The board elected Paula Colbath as president and Holly Morell as vice president, with some initial confusion in the vice president vote leading to a revote. Amy Kang, Tanya Byers Kang, and Douglas Lopez were sworn in for three-year terms, while Kimberly Curry took an oath for a one-year unexpired term. Superintendent Robert Kravitz provided details on the timeline and evaluation process for selecting various service providers through a request for proposal (RFP) process, emphasizing the district’s focus on transparency and accountability.

Public comments were a focal point of the meeting, with multiple parents and community members voicing their concerns and suggestions. Key issues raised included the need for an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, particularly those who are gender non-conforming or part of the LGBTQ+ community. Speakers cited examples of other districts that either faced challenges or succeeded in implementing policies that promote inclusion and protect students’ rights.

Speakers stressed the importance of creating a strategic plan that focuses on academic performance, addresses teacher and staff shortages, and promotes diversity. Concerns about spreading misinformation regarding school libraries, the alleged indoctrination of students, and the impact of following agendas that do not align with fostering an inclusive environment were also discussed.

Another topic that garnered attention was the debate on parental rights, with differing opinions presented regarding policy number 9240, which deals with parental accessibility to information about their child. Some argued for the preservation of these rights, stating that the board should not restrict parents’ accessibility to their children. Conversely, support was expressed for rejecting updated State learning standards, with the argument that parents should retain the right to decide what is appropriate for their children.

The public comments also touched on the need for anti-bias education for all students, leveraging technology for data analysis, evaluating building facilities for long-term improvements, and concerns over the focus on gender identity politics over academic priorities. Additionally, the desire for a curriculum that addresses the science of reading and the provision of resources to support educators was highlighted.

A member of the public addressed the rejection of health curriculum standards in Fort Lee, advocating for the protection of children and the maintenance of a safe space in schools. The importance of LGBTQ+ representation and inclusivity within the community and education was emphasized by Jay Paran Freed, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and Howard Lipoff, a teacher and treasurer of the Fort Lee Education Association.

During the resolutions portion of the meeting, the board members read the School Code of Ethics, with some initial confusion about the manner of reading. The board approved items on the consent agenda and made plans to assign members to various committees and arrange seating for future meetings.