The superintendent highlighted the new fourth-grade instrumental music program, which will provide students with the opportunity to explore various instruments before joining the fifth-grade band program. This optional program will be conducted before school hours, and around 50 parents have expressed interest through a Google form. Further details are expected to be shared as the program is finalized.

Complementing the music program, the Hawthorne Leadership Camp will take place from August 10th to 14th. This camp is designed to assist incoming sixth graders in developing leadership skills and fostering positive peer relationships.

Attention then turned to the recent presentation of WIDA scores, which assess English language proficiency among multilingual learners. The presentation detailed positive growth in scores, with a notable 52% improvement at Jefferson. The assessment categorizes students from entering to reaching levels, providing insights into their English language acquisition. At the elementary level, 17% of students achieved expanding-level scores. Additionally, a total of 105 multilingual learners were highlighted across elementary, middle, and high school levels.

The board also discussed the English as a Second Language (ESL) program, noting that one of nine students scoring between 4.0 and 4.5 exited the program. Students scoring in this range are slated for retesting in the fall, with a focus on those eligible to exit the program based on their performance and other factors. The board emphasized that ESL students are placed in dedicated classes with specialized teachers rather than integrated into general education classes.

In financial matters, the finance committee reported on the adjustment of tuition rates for the 2026-2027 school year, which will now align with state rates. This change impacts special education rates, with a proposed increase set at $103,666 for barricade tuition, affecting five to eight students. The committee also provided updates on grant allotments and capital projects, including the installation of a new scoreboard at Franklin Field and a groundbreaking ceremony for a community pavilion at the library.

Curriculum and instruction discussions centered around the fourth-grade instrumental lessons program, with parental interest potentially expanding participation to both fall and spring terms. Additionally, the new digital platform, Language Bridge, will replace the traditional Spanish program for grades two and four, supported by steady Title I funding.

Negotiations for the HASA and HESA contracts remain ongoing, with a special board meeting anticipated to expedite approval. In the buildings and grounds report, upcoming renovations for the high school’s third floor and a security vestibule project were highlighted, alongside plans for a comprehensive facilities walkthrough.

The policy committee reviewed several new policies, including the introduction of a “bell-to-bell” mandate requiring students to lock their phones during school hours to minimize distractions. This policy remains under discussion, with further details to be addressed in future meetings.

The meeting concluded with a series of resolutions, including job title changes for the district’s supervisors of science, math, and humanities, expanding their roles to cover grades K-12. Additionally, new hires and special education positions were approved to enhance program continuity across the district’s five schools. The board welcomed six interns from Ramapo College and emphasized the importance of new special education liaisons in aligning programs and providing leadership opportunities for staff.

Public comments included a request from the athletic hall of fame committee for board approval to create a display case in the school for honoring inductees, which would include electronic displays. This project aims to inspire current students and is planned for completion before the new school year.