Madison Walia Peters, Hoboken High School’s student government secretary, brought attention to the class of 2024’s notable accomplishments, with the students receiving 177 college acceptances and amassing $10,729,540 in academic scholarships. The school’s thespian team was recognized for winning 10 awards at a statewide competition. Madison further reported on community-oriented initiatives, including a partnership with local businesses to tackle food insecurity, and a seminar aimed at fostering healthy relationships.

In financial matters, Mr. Richard Bar of Bar and Company accountants delivered the audit report for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 2023. He emphasized the strength of the district’s financial position, highlighting a satisfactory cash balance and fund balances across the general, capital reserve, and maintenance reserve funds. The board expressed satisfaction as there were no recommendations for change.

Superintendent Johnson updated on the district’s engagement in the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence assessment process. She outlined involvement by school principals and the upcoming on-site visit from assessors in April to evaluate school programs and curricula. Additionally, the superintendent celebrated the class of 2024 for earning over $1,700,000 in scholarships from the instant decision day process.

The school district reported a change in their approach to instant decision days, enabling students to interact with multiple colleges on a single day, with expectations for scholarship totals to surpass previous years. The district’s theater departments were celebrated for their 10 awards at the New Jersey Speech and Theater Association of New Jersey Governors Awards. Plans for over 350 students to participate in the International Schools Olympiad were discussed, offering students an opportunity to gauge their academic standing on an international scale. To honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, a day of learning and social media engagement, including a TikTok post, was scheduled.

The Hoboken School Board discussed a partnership with the YWCA to offer a citywide summer camp from June 24th to August 16th, open to children ages 5 to 12. This camp includes a swimming program and extends financial assistance to those eligible for free or reduced lunch. The Hoboken City Council and Hoboken Parking Utility’s provision of dedicated parking for education staff was acknowledged with gratitude.

The board’s committee reports recommended approval of new curricula, including a science module for linkit testing and updates to the high school’s program of studies. The facilities committee approved Hoboken Catholic’s field day request and provided updates on district renovations. The finance committee endorsed the audit report, while the governance committee deliberated on personnel matters, including compliance with New Jersey’s new minimum wage requirements.

Public comments featured remarks by Patricia Waiters, who raised issues concerning the audit, a settlement agreement related to legal actions, and access to the community swim program. She voiced her frustration with perceived disrespect and called for accountability, leading to a tense exchange between her and the board members. The board addressed her concerns, clarifying the city’s operation of the pool in the summer and the nature of the special education-related legal settlement.

As the meeting concluded, the board approved a motion to adjourn. The session ended without entering an executive session, after addressing the contentious points raised during the public comments.