aim to provide comprehensive support and improve science education throughout the district.

Another agenda item was the presentation of the audit report. The auditor reported no significant findings, a positive outcome for the district. The report was met with gratitude and acknowledgment of the contributions from district staff. The auditor praised individuals such as the superintendent, who played a role in understanding various audit facets, and other staff members responsible for transportation, insurance documentation, accounts payable, and payroll. The auditor’s appreciation was summed up by stating, “I cannot thank all of them enough for their hard work each year to make the annual audit go smooth as possible.”

In addition to these highlights, the board received updates on several other topics. The program’s upcoming school-wide STEM fair was a focal point, emphasizing the mentorship fostered between high school and middle school students.

The board also heard recommendations for new educational initiatives, including the introduction of an “Intro to Psychology” elective for high school students. Additionally, three students were recognized for qualifying for the New Jersey DECA state career development conference. Plans for an in-house summer school program for incoming 7th through 12th graders were discussed, with the program scheduled to run from June 29 to July 27.

Facilities and operations updates included progress on several renovation projects. These projects encompassed turf field upgrades, elevator renovations, and roof replacements, particularly at Washington School. The completion of the middle school/high school’s front walkway and the ongoing redesign of its front area were also mentioned.

Policy revisions were another key topic, with updates aimed at keeping educational language current. A notable change involved consolidating the sexual harassment policy into a more comprehensive document. The personnel segment highlighted staff retirements and new hires, including a special education social studies teacher and summer program staff.

Fundraising efforts and school activities were also discussed.